Best products to protect furniture from cat scratching

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If you're trying to figure out how to stop your cat from scratching the furniture, first, you'll need to understand why they do it. Scratching is a natural behavior for cats. They scratch to stretch, keep their claws in good shape for climbing and hunting, and mark their territory, through both scents and visible signs, says Dr. Maggie Placer, a veterinarian and the veterinary sciences program manager at EveryCat Health Foundation.

To find the best products to protect furniture from scratching, we consulted veterinarians and cat behaviorists and enlisted four cats to test everything from couch protectors to scratching posts. In total, we've tried 30 products designed to prevent destructive scratching.

Our top picks at a glance: The Sofa Scratcher Squared is a durable sisal-covered post that fits neatly around the corners of couches and chairs. We appreciate its minimalist design and neutral color options. To protect other areas, such as beds and the sides of chairs and couches, I recommend Panther Armor Heavy Duty Clear Protectors. These transparent, discreet barriers can be cut to size to protect your furniture. For best results, pair them with a sturdy scratching post, such as the 32-inch tall SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post.

Keep in mind that cats might scratch furniture for several reasons. They may not have access to alternatives, such as scratching posts or pads. If your cat has dedicated scratchers but keeps returning to your furniture, those might not be placed in the right spots, or their scratching surfaces may be worn out and need replacement. In some cases, cats simply prefer the height of the furniture or the sensation of scratching a couch or carpet. Whatever the reason, you can redirect your cat's scratching by providing them with more appealing alternatives.

Read more about how Business Insider Reviews tests and researches pet products.

Our top picks to stop cats from scratching furniture

Best overall: Sofa Scratcher Squared - $88 at Chewy

Best furniture guard: Panther Armor Heavy-Duty Clear Protectors - $18 at Chewy

Best scratch tape: Pioneer Pet Sticky Paws on a Roll - $13 at Chewy

Best stylish: Hilde & Phil Cat-e-Corner - $379 at Hilde & Phil

Best scratching post: SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post - $60 at Chewy

Best floor scratcher: Petfusion Ultimate Cat Scratcher Lounge - $50 at Chewy

Best wall-mounted scratcher: 7 Ruby Road Cat Wall Scratcher - $45 at Amazon

Best cat tree: Armarkat Classic Cat Tree - $125 at Chewy

Best overall

Best for: Cats who scratch sofas or chairs, redirecting scratching behavior, long-lasting scratch protection

Skip this if: You want to cover large furniture surfaces completely, or you're looking for temporary scratch protection rather than a permanent scratching surface.

The genius of the Sofa Scratcher is that its sisal-covered edges fit snugly against the edges of a couch or chair. This gives a cat an appropriate place to scratch right at the center of the room where felines prefer to mark their territory, says Dr. Christine Calder, a board-certified veterinary behaviorist.

The Sofa Scratcher comes in both a half-moon-shaped design and a square version. We prefer the Sofa Scratcher Squared because it fits flush against most furniture and has a sturdy wood core that prevents cats from digging their claws into the upholstery. One of our furniture-scratching cats seemed to enjoy flexing his claws on the Sofa Scratcher Squared as much as the couch itself. Even after nearly six months of use, the scratcher still looked good as new.

The 24-inch-tall square scratcher, with its two 5.5-inch-wide panels, perfectly covered the chair and couches. If your furniture is taller, you might need an additional furniture guard to cover any remaining exposed areas. The brand's original rounded scratcher didn't match the shape of our straight-edged furniture, leaving gaps large enough for a determined cat to reach the upholstery, but it may be a better fit if your furniture has curved arms.

The Sofa Scratcher stays in place with a rectangular polycarbonate base that you slip under the leg of a couch or chair, with the added weight anchoring it. While the base remained stable, the top of the scratcher sometimes wobbled. Still, it never dislodged from the couch, even when our cats dug their claws in deep and pulled with force.

Keep in mind that if you stop using this type of scratcher, it could lead to issues. "It won't train your cat to scratch on all couches or furniture, but it could absolutely teach your cat that this couch is now a delightful scratching surface," says Rachel Geller, a certified cat behavior and retention specialist and founder of All Cats All the Time, Inc.

