Scratching Furniture: Dedicated spots for healthy claws, intact sofas

Scratching Furniture: A fixed place for claw care and climbing

Cats don't scratch out of boredom. Scratching sheds old claw sheaths, stretches the back and shoulders and leaves a scent trail from glands in the paws. With suitable scratching furniture you give this need a permanent place. That way your sofa, carpet and door frames are spared, and your cat gets a favourite spot for climbing, watching and resting.

Which scratching furniture suits your home?

How much space you have often decides the shape. A free-standing cat tree offers caves, lounging hollows and several levels. In small flats, a wall-mounted cat tree saves floor space because it is fixed directly to the wall. For a whole climbing landscape, a climbing wall lets you combine individual steps, bridges and lounging areas. Flat scratching boards made of corrugated cardboard or sisal fit on a windowsill or in front of the sofa. A scratching post is a single trunk that needs little space, and the scratch barrel combines a scratching surface with a hideaway.

What matters when it comes to scratching

The most important thing is stability. If a piece wobbles as soon as your cat stretches against it, your cat will soon avoid it. Also pay attention to the height, because your cat should be able to stretch out to its full length. Some cats prefer to scratch vertically, others horizontally on the floor. Watch where your cat has been scratching so far and put a similar piece there. Sisal, jute and cardboard all feel different, so offering a choice is worthwhile.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get my cat used to new scratching furniture?
Place it where your cat already likes to scratch or does its rounds after sleeping. A toy or a little catnip tempts many cats. Praise and a treat as soon as your cat uses it help reinforce the new habit.

How many scratching spots does a cat need?
More than one makes sense, ideally in different rooms and with both vertical and horizontal surfaces. If several cats live together, each should be able to move elsewhere, so there's no squabbling over the best spot.

My cat still scratches the sofa. What can I do?
Place scratching furniture right next to the affected spot and make the sofa less appealing for a while, for example with a smooth throw. Telling your cat off achieves little. Instead, calmly redirect it to the scratching spot and reward it there.