Understanding Why Cats Scratch Furniture – Expert Insights & Solutions

One day after buying the most beautiful couch in the showroom, you found long, deep scratch marks in the side. And it wasn’t just the couch. Twinkie the family cat had dug his nails into the arm chair and the ottoman as well. You’re embarrassed to let people into the living room. Why does it have to be this way, you wonder. Why do cats scratch the furniture? Does Twinkie the cat hate you? Or does he hate your taste in furniture? Read on to understand why your cat scratches your furniture.

Why does my cat scratch so much? What should I do if my cat wont stop scratching furniture?

Table of Contents

Why do cats scratch furniture?

Believe it or not, cat claws can tell you many things. Sometimes you see your cat kneading on the couch. You know that action when they flex their claws in and out on a soft surface with what seems like a dreamy look on their faces? Well, that means they’re happy or content with what is going on.

As for Twinkie destroying your furniture, it’s nothing personal. Your cat isn’t scratching your furniture just to be a jerk. I know it may seem that way at times, but the reality is far from that. Your cat isn’t aware how much your couch costs, nor how nice it is. Twinkie doesn’t hate your taste in furniture either. Twinkie is just being a cat because scratching is instinctual behavior, much like sniffing everything is to a dog when it goes on a walk.

Cats stretch for comfort

You know how good it feels when you stretch? Well, cats really enjoy stretching too. They dig their nails in, get a firm grip of something, then stretch. Their nails give them an extra tight hold. Once that is done, it’s time for a little scratching action.

Cats scratch furniture when they’re excited

You may have seen your cat get excited and run around the house like its tail was on fire. It stopped and dug into whatever was closet and then sprinted off again. Well, cats scratch furniture, walls or anything else they can get their nails into which will prove sturdy enough when they’re really excited. Just think of it as dopamine or hormones going wild. It really is funny to watch. . . well, unless it’s on that new sofa you just brought home.

Cats scratch furniture to relieve stress

We humans have a number of ways we relieve stress. Some of it good, and some actually detrimental to our health. As for cats, scratching is a way to relieve stress. This rapid assault on the side of your couch can relieve a lot of stress and although not good for your couch, it’s just what your cat needs to feel better about whatever is bothering it.

Cats scratch furniture to mark their territory

Cats have sweat glands on their paws and when they run them over a surface, it leaves their scent for other cats. This is like sticking a big “Beware of Dog” sign on your door. What Twinkle the cat is doing is telling other cats to stay away from his territory and they don’t want to mess with Butch, the big dog . . . I mean, Twinkie the cat.