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Why Your Cat Still Scratches The Furniture—Even With a Scratching Post

Rachel M.
by Rachel M.
Published:  December 24th, 2025

If you’ve bought a scratching post but your cat still goes after your sofa or dining chairs, you’re not alone.


Many cat owners are puzzled when their feline companion ignores a perfectly good post in favor of a favorite armchair.


So why do cats scratch furniture, and what can you do to redirect those claws?


Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.

Cat on sofa - image via Canva

Table of contents

1. Scratching Is More Than Sharpening Claws

Scratching isn’t just about keeping claws in top shape, it’s also a way for cats to communicate and stretch their muscles.


Their paws have scent glands, so each scratch leaves behind both a visual mark and a scent signature. In other words, your cat isn’t just sharpening claws. They’re staking their territory.

2. Your Scratching Post Might Not Be “Post-Worthy”

Not all scratching posts are created equal. Cats have preferences for texture, height, and stability:

  • Texture: Some cats prefer sisal rope, while some like carpeted surfaces.
  • Height: Cats like to stretch fully when scratching, so a post that’s too short won’t satisfy them.
  • Stability: A wobbly post can be off-putting. Cats need a firm surface they can push against.
Cat using scratching post - image via Canva

3. Location, Location, Location

Cats are territorial and strategic about their scratching spots.


They often choose prominent areas (like the living room couch) so their markings are noticeable to both humans and other pets.


If your scratching post is tucked away in a quiet corner, your cat may ignore it.

4. Stress, Boredom, or Attention-Seeking

Scratching can also be a response to stress, anxiety, or boredom. Moving homes, new pets, or even changes in daily routine can trigger furniture scratching.


In some cases, cats learn that scratching gets a reaction from their owner, turning it into an attention-seeking behavior.

Cat by scratching post - image via Canva

5. Making the Post More Appealing

Here’s how to encourage your cat to use the post instead of your sofa:

  • Try different textures: Experiment with both sisal and carpet to see what your cat prefers.
  • Increase height and stability: Ensure the post is tall enough for a full stretch and sturdy enough not to wobble.
  • Strategic placement: Place posts near favorite furniture or in high-traffic areas.
  • Add incentives: Use catnip, toys, or treats to attract your cat to the post.
  • Reward good behavior: Praise or reward your cat when they use the post.
Cat using scratching post - image via Canva

Final Thoughts

By paying attention to your cat’s preferences, placing posts in the right spots, and making them engaging, you can protect your furniture while giving your cat a healthy way to express their instincts.


Did these tips help? Comment down below. 


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Rachel M.
Rachel M.

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Physical Signs: Any visible signs of injury, such as limping, a visible wound, or difficulty breathing, coupled with hiding, should be considered an immediate emergency. When you bring your cat to the vet, be prepared to discuss any warning signs or changes in detail. Keeping a journal of your cat’s behavior can help ensure you don’t forget anything important. The vet will likely perform a careful physical exam and ask questions about your cat’s history and any changes you’ve observed. They may recommend diagnostic tests, such as blood work, urinalysis, or X-rays, to get a full picture of what may be happening internally. Ultimately, a vet visit is the only way to get a definitive diagnosis and identify the proper treatment for your cat. Remember, it’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to the health and well-being of your best friend!