Read our full Sofa Scratcher review.

Best furniture guard

Best for: Protecting upholstered furniture, discreet scratch protection, easy installation

Skip this if: You're hoping for an all-in-one solution that protects your furniture and includes a scratching surface. You need a guard for faux leather, velvet, or microfiber. You will need to spot-test on leather.

One way to stop a cat from scratching furniture is to use a combination of deterrents and redirection, Geller says. You can cover the area with a barrier to discourage the destructive tendency, then pair it with a nearby scratching post to redirect the behavior. I like Panther Armor Heavy-Duty Clear Protectors because they create a durable barrier that cats can't easily penetrate with their claws. Instead of the satisfying texture of upholstery, the plastic guard's smooth surface encourages cats to look elsewhere. That's also why it's important to pair the guard with an appealing scratching surface.

It took only a few minutes to install. I cleaned the surface with a lint roller, cut the protector to size using the printed grid lines on the backing as a guide, and stuck it on. The material didn't cling to my scissors, the cut came out clean and straight, and it went on smoothly and remained transparent. Other scratch guards I tested trapped air bubbles I couldn't smooth out, or had two sticky sides that ended up adhering to themselves.

The material also held up well in durability testing. A knife penetrated it, but a fork or wire tines didn't, and I don't anticipate my cats pressing hard enough to get through it, especially with regular nail trims. The adhesive held reliably on flat surfaces, though wrapping it around an edge may require securing with the included twist pins. They have a corkscrew base so cats can't pull them out and a clear plastic cap that looks like a small button.

I also appreciated that the front surface isn't sticky. My cats could still rub against the bed where I placed the guard or wriggle underneath it without their fur getting caught. When I removed the guard, there was no sticky residue left behind, and my upholstery showed no damage from the pins. The adhesive did cause some pilling on my upholstery when I removed it, but given the durability of these guards, it's unlikely you'll need to replace them often.

Best scratch tape

Best for: Deterring scratching behavior, temporary protection for upholstered furniture or carpet

Skip this if: You need a long-lasting furniture protector or need to protect faux leather or other delicate surfaces.

Scratch tape works much like a furniture guard by taking the appeal out of scratching areas like couch legs or carpet edges. Of the two versions we tested, Sticky Paws proved most effective at discouraging scratching without causing unnecessary fear, pain, or discomfort. It also comes recommended by Daniel "DQ" Quagliozzi, a cat behavior consultant and owner of Go Cat Go!

Sticky Paws is a transparent, double-sided tape. One side adheres to furniture upholstery, carpeting, and other household surfaces, while the other sticky side faces outward. When cats attempt to scratch, the tape briefly grips their claws and paws, preventing them from digging in. "Sticky tape is not too aversive for cats," Calder says. It may be unpleasant to scratch, but doing so doesn't cause pain or fear.

Sticky Paws is available in various shapes and sizes, but our favorite is Sticky Paws On a Roll. It works like a packaging tape dispenser, so you can easily cut it to the desired length. However, like furniture guards, simply covering surfaces won't teach your cat where they should scratch instead. To redirect your cat's behavior effectively, pair the tape with positive reinforcement and a scratching pad or post. After one of our cats got their paws on the tape just once, he quickly lost interest and turned to nearby posts and pads instead.

That said, we discovered a few downsides. First, stuff sticks to it — the adhesive outer layer collects dust and pet hair. It can also be tricky to apply it smoothly without creases, and it's not suitable for all surfaces. We learned the hard way when the tape left residue on a faux-leather chair and also tore the material, especially in spots where a cat's claws had already made pinholes. While the tape didn't leave residue on an upholstered couch or finished wood, it's less durable than a furniture guard, easier to penetrate, and needs to be replaced more frequently.

Best stylish

Best for: A blend of function and style, cats who prefer vertical sisal scratching surfaces, long-lasting protection

Skip this if: You're looking for a budget-friendly option or want a scratcher you can move from room to room.

If you're looking for something that blends function and style, I'm smitten with the polished look of the Hilde & Phil Cat-e-Corner, a two-in-one end table and sisal scratcher. The concept began as a successful Kickstarter, dreamed up by a cat dad inspired by none other than his own cats, Hilde & Phil.

