Cat Behavior
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Why Is My Indoor Cat Scratching Everything?
Cats scratch to shed nail sheaths, stretch the whole body, and leave visual and scent marks. You cannot stop it, and should not try — the goal is to make your preferred surface the obvious choice.
The Urban Feline EditorialUpdated 7 min read
Why cats scratch
- Nail care — removing the outer sheath
- Stretching the shoulders, back and toes
- Marking territory visually and with scent from paw glands
- Releasing tension after conflict, excitement or a surprise
Why your sofa wins
Sofas are tall, stable, textured and in the middle of the household's social space — exactly the specification of a good scratching site. Posts fail when they are short, wobbly or hidden in a spare room.
Choosing a post the cat will use
| Feature | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Height | Taller than the cat's full stretch |
| Stability | Heavy base; no wobble under full weight |
| Material | Sisal rope or sisal fabric; some cats prefer cardboard |
| Orientation | Offer both vertical and horizontal options |
| Placement | Next to the furniture being scratched, then move slowly |
Redirecting the habit
- Put the new post directly beside the damaged spot.
- Make the furniture less appealing temporarily — a cover or double-sided tape.
- Reward the cat when it uses the post; never punish scratching.
- Keep nails trimmed to reduce damage in the meantime.
- Once the post is used consistently, move it a few centimetres a day if needed.
Declawing is not an option
Declawing removes bone, not just claw, and is banned or considered unethical in many countries. Environmental changes and nail trimming address the problem without harming the cat.
Products mentioned in this guide
Frequently asked questions
- Will trimming nails stop scratching?
- It reduces damage but not the behaviour, because scratching also serves stretching and marking needs. Trim nails and provide good posts together.
- How many scratching posts does one cat need?
- At least two in different rooms, ideally with different orientations and surfaces. In multi-cat homes, more.
- Does catnip help train a cat to a post?
- It can. Rubbing catnip or a silvervine product on a new post encourages first contact; the reward for using it does the rest.
About this guide
We research, write and update every guide on this site. Our articles are general educational information for cat owners and are reviewed against current guidance from veterinary and feline welfare organisations. Read our editorial policy.
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