Dogs’ TV‑Watching Habits Vary by Personality

Picture this: it’s a rainy afternoon, you’re curled up on the couch, and your dog parks right next to you, eyes glued to the screen. Turns out, that cozy scene might say more about your pup’s personality than you realize.A new study from Auburn University, published in Scientific Reports, dove into how dogs respond to television. And guess what? It depends a lot on their temperament.Researchers surveyed over 650 dog owners and analyzed 453 pups, ages 2 months to 16 years, to explore what grabs their attention when the TV is on.The study found that excitable dogs, the kind that chase tennis balls until they snooze, loved to follow moving objects on screen. They’d track a bouncing ball or darting dog with their eyes, even dash around the TV looking for it. Anxious or fearful dogs were less interested in visuals. Instead, they perked up at sounds, like doorbells, car engines, or a sudden bark. Regardless of personality, nearly 45% of dogs reacted when they heard another dog bark or howl on TV. Some even jumped up to find the source.  On average, a viewing session lasted about 14 minutes.“It really shows dogs may perceive that screen image as part of their real world,” says Lane Montgomery, the lead researcher. And Jeffrey Katz, a cognitive psychology expert involved in the study, said, “Personality of the dog influences their viewing habits… animal‑centric content yielding a more enthusiastic response than footage of people”.So what does this mean for us as pet parents? First off, TV can be more than background noise, it can offer mental enrichment, especially for energetic dogs who need extra stimulation. But for anxious pups, flashy scenes or sudden noises might actually stress them out.Dr. Freya Mowat, a veterinary ophthalmologist, cautions against leaving anxious dogs alone with the TV: “If your dog has reactive tendencies… I would question whether that is truly a good thing for your dog”. She suggests softer sounds, like classical piano music, can be soothing instead.And creators of “Dog TV” are already taking note. Some specialty channels tailor their programming with dogs in mind, adjusting color, sound, and pacing to match how dogs see and hear the world. It’s not just entertainment, it’s enrichment with a purpose. If you want to test this at home, here’s a quick guide:Try a variety of shows: nature documentaries, sports with lots of movement, or even clips of dogs playing.Watch your dog’s reaction: are they tracking the action, sniffing around, barking, or flinching?Adjust accordingly: excitable dogs may thrive on action; nervous dogs might prefer calm, animal‑focused content or none at all.Use it wisely: don’t rely on TV to entertain them all day. It’s a supplement, not a substitute for play, training, or family time.And remember, not every dog will enjoy watching TV, and that’s okay. Some are visual, some are auditory, and some would rather chew a toy in peace. Just like us, they’ve got preferences, and quirks that make them who they are. In a world full of screen time, our four‑legged friends are discovering what’s enjoyable, and what’s not so enjoyable on TV. Their preferences are as unique as their personalities. So the next time your dog hops onto the couch for “movie night,” pay attention: they just might be telling you what kind of movie they prefer.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

The Cleaning Upgrade Every Pet-Friendly Home Needs

Get rid of pet hair, dust, and dander before the new year hits and step into 2026 with a home that feels fresh.Mess doesn’t wait for a convenient moment , especially in busy homes with pets. One minute the floors are spotless, and the next there’s fur drifting across the carpet, crumbs under the table, and dust settling onto the floorboards. That’s why the BISSELL PowerClean® FurFinder™ Stick Vacuum is built for real life cleaning. It’s designed to handle the constant cycle of pet hair, dander, and daily debris, so your home can stay fresh without turning clean-up into a full production.