The Cat-e-Corner is designed to fit snugly against your armchair or sofa, wrapping around the front arm or the back if you have a chaise lounge. It looks and functions like a natural extension of your furniture. A 7-inch-wide tabletop sits on top of a vertical sisal scratching surface. Made from solid wood with a plywood backing, it's available in either a maple or black walnut finish. You can also customize the setup with left or right positioning and risers. For example, my 27-inch sofa needed a 2-inch riser to bring the tabletop to the ideal height.

My cats took to it right away, gravitating toward the sisal on the front of the arm while my husband and I lounged on the couch. After about two months of regular use, the sisal started to show some wear. It was easy to detach the mat from its velcro backing and replace it with a new scratching pad, which comes in three different patterns and is sold separately. To maximize the pad's lifespan, I recommend rotating the worn section from front to back before swapping it out for a new one.

The Cat-e-Corner is a freestanding piece, with no permanent attachment points or parts to slide under your furniture. If your couch sits partially on a rug, you might need to use shims to balance the unit. Otherwise, its sturdy construction and anti-tip feet ensure your belongings stay stable and level during everyday use.

Best scratching post

Best for: Vertical scratching, large cats, people looking for a durable, long-lasting scratching post

Skip this if: Your cat prefers horizontal scratching surfaces or a scratching post that doubles as a climbing tower or lounging spot.

The SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post earns our top spot as the best cat scratching post because it's tall enough for a full-body stretch, sturdy enough for large cats, and built to last. Neither my cats nor I could claw deeply enough into the tightly woven sisal to cause meaningful damage. Likewise, freelance reporter Jenny McGrath's 13- and 18-pound cats have been scratching the same SmartCat post for years. When the sisal does finally show wear, she rotates the post to a fresh side.

Our experts say that rather than punishing your cat for scratching furniture, it's best to redirect their natural behavior. Cats who live outdoors usually scratch on trees, while indoor cats may develop preferences for other materials or even the direction they scratch. Quagliozzi says that if your cat scratches vertically on furniture, they'll likely prefer a vertical scratcher. If they tend to scratch carpets or rugs, a horizontal scratch pad may be more satisfying. Some cats enjoy both. Whatever your cat prefers, Calder says it's important to provide multiple scratchers.

The engineered wood base is sturdy and won't collect fur or wear down like carpet, though it's not as comfortable as a carpeted base for lounging. There's a wooden perch at the top, but my 10- and 11-pound cats gravitated instead toward the larger perches on other posts we tested. Smaller cats and kittens may still find this post climbable and large enough to perch on. I assembled the scratcher in under five minutes, but had to use my own flathead screwdriver.

If your cat loves climbing as much as scratching, the Feline Nuvo Grand Forte is an excellent option. At 41 inches tall with a wide, round sisal post that mimics a tree trunk, my cats raced up the post, claimed the top as a lookout, and frequently lounged on the carpeted base between scratching sessions. However, the sisal showed wear more quickly than the SmartCat's scratching surface.

Best floor scratcher

Best for: Cats who enjoy full-body play, scratching, and lounging, cats who bunny-kick rugs or couch cushions, redirecting scratching through enrichment

Skip this if: Your cat prefers vertical scratching surfaces or you want a scratcher that won't shed cardboard over time.

Some cats like to scratch vertically, others horizontally, and some a little of both. If you've found destruction on rugs, carpets, and couch cushions, your cat falls into one of the latter two categories, and providing them with a properly placed floor scratcher may solve your problem.

We tested five floor scratchers and found the Petfusion Ultimate Cat Scratcher Lounge to be the best. Placer says kittens tend to prefer cardboard scratchers that are shaped like an "S". This scratcher takes that appeal a bit further, with a softer, elongated curve connecting its two rounded ends. It has vertical and horizontal scratching spots as well as an ergonomic spot to lounge.

This scratcher could be an excellent purchase for a new kitten or cat, helping prevent them from ever developing the habit of scratching your furniture or stopping the behavior early. When placed near where my cats often play, they loved digging their claws into it, stretching across the curve, and swatting toy mice on the ground from their perch. It's easy to imagine a kitten climbing and playing inside the center. It provides a multitude of enrichment for cats, which Placer says is key to deterring furniture scratching. "Destructive scratching can occur if your cat's needs have not been fully met," she says.

