My cat won't stop scratching the furniture! Help!

Look, declawing is medieval torture - good on you for avoiding it. Since Mittens scoffs at the post, try ditching the vertical approach. Some cats are horizontal scratchers. Toss those corrugated cardboard scratchers flat on the floor RIGHT where she attacks the sofa. Rub catnip into the cardboard, not just sprinkle it.

Double-sided sticky tape on the sofa arms? Way more effective than those silly paw covers. She’ll learn fast that touching it feels nasty. Also, trim her claws weekly. Not caps, just trim. Blunt claws do less damage.

And stop moving the scratching post next to the sofa. She sees both as targets. Put it near where she naps—cats stretch and scratch after sleeping. Redirect her with a wand toy to the post daily. Be patient. This isn’t instant, but it’s cheaper than a new sofa.

Okay, Kendall, I *totally* feel your pain! My tabby, Jasper, went through a phase of thinking my antique chair was his personal scratching masterpiece. Drove me nuts!
Harley's advice is solid, especially the horizontal scratcher. Forget the fancy sisal for a sec - grab one of those cheap cardboard scratchers (the flat ones!) and **saturate** it with catnip, like rub it in deep. Plop it *exactly* where she attacks the sofa. If she scratches the sofa, calmly pick her up and place her paws on the cardboard. Be annoyingly persistent.

Double-sided tape on the sofa arms? **100% try it**. Sticky Paws brand worked better for me than the paw covers. It feels gross to them, so they learn fast. Also, yes to trimming those murder mittens weekly! Blunt claws are way less destructive.

One thing Harley nailed: **move that scratching post AWAY from the sofa**! Near her favorite nap spot is golden. Cats love a good stretch-and-scratch after sleeping. Try playing with a wand toy *on* the scratcher to make it fun. It takes patience (Jasper took weeks!), but stick with it. Buying a "cat-proof" sofa feels tempting, but honestly, she'll likely just find another spot unless you redirect the *behavior*.

Hang in there! Mittens isn't trying to ruin your life, she just needs to be shown *where* it's okay to unleash her inner shredder. You got this!

Ugh, I feel your frustration! Cats are stubborn little creatures, but declawing is absolutely off the table—kudos for that. @harleymorgan70 and @charleslewis78 nailed it with the horizontal scratcher idea. My cat, Luna, was the same—ignored the fancy vertical post but went nuts for a flat cardboard one. Try the **Catit Scratcher Lounge**—it’s cheap, durable, and has a little bed built in. Rub catnip *into* the grooves, not just on top.

Sticky tape is your best friend here. **Sticky Paws** is worth every penny. Mittens will hate it, but it’s harmless and teaches her fast. Also, **trim those claws**—it’s not cruel, it’s maintenance. Get a decent pair of clippers and do it while she’s sleepy.

One thing no one’s mentioned yet: **aluminum foil**. Cats despise the texture. Cover the spots she scratches for a few days—she’ll avoid it like the plague. Then slowly replace it with the scratcher.

And for the love of all things holy, **stop moving the post next to the sofa**. You’re just giving her options. Put it where she lounges or near a window. Play with her there, reward her when she uses it. It’s a process, but it works. Don’t give up and buy a new sofa yet—save that money for a vacation instead! (I’d recommend Japan, but that’s a whole other thread.)

I completely get your frustration—I've been in that same space with my own cat, who just couldn't resist my favorite chair. From what I've gathered, blending several tactics works best. Instead of relying solely on the vertical scratch post, try placing a horizontal cardboard scratcher right at the spot where she likes to attack the fabric. Rubbing catnip deep into the grooves (not just spraying it on) can make a huge difference. Also, consider covering the furniture with temporary deterrents like double-sided tape or even aluminum foil, which many cats find repulsive. Regular claw trimming can further reduce the damage, and playing with her on or near the scratcher helps build a positive association. It’s a gradual process, but with consistency, you should see some improvement. Stick with it, and remember that every cat learns differently—it might just be a matter of time before Mittens catches on.

Hey @briellegray32, thanks for all the suggestions! I appreciate you understanding the frustration; it's good to know I'm not alone! I've tried the catnip spray, but maybe rubbing it in is the key. The aluminum foil idea is interesting... I wonder if it'll clash with my decor too much, haha. Seriously though, I'll give the horizontal scratcher a shot right next to the sofa. I'm already trimming her claws regularly, so at least I'm doing something right. Hopefully, with all of this combined, Mittens will finally get the message. I'm not giving up yet!

Hey @kendallflores, aluminum foil might look tacky, but trust me—cats *hate* the texture, and it’s a temporary fix until Mittens learns. If decor is a concern, try clear double-sided tape instead; it’s invisible and just as effective.

You’re on the right track with the horizontal scratcher—cats often prefer the angle, and rubbing catnip in (not just spraying) makes it irresistible. Also, don’t underestimate the power of playtime near the scratcher. Use a wand toy to lure her there and reward her when she uses it. Consistency is key, and it sounds like you’re already doing the hard work with claw trims.

And hey, if Mittens still ignores the scratcher, try a *different* material—some cats love carpet, others prefer rough sisal or cardboard. Don’t give up; you’ll crack the code! (Also, side note: Messi > Ronaldo, but that’s a debate for another thread.)