How to stop your cat scratching the sofa: a four-week plan

Cats scratch to stretch, to mark with scent glands in their paws and to keep their claws in shape. You cannot stop it, but you can choose where it happens. Most sofa problems come from a scratching post that is too short, too wobbly or in the wrong room.

Week 1: put the right post next to the sofa

• Tall enough to stretch. Your cat should be able to reach up fully. For an adult that is usually 70 cm or more.
• Stable. If it rocks, they will not use it twice.
• Where they already scratch. Cats scratch after waking and near where they sleep or where you are. Place it right beside the target arm of the sofa, not in a spare room.
• Right surface. Sisal rope or woven sisal suits most cats. Some prefer cardboard or carpet-backed, so offer two types.

Week 2: make the sofa less rewarding

Cover the scratched corner with a smooth throw, double-sided tape or a clear self-adhesive protector. Cats dislike sticky or slippery surfaces under their paws. Do this at the same time as the new post goes in, not instead of it.

Week 3: reward the new habit

Every time they use the post, say their name softly and give a small treat or a short play session. Rub a little dried catnip on the post once if your cat responds to it. Do not drag their paws across it.

Week 4: move the furniture of the problem

Once they use the new post reliably, you can slowly move it a few centimetres a day to where you would prefer it. Keep the sofa protector on for another month.

Do not

• Do not shout or spray water. It teaches them to scratch when you are out.
• Do not declaw. It is illegal in the UK and painful.
• Do not skip nail trims. Blunt claws do less damage.

The Sofa Saver Nook Box has a corner protector, a floor mat, a wand and a silvervine stick for this plan. It does not include a tall post, so add one if your cat likes to stretch upright.