The scratcher is reversible. When your cat claws through one side, you can flip it over for extended use. My scratcher has shown some wear after two months of testing, but it is far from needing to be flipped over. While it slides around a bit on a smooth floor when a cat really gets clawing, it has never flipped over or shot across the room.

This pick replaces our previous choice, the Our Pets Double-Wide Cat Scratcher, which remains a great budget-friendly option. If your cat prefers sisal over cardboard — or if you'd rather not deal with cleaning up cardboard bits — you might consider the SmartCat Bootsie's Combination Scratcher.

Best wall-mounted scratcher

Best for: Cats who prefer vertical scratchers, small spaces, guardians looking to save floor space

Skip this if: You're unable to drill into your walls or prefer a freestanding scratcher you can move around.

"Cats who live outside scratch on trees — which are extremely sturdy, are the right height, and the perfect texture," Geller says. While we can't provide indoor cats with live trees, wall-mounted scratchers are just as sturdy and can be installed at the ideal height for your cat. Plus, they add more scratching options without taking up extra floor space.

Out of the wall-mounted scratchers we tested, the 7 Ruby Road Cat Wall Scratcher was the clear winner for its solid natural wood and high-quality sisal design. I added it to my cats' existing climbing wall and — given their immediate interest — fully expect it to get tons of use. What I really love is that once the sisal eventually needs replacing, you can swap it out with a replacement mat rather than buying a whole new scratcher. Replacement mats cost about $20.

This scratcher requires light assembly using a drill. Screws are included, but I recommend purchasing and installing drywall anchors as well. With a 24.5-inch-long by 8-inch-wide scratching surface, it replaces our previous pick from 7 Ruby Road, which we found a bit small. If you prefer not to mount it, it also comes with four rubber non-slip pads, allowing you to use it on the floor.

If your cat loves to scratch the corner of a wall, the Frisco Wall Sisal Cat Scratcher is a clever solution because it's designed to fit over corners. It comes with adhesive backing, but it didn't hold, so you'll need to permanently install it with screws. The carpet and sisal scratching surface also wear down faster than our top pick.

Best cat tree

Best for: Multi-cat households; cats who enjoy scratching, climbing, and lounging; people looking for an all-in-one enrichment center

Skip this if: You're looking for a compact scratching solution that takes up minimal space.

Cat trees are an all-in-one solution that satisfies your cat's scratching needs while also providing spaces for playing, hiding, and resting. If you're unsure about your cat's preferences or have multiple cats, the Armarkat Classic Cat Tree features both horizontal faux-fur and vertical sisal scratching surfaces.

Placer recommends placing scratching posts and trees near where your cat is already scratching or in areas where you spend the most time. I chose to place the tree in my husband's office, where he spends most weekdays. The cats took to it right away, and we were equally impressed, which is why we named it our top pick in the guide to the best cat trees. After almost a year of use, it still looks great.

Cats scratch throughout their lives, from kittenhood through their senior years. This tree is designed with a platform only 10.5 inches from the ground and five sisal-wrapped poles at its base — 4 of which offer almost 2 feet of uninterrupted vertical scratching space to help achieve a full-body stretch — making it easier for senior cats and kittens to access.

With another four sisal-wrapped poles higher up, this tree is a hit with my 10- and 11-pound cats. They love kicking off their zoomies by clawing at the base and racing up the structure, digging into the sisal posts as they climb to the top, bolstered bed or cozy tent hideaway. Despite their enthusiasm, the tree remains stable under their combined weight. It also includes a double-lined hammock for lounging.

Our top picks compared

What to look for in products to stop cats from scratching furniture

When cats scratch unwanted surfaces, Geller says many people use a combination of deterrents and redirection. Deterrents include sprays, sticky tapes, and guards, while redirection involves encouraging your cat to scratch appropriate surfaces using positive reinforcement.

