If your cat is scratching the sofa, you’re not alone.
This is one of the biggest problems for UK cat parents.
Good news: scratching is normal. We just need to move the scratching to a better spot.
Quick answer
To stop sofa scratching, do these 3 things:
-
Put a scratcher right next to the sofa corner
-
Make the sofa spot hard to scratch for 7–14 days
-
Reward your cat every time they scratch the new spot
This targets: how to stop cat scratching the sofa UK.
Why do cats scratch the sofa?
Cats scratch to:
-
stretch
-
keep claws healthy
-
mark territory
-
let out stress and energy
Your cat is not being naughty.
The sofa is just in a perfect place and feels good to scratch.
Step 1: Find the exact place they scratch
Most cats scratch:
-
the sofa corner
-
the arm where people sit
-
the side near where they walk past
Important: your scratcher must go right there first.
Not across the room.
Step 2: Choose the right scratcher (most people get this wrong)
If a scratcher wobbles, many cats won’t use it.
This matches searches like:
best scratching post to stop sofa scratching UK
cat scratching post that doesn’t wobble UK
tall scratching post for full stretch UK
horizontal cat scratcher UK
✅ If your cat scratches the SIDE of the sofa (vertical)
Choose:
-
a tall post (full stretch)
-
a heavy base (no wobble)
✅ If your cat scratches the FRONT / BOTTOM (horizontal)
Choose:
-
a horizontal scratcher (flat mat or board)
✅ If your cat scratches carpet stairs
A flat scratcher or mat often helps too.
This matches: cat only scratches carpet stairs UK what to do
Step 3: Make the sofa boring to scratch (no shouting)
You don’t need to scare your cat.
You just need to block the habit for a short time.
Try:
-
clear cat scratch tape for sofa UK
-
sofa corner protector for cats UK
-
a cover/throw on the scratched corner
Do this for 7–14 days while your cat learns the new spot.
Step 4: Make your cat use the scratcher
Do these simple things:
-
rub a little catnip on it (only if your cat likes catnip)
-
play near it for 30 seconds
-
give a treat when they scratch it
Reward the scratch you want.
If your cat ignores the scratching post and scratches the couch UK
This is common.
If you searched: cat ignores scratching post scratches couch UK
It usually means one of these:
-
the post wobbles
-
it is too short
-
it is in the wrong place
-
your cat wants flat instead of tall (or the other way)
Fix one thing at a time. Start with placement + stability.
Bonus: Give your cat a “scratch + rest” spot (so the sofa stops)
Some cats scratch the sofa because it is the best stretch + scratch spot in the room.
So give them a better option that does both:
-
a safe place to scratch
-
a comfy place to rest right after
The CalmiCat Natural Rope Basket is made for this. The rope texture gives cats a daily scratching spot, and the firm basket shape gives them a calm place to curl up.
This supports long-tail searches like:
how to stop cat scratching the sofa UK
cat ignores scratching post scratches couch UK
cat bed with firm sides UK
natural rope cat bed UK
👉 Shop the basket (scratch + rest)
https://www.calmicat.com/products/rope-cat-bed-calmi-cat-instinct-basket
Read next
-
Why Your Cat Won’t Sleep in Their Bed (UK Guide)
https://www.calmicat.com/blogs/blog/why-your-cat-won-t-sleep-in-their-bed -
Cat Care Across the Seasons (UK)
https://www.calmicat.com/blogs/blog/cat-care-across-the-seasons-a-year-round-guide-for-happier-healthier-cats
Mini FAQ (UK)
Do I need to punish my cat for scratching the sofa?
No. Punishment can make cats stressed. Redirect instead.
How long does it take to stop sofa scratching?
Many cats improve in 7–14 days if the scratcher is stable and placed right.
What is the best scratching post to stop sofa scratching UK?
A tall post with a heavy base that doesn’t wobble, placed next to the sofa corner.
