Scratch this, not that.

It can be incredibly frustrating when your cat scratches something that you do not want them to. As much as you value those items for your own reasons, there is something about them that your kitty values as well. By looking at your cat’s targets critically, we can strategically offer alternatives.

Explore the room below to learn more about what makes these items so satisfying to scratch. Offer scratching opportunities that satisfy your cat’s wishlist, then use their motivations to ensure that the new options outcompete old targets.

Couches

Perks

Sturdy and stable
Large surface area
Vertical surface
Horizontal surface
Comfortable texture
Built in lounge
Socially important
Convenient location

Alternatives

Cat trees should be large enough to provide a height advantage and stable enough to prevent any wobbling or tipping. Consider options with wider scratching surfaces in vertical and horizontal orientations, rather than simple posts. Consider fabric choice, some cats have strong preferences for microfiber or other specific textures. Cat trees with lounge areas are preferred, as cats often scratch after rest. Place near your existing couch to take advantage of its social importance and convenient location.

A woman is laying on a couch with two cats on top of her. — Couches are important social gathering areas.

A tall cat tree is next to a comfortable couch. — Position cat trees so that your cat can enjoy them while also enjoying your company.

Two cats lay on a cat tree, there is a wide fabric walled cubby for hiding and scratching. — Cats who enjoy scratching couches may prefer wider scratching options, like this tree with hide box.

Walls

Perks

Sturdy and stable
Large surface area
Vertical surface
Convenient location

Alternatives

Location, location, location. Walls are typically not inherently interesting, it is where they are that counts. Place sturdy substitutes in front of scratching sites. Use wall mounted solutions to save space in cramped areas.

Three kittens play on a inset bookshelf that has been completely covered in carpet. — Carpet can be used to cover walls or shelving for an approved outlet that also saves space.

A man scratches on a sisal wall. — With appropriate anchoring, sisal mats can provide vertical scratching and climbing.

Chair and Table Legs

Perks

Sturdy and stable
Allows peek-a-boo play
Vertical surface
Offers covered area

Alternatives

Offer narrow posts that have been stabilized well to prevent tipping. Consider offering your cats their own scratching leg; explore commercially available sisal wraps or check out the second video on our Kitty DIY: Sisal Scratchers Playlist to learn how to make your own. Cat trees with vertical posts as well as hammock or hiding areas further satisfy sneaking needs.

A kitten attacks the leg of a chair, wrapping its paws around it and biting. — Cats often enjoy attacking around table or chair legs in addition to simple scratching.

A kitten attacks a scratching post, wrapping its arms around it and biting it. — Scratching posts of varying diameter make suitable alternatives for cats who enjoy playing around.

A sisal wrap transforms a bedpost into a scratching post. — Commercially available sisal wraps can be secured with velcro around chair legs and other posts.

A screenshot of a DIY video showing how to transform a table leg into a scratching post. — Visit our Kitty DIY Playlists for exciting ways to make your own scratching solutions.

A cat hides on a chair under a table, hidden in a forest of table and chair legs. — Cats who hide under chairs do well with cat trees that offer more hiding opportunities.

Carpet and rugs

Perks

Sturdy and stable
Horizontal surface
Appealing texture
Convenient location
Special needs access

Alternatives

Carpeted cat trees are just one solution. Offer a carpet scratching buffet using discontinued samples from stores such as RiteRug, or your local flooring supplier. Stabilize samples with grip mats to prevent sliding. Providing variety helps identify the winning texture. Do not limit options to carpet, provide other horizontal substrates, such as cardboard, as well. Consider location; as with walls, the where may be more important than the what.
Cats with health issues may be more comfortable with horizontal scratching and prefer low options like carpet. Schedule a checkup with your vet if you notice your cat slowing down or changing their scratching preferences.

Two kittens scratch on a horizontal cardboard scratcher. — Horizontal cardboard scratchers are economical and easy on growing or aging joints.

Four carpet samples are arranged together, with a cat standing on them. — Offer a carpet buffet using a variety of samples to find your kitty's favorite.

Four carpet samples are arranged together, with a cat standing on them. One is lifted up to show a pronged mat underneath that is helping hold them in place. — Secure samples using pronged or padded mats, to prevent slipping and sliding.

Curtains

Perks

Very tall
Climbing opportunity
Allows peek-a-boo play
New perspective
Vertical surface
Comfortable texture

Alternatives

Height builds confidence, especially in little kitties. Climbing opportunities should be tall enough to provide a significant height advantage and stable enough to prevent any wobbling or tipping. Very tall options may benefit from being directly secured to the wall. Provide an appealing view by placing climbing options by windows, add bird feeders for bonus points. Window seats can also reduce curtain climbing by placing a viewpoint in easy jumping reach, though they may not be enough on their own.

A kitten rests on top of a tall cat tree, peeking down from the edge. — Climbing is a natural instinct that keeps cats safe in the wild and gives them confidence in captivity.

A kitten sits on a cat tree with a window view. — Kittens are especially enthusiastic climbers and need suitable outlets for their behavior.

Two cats look out a window while at their cat tree. — Interesting views keep cats occupied and out of trouble.

Bird feeders provide hours of entertainment when placed strategically.

A cat looks out the window while sitting on a shelf window seat. — Cat shelves are a great solution for vertical views, especially when floorspace is limited.

Doors

Perks

Sturdy and stable
Vertical surface
Socially important
Territory boundary

Alternatives

Entryways should be furnished with a variety of scratching options in order to meet territorial needs, the more the merrier. When space is limited, door mounted scratchers provide a suitable scratching alternative. They often require additional securing to prevent wobbling and allow full use.

Two cats sit looking through a glass door. — Cats are naturally territorial, marking territory by scratching or spraying. Doors are common targets.

A cat sits on a cardboard scratcher while scratching a carpet scratcher hanging from a doorknob. — Hanging options need to be stable and may require DIY steps to secure them in place.

A cat ignores a hanging door scratcher and scratches a horizontal cardboard scratcher. — Do not limit your door scratching cat to vertical options, there are many angles to explore.

Feeling overwhelmed?

Finding the right substitute can be challenging, but there are many feline behavior professionals who are more than happy to help you get started. In-home and remote behavior consultations are great options for assessing targets and finding the right solutions for your home environment. Find a certified cat behavior consultant near you or contact us for details on remote consultation services.