{
 "schema": "whattobuyfor/v1",
 "type": "situation",
 "url": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/a-cat-scratching-the-sofa/",
 "json": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/a-cat-scratching-the-sofa.json",
 "publisher": "What to Buy For",
 "method": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/how-we-build-a-basket/",
 "pricesAsOf": "2026-10-26T07:32:29.264Z",
 "priceNote": "Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.",
 "affiliateDisclosure": "Links to Amazon are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.",
 "title": "What to buy for a cat scratching the sofa",
 "section": "pets",
 "answer": "Six things: a tall post by the sofa, a clear cover for the damaged arm and catnip today, then a rod toy, a flat scratcher and a second post this week. Scratching is normal cat behaviour; the goal is to get it onto a post.",
 "published": "2026-10-02",
 "updated": "2026-10-02",
 "noindex": false,
 "whyThisBasket": [
  "Built from Cats Protection, PDSA and Battersea advice on scratching. All three start in the same place: something better to scratch, where the cat already scratches.",
  "The post comes first and stands right next to the sofa. Cats Protection wants it tall enough for a full stretch on a heavy base, so short and wobbly posts are left out.",
  "The sofa cover is temporary. Once the cat uses the post, Cats Protection says to take the plastic off and move the post, bit by bit, to a better spot.",
  "Nothing here punishes the cat. Battersea says scratching is a normal behaviour and the cat is not doing anything wrong."
 ],
 "basket": [
  {
   "id": "today",
   "label": "Today",
   "intro": "Put a post where the damage is and cover the damaged patch.",
   "countsTowardTotal": true,
   "roles": [
    {
     "role": "A tall, heavy-based post right next to the sofa",
     "url": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/a-cat-scratching-the-sofa/#role-sofa-post",
     "quantity": "1",
     "lasts": null,
     "consumable": false,
     "lastsDays": null,
     "pick": {
      "asin": "B0CT2RB4X7",
      "name": "Feandrea Cat Scratcher Pole",
      "amazonTitle": "Feandrea Cat Scratcher Pole, Sisal, 85cm, Thicker, Dove Grey, PCA041G01 | Cat Accessories, 50 x 40 x 85 cm, Stable Base, Protects Furniture, Indoor Cats, Dove Grey, Clawfy Collection, PCA041G01",
      "brand": "Feandrea",
      "image": "https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41kiQl5qmCL._SL500_.jpg",
      "amazonUrl": "https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CT2RB4X7?tag=whattobuyfor-21",
      "data": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/products/B0CT2RB4X7.json",
      "price": {
       "amount": 22.09,
       "currency": "GBP",
       "checkedAt": "2026-10-26T07:32:29.264Z",
       "note": "Checked on Amazon UK that morning; the price at checkout on amazon.co.uk applies."
      },
      "availability": {
       "status": "IN_STOCK",
       "amazonMessage": null
      },
      "subscribeAndSave": null,
      "signal": {
       "label": "Limited time deal",
       "note": null,
       "basis": "Amazon deal badge"
      },
      "amazon": {
       "source": "amazon.co.uk",
       "recordedAt": "2026-09-27T03:24:48.898Z",
       "rating": 4.8,
       "ratings": 1269,
       "boughtLastMonth": "100+",
       "categoryRank": {
        "position": 8,
        "category": "Cat Scratching Posts"
       }
      },
      "buyersSay": {
       "method": "Our own summary of the reviews Amazon showed; each count is the number of reviews making the point.",
       "reviewsRead": 13,
       "readOn": "2026-09-27",
       "like": [
        {
         "text": "Solid and steady, even when large cats climb or swing on it",
         "count": 9
        },
        {
         "text": "Tall enough for big breeds to stretch out fully",
         "count": 7
        },
        {
         "text": "Most found it quick to put together",
         "count": 5
        }
       ],
       "watchOutFor": [
        {
         "text": "Fitting the heavy base is easier with a second person",
         "count": 2
        }
       ]
      },
      "ourName": "Feandrea sisal post, 85cm, wide base",
      "ourTake": "Cats Protection wants a post tall enough for the cat to scratch at full stretch, on a heavy base that does not wobble, placed next to where it has been scratching. This one is 85cm of sisal on a 50 x 40cm base with extra support battens, the listing says. Stand it against the arm your cat goes for."
     },
     "budget": {
      "asin": "B0H2XK8VZF",
      "name": "Feandrea Cat Scratching Post",
      "amazonTitle": "Feandrea Cat Scratching Post, Natural Sisal, 84 cm Tall, Heavy Base | Cat Scratching Post, Dangling Toy, Furniture Protection, for Adult Cats, Dark Grey, CLAWFY Collection PCA043G201",
      "brand": "Feandrea",
      "image": "https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31ri7uhMjoL._SL500_.jpg",
      "amazonUrl": "https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0H2XK8VZF?tag=whattobuyfor-21",
      "data": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/products/B0H2XK8VZF.json",
      "price": {
       "amount": 13.99,
       "currency": "GBP",
       "checkedAt": "2026-10-26T07:32:29.264Z",
       "note": "Checked on Amazon UK that morning; the price at checkout on amazon.co.uk applies."