Cat Missing For 13 Years Returns Home to Spend Final Days with Family

Back in 2012, Jade Yhnell’s cat, Minx, went missing. One day she was there, the next Minx was gone. Jade had raised Minx from birth, bottle-fed and spoiled like most well-loved cats, and then just before Jade moved from Bristol to Tredegar, the little tabby slipped away.The family searched for their cat, posted posters, called all vets in the area, and took countless walks around the neighborhood. But nothing turned up. Eventually, life moved on. Jade and her partner settled into a new place and started a family.Thirteen years later, out of nowhere, Jade received a call.A veterinary clinic in Fishguard had taken in a scruffy, underweight cat that was found wandering. Although they didn’t expect the cat to be microchipped, they scanned for a chip anyway, as they always do. To everyone’s shock, they found that the cat was, in fact, chipped and that her name is Minx.Jade says she froze when she heard. Could it really be Minx? After all this time?She and her husband jumped in the car and drove for over two hours to get there. “I couldn’t stop shaking,” she told reporters. She didn’t know what to expect. Thirteen years is a long time, even in cat years, it’s a lifetime.But as soon as Jade stepped into the room, Minx walked up to her. She rubbed her face against Jade, purred, and head-butted like she used to. And then she did the same to Jade’s husband. Like no time had passed at all.Jade and her husband brought Minx home that very day.Minx had clearly been through a lot. She was thin, and her fur was matted, but she purred constantly. She met Jade’s kids, who hadn’t even been born when she disappeared, and nestled into their laps like she’d always been part of the family. “She came back to us for a reason,” Jade said. “I think she wanted to say goodbye properly.”Unfortunately, it turned out Minx had cancer. Jade didn’t say how long they had with her, but it wasn’t long. For the few weeks they had together, the family made sure Minx had all the comforts in the world. She slept in a warm bed again, had chin scratches, soft food, and little hands petting her head. She purred until the end.Stories like this are rare, but they aren’t impossible. Cats go missing all the time, and some of them, somehow, find their way back. Whether someone took her in or she wandered for years, no one knows what Minx lived through. What’s clear is that she survived, and somehow, she got back to where she was supposed to be.But if Minx hadn’t been microchipped, there would’ve been no reunion, no last days filled with love. That small chip is the only reason Jade got that phone call. It’s easy to forget how important microchipping is, but stories like this drive it home. If your pets aren’t chipped, now is the time to do it. You never think you’ll need it until you do.It’s hard to believe that this family got their cat back after thirteen years. It’s almost too much to believe. But pets have a funny way of surprising us. They disappear, and we prepare ourselves for the worst. But sometimes, against the odds, they come back, just in time to remind us how much they were loved.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Louis the Cat Will Inspire You to Explore with Your Furry Friend!

In a world where our cats often spend their lives within the confines of the four walls of our homes, a remarkable cat named Louis is showing adventurous cat parents that there is a different way. This adventurous Persian, with his owners Dan Taylor and Jess Peters, made headlines last year for his hiking achievements as the first cat to climb all 3 British peaks. Now, he’s back to inspire others again after completing a new hiking challenge across the Peak and Lake Districts. While not every cat may be a natural-born hiker, his owners’ advice is a great starting point for anyone considering adventuring with their best friend. “Not all cats are adventurous, but Louis is one of them,” cat dad Dan Taylor explained. “If anyone feels like they have an adventurous cat living with them, they can start them off with small adventures to build them up and see how they do. Some cats are interested in doing things like this.” There are several things to consider before hitting the trail. First, ensure your cat is comfortable with a harness and a leash. Start by letting them wear it for short periods inside the house. Next, gradually introduce them to the outdoors in a quiet, safe space like your backyard. Once they’re comfortable, you can move to short walks in a low-traffic area. Always remember to prioritize your cat’s safety and comfort. Look for signs of stress and never force them into a situation they’re not ready for. Common signs of stress in cats include: Changes in appetiteDigestive problems (diarrhea, constipation, frequent vomiting)Accidents outside the litter boxOvergrooming (may result in skin irritation or bald spots) Excessive vocalization Increased aggression or irritability (hissing, scratching, biting)TremblingWithdrawal or attempting to hide Louis’ adventures have earned him quite a dedicated following on his Instagram account, @lordlouis_persian. The couple has also used his platform for good, launching a fundraiser to support Cats Protection and a film project for Jess’s novel. The fundraiser highlights his efforts to explore the Catbells Ridge Walk and The Great Ridge Walk to raise attention and funds for the care and rehoming efforts of the organization, changing the lives of rescue cats in need. While 50% of funds raised will go to Cats Protection, Louis’s efforts are also going to help his cat mom, Jess Peters, achieve a dream of her own. The other 50% of the funds will help bring her fantasy novel, Alchemy Academy, to the big screen with StormLightUK. This brave kitty and his many adventures serve as a powerful testament to the bond between a pet and their person. They show us that with patience, preparation, and a little bravery, we can share incredible experiences with our best furry friends. It’s a great way to enrich their lives and our own in the process. Louis is not just a hiking cat; he’s an inspiration to use all to step outside, explore, and create unforgettable memories with the pets we love so much! Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter  here.

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