Cat-scratching deterrents: Tape and vinyl guards are the most popular and effective types of deterrents. They prevent furniture scratching by creating a sticky surface or one that a cat's nails can't penetrate. Our experts say that cat scratching deterrent sprays do not help redirect furniture scratching.

Here are a few key qualities to look for if you opt for deterrents.

• Versatility: The product should be suitable for the surfaces your cat scratches the most, whether it's your couch, carpet, or wooden door frames.
• Size: Cat deterrent tape comes in rolls, pre-cut strips, or large squares that you can cut to size. Vinyl guards typically come in sheets, with some that can be cut to size and others that cannot. In testing, we preferred rolls of cat deterrent tape and vinyl that could be cut to size with scissors, but you can choose the option that works best for the areas you're looking to protect.
• Ease of removal: Test the tape on a small, inconspicuous area to make sure it doesn't leave sticky residue or cause any damage. In our testing, cat deterrent tape left residue and damaged vinyl but came off clean from wood and upholstery. The small pins used to install our preferred vinyl guard, Clawguard Furniture Shield, didn't damage our upholstery, but they could leave marks on more delicate materials.

Cat scratching products: Cat trees, posts, and pads offer a permanent and appealing alternative to your couch. Here are the key features that will encourage your cat to use them and not your furniture.

• Material: Cat scratchers typically come in three materials: corrugated cardboard, carpet, and sisal. Sisal is the most durable and firm option, while corrugated cardboard is the softest. One study published in Applied Animal Behaviour Science looked at the scratching preferences of 36 adult cats. More of the cats favored rope and cardboard scratching surfaces over sofa fabric or carpet. However, each cat has their own preference for which material they enjoy sinking their claws into.

  Age can also influence a cat's scratching preferences. "Senior cats may have less muscle mass than younger cats," Placer says. "This can make their claws more likely to get stuck in firmer materials." However, age isn't always a clear indicator of preference, so you may need to offer your cat a variety of scratching surfaces to determine what they like best.

• Orientation: Placer says most cats prefer scratching vertically, but some enjoy scratching horizontally, diagonally, or at an angle. You can figure out what and how your cat likes to scratch by observing what they target around your home. Cats use scratchers not only to maintain their nails and leave behind their scent but also to stretch, so Placer recommends choosing a scratching post that's taller than your cat's body length.

  You should also consider your cat's physical abilities. "Senior cats may need horizontal scratchers as they can easily sit or lay to scratch," says Turano. Meanwhile, agile kittens and cats may prefer vertical posts they can climb.

• Stability: Geller says cats love scratching couches because they're sturdy, textured, and close to their favorite humans. To encourage your cat to use a dedicated scratching surface instead, look for ones with rubber feet to keep it from sliding across the floor, multiple connection points to secure it to the wall, or a large or weighted base for added stability. Cats need a stable surface to really dig their claws into, and anything that's wobbly or bangs against the wall might frighten them.

How we tested products to stop cats from scratching furniture

Freelance reporter Shoshi Parks first consulted veterinarians and behaviorists and then tested furniture protectors and scratchers with her two cats in 2020. Since then, freelance reporter Janelle Leeson has further tested the same products and new options with her two cats. They used the tests below to make their picks.

Scratch test: To evaluate the durability of the furniture guards and scratch tape, they used three tools (a fork, a push pin, and an X-acto knife) to repeatedly scratch the same section of each product 50 times. This allowed them to assess whether the material could be penetrated and how quickly damage occurred. For scratchers, they tested durability by dragging a metal-tined cat comb across the same section of the product 50 consecutive times to observe any visible wear or material shedding.

Penetration test: Using the same three tools from the scratch test, they conducted three rounds of penetration testing, attempting to make a hole through the material. First, they applied light pressure, then medium, and finally, full force.

Cat attract test: They introduced each product to their cats, sprinkling them with catnip when needed. Products were placed in locations the cats preferred to scratch and rotated weekly. Parks and Leeson noted which scratchers they ignored, used occasionally, or consistently returned to.

How to stop cats from scratching furniture FAQs

Why do cats scratch furniture?

