Scratching isn't a behavior problem to eliminate, it's a physical need to redirect. Cats scratch to mark territory and keep their claws healthy. The furniture just happens to be convenient.
What you'll need
At least one sturdy scratching post per cat, taller than the cat when stretched, plus a horizontal cardboard scratcher as a backup option.
Steps
- Place posts right next to what they're currently scratching
Location matters more than the post itself at first. Move it gradually toward where you'd prefer it once they're using it consistently.
- Make the post genuinely appealing
Sisal rope or rough fabric tends to work better than carpet. A little catnip rubbed into the surface helps in the first week.
- Make the furniture temporarily less appealing
Double-sided tape or aluminum foil on the scratched area feels unpleasant underpaw without hurting them, and most cats avoid it after a few tries.
- Reward every use of the post
A treat or praise right when they scratch the post, not later, builds the association fastest.
Frequently asked questions
Is declawing ever a reasonable solution?
It's a significant surgical procedure with real welfare concerns, and it's banned in a number of countries. Redirection works for the vast majority of cases without it.
My cat has plenty of posts and still scratches the couch. Why?
Check the post's stability, a wobbly post often gets rejected, and try a different texture. Preference varies more between individual cats than people expect.