Scratching is a natural behavior for cats. "Scratching serves many functions for a cat, including a communication tool that leaves both scent and visual marks at a site, a way to clean and condition the claw beds, and a great way to stretch the muscles of the legs and toes," says Dr. Andrea Sanchez, a veterinarian and chief of staff at Banfield Pet Hospital in Vancouver, Washington. When cats lack easy access to appropriate scratching surfaces, such as scratching posts or horizontal scratch pads, they may redirect their claws to furniture and carpeting.

How can I stop my cat from scratching my sofa?

A scratching post or pad won't be helpful if it's not placed in a spot where your cat likes to scratch. Cats need a variety of scratching options in various locations to be fully satisfied. Sanchez recommends positioning them in high-traffic areas and close to your cat's favorite resting spots. The material of the post or pad is important too. "Some cats will strictly scratch on softer materials such as cardboard boxes or scratch pads, while other cats will only use carpeted or tall, sturdy posts," Sanchez says. While many cats enjoy scratching sisal rope or cloth, others may be drawn to different textures. If your cat is attracted to carpet, Quagliozzi recommends framing a piece of carpet specifically for them to scratch.

Does cat scratching deterrent spray work?

Our experts say that deterrent sprays aren't an effective way to stop cats from scratching furniture. "They don't really work, and they're an aversive," Calder says. Aversives are tools or techniques that use discomfort, pain, fear, or intimidation to force an animal to change their behavior. Deterrent sprays fall into this category because they irritate a cat's acute senses of smell and taste, causing sneezing and coughing. They can also scare cats, often working by emitting a sudden burst of offensive spray. A more effective long-term strategy is to use scratch tape or furniture guards in conjunction with training to modify a cat's behavior. "Our goal is not to scare the cat," Calder says. "It's more about finding out why the behavior is occurring in the first place."

Do pheromone sprays such as Feliway stop cats from scratching?

Pheromone sprays aren't a substitute for proper scratching surfaces. Instead, they work by reducing anxiety, which can help deter unwanted behaviors such as scratching, soiling, aggression, or excessive meowing when used alongside items that meet a cat's essential needs, including access to appropriate scratching surfaces. Placer says the key to using pheromones to stop your cat from scratching furniture is to spray the area where the unwanted scratching has occurred, not on the scratching post or tree you want your cat to use.

Do nail caps really work for cats?

Nail caps can effectively stop cats from scratching furniture, but they come with significant drawbacks. Many cats, including all four of our tester cats, simply won't tolerate them. Some cats may resist having them applied, chew them off, or develop irritation around the nail bed. Nail caps are made from durable, flexible vinyl and are glued over the nails. While they prevent cats from scratching furniture, they also prevent natural feline behaviors. Scratching is essential for cat communication and plays a role in keeping their claws healthy.

If you need a short-term solution for your cat's scratching behavior while waiting to consult a veterinarian or behaviorist — or if you're considering declawing, rehoming, or euthanasia — nail caps can help. However, it's essential to also provide scratching surfaces around your home so your cat can stretch and exercise their muscles.

Should cats be declawed?

To prevent a cat from scratching, some veterinarians offer declawing, a surgical procedure that removes a cat's claws and the last bone in each toe. However, some countries and US cities have banned the practice. The American Veterinary Medical Association, Feline Veterinary Medical Association, and numerous other veterinary and feline welfare organizations either discourage or oppose the practice of elective declaw surgery. Instead, these organizations recommend providing scratching surfaces like the ones featured in this guide, frequent nail trims, and positive reinforcement training.

Complications of this procedure can include infection, tissue necrosis, back pain, and regrowth of claws along with chronic pain due to incomplete removal, according to the Humane Society of the United States. Cats who have been declawed can experience chronic pain related to the procedure months or years later, and a 2017 retrospective study found that declawed cats were more likely than clawed cats to have back pain, elimination outside the litter box, aggression, and overgrooming. In addition, removing a cat's claws prevents them from practicing innate behaviors such as scratching and climbing.

Dr. Bob Murtaugh, a veterinarian and chair of veterinary medicine for the National Academies of Practice, does not believe declawing is necessary unless there is a valid medical reason."I think the best thing is to just provide them with some scratching opportunities and to train them," he says. "Part of having a cat is recognizing the fact that they might take it out on a sofa every once in a while."

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