      },
      "availability": {
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      },
      "subscribeAndSave": null,
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      "amazon": {
       "source": "amazon.co.uk",
       "recordedAt": "2026-09-27T02:19:04.823Z",
       "rating": 4.4,
       "ratings": 289,
       "boughtLastMonth": "200+",
       "categoryRank": {
        "position": 9,
        "category": "Cat Scratching Posts"
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      },
      "buyersSay": {
       "method": "Our own summary of the reviews Amazon showed; each count is the number of reviews making the point.",
       "reviewsRead": 13,
       "readOn": "2026-09-27",
       "like": [
        {
         "text": "High enough for bigger cats to get a full stretch",
         "count": 5
        },
        {
         "text": "Steady on its base, even with heavier cats",
         "count": 5
        },
        {
         "text": "Simple to put together with no extra tools",
         "count": 3
        }
       ],
       "watchOutFor": []
      },
      "ourName": "Feandrea sisal post, 84cm, heavy base"
     },
     "upgrade": null,
     "sources": [
      {
       "name": "Cats Protection: cats and scratching",
       "url": "https://www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/cat-behaviour/scratching",
       "checked": "2026-09-27"
      },
      {
       "name": "the product's Amazon listing"
      }
     ]
    },
    {
     "role": "Clear plastic sheeting over the scratched spot",
     "url": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/a-cat-scratching-the-sofa/#role-sofa-cover",
     "quantity": "1 roll",
     "lasts": null,
     "consumable": false,
     "lastsDays": null,
     "pick": {
      "asin": "B0CCJ2K3G7",
      "name": "Cat Anti Scratch Tape",
      "amazonTitle": "Cat Anti Scratch Tape (30cm x 5m) Thick Vinyl Transparent Anti Scratch Furniture Protector, Wear and Scratch Resistant Cat Scratch Deterrent Sticky Paws Tape for Carpet, Sofa, Couch, Door",
      "brand": "QianShouYan",
      "image": "https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31Lk4WpNpML._SL500_.jpg",
      "amazonUrl": "https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CCJ2K3G7?tag=whattobuyfor-21",
      "data": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/products/B0CCJ2K3G7.json",
      "price": {
       "amount": 16.99,
       "currency": "GBP",
       "checkedAt": "2026-10-26T07:32:29.264Z",
       "note": "Checked on Amazon UK that morning; the price at checkout on amazon.co.uk applies."
      },
      "availability": {
       "status": "IN_STOCK",
       "amazonMessage": null
      },
      "subscribeAndSave": {
       "amount": 16.99,
       "currency": "GBP"
      },
      "signal": null,
      "amazon": {
       "source": "amazon.co.uk",
       "recordedAt": "2026-09-27T02:56:46.179Z",
       "rating": 4,
       "ratings": 1277,
       "boughtLastMonth": "200+",
       "categoryRank": {
        "position": 4,
        "category": "Cat Scratcher Accessories & Parts"
       }
      },
      "buyersSay": {
       "method": "Our own summary of the reviews Amazon showed; each count is the number of reviews making the point.",
       "reviewsRead": 13,
       "readOn": "2026-09-27",
       "like": [
        {
         "text": "Cats gave up scratching the covered sofa or chair",
         "count": 10
        },
        {
         "text": "With the sofa covered, cats moved on to their scratching post",
         "count": 2
        },
        {
         "text": "Easy to cut to size and stick on",
         "count": 6
        }
       ],
       "watchOutFor": [
        {
         "text": "Does not grip every surface, microfibre and new carpet included",
         "count": 4
        },
        {
         "text": "Shows on darker furniture and can look untidy",
         "count": 2
        }
       ]
      },
      "ourName": "QianShouYan clear anti-scratch film, 5m",
      "ourTake": "Cats Protection suggests covering the area with thick, shiny plastic sheeting, which cats find unappealing to scratch, until the post takes over. This is a clear vinyl film, 0.15mm thick with adhesive on one side, sold as a 5m roll to cut to size. The listing says it is not suitable for leather or faux leather, so try a small piece on your fabric first."
     },
     "budget": null,
     "upgrade": null,
     "sources": [
      {
       "name": "Cats Protection: cats and scratching",
       "url": "https://www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/cat-behaviour/scratching",
       "checked": "2026-09-27"
      },
      {
       "name": "the product's Amazon listing"
      }
     ]
    },
    {
     "role": "Catnip to rub into the new post",
     "url": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/a-cat-scratching-the-sofa/#role-catnip",
     "quantity": "1 pouch",
     "lasts": null,
     "consumable": false,
     "lastsDays": null,
     "pick": {
      "asin": "B083V8GFSZ",
      "name": "Mew & Friends Catnip",
      "amazonTitle": "Mew & Friends Catnip - UK Grown | Premium Natural Catnip 100% Naturally Dried | Chemical Free | Extra Strong Cat Nip | New 2026 Crop | Cat Toy | Cat Treat | Gift For Cat Lovers - 30g",
      "brand": "Mew & Friends",
      "image": "https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/510j4u6FBxL._SL500_.jpg",
      "amazonUrl": "https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B083V8GFSZ?tag=whattobuyfor-21",
      "data": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/products/B083V8GFSZ.json",
      "price": {
       "amount": 5.95,
       "currency": "GBP",
       "checkedAt": "2026-10-26T07:32:29.264Z",
       "note": "Checked on Amazon UK that morning; the price at checkout on amazon.co.uk applies."
      },
      "availability": {
       "status": "IN_STOCK",
       "amazonMessage": null
      },
      "subscribeAndSave": {
       "amount": 5.35,
       "currency": "GBP"
      },
      "signal": null,
      "amazon": {
       "source": "amazon.co.uk",
       "recordedAt": "2026-09-27T02:38:36.193Z",
       "rating": 4.4,
       "ratings": 3980,
       "boughtLastMonth": "2K+",
       "categoryRank": {
        "position": 2,
        "category": "Catnip & Cat Grass"
       }
      },
      "buyersSay": {
       "method": "Our own summary of the reviews Amazon showed; each count is the number of reviews making the point.",
       "reviewsRead": 13,
       "readOn": "2026-09-27",
       "like": [
        {
         "text": "Cats that respond to catnip get lively with it fast",
         "count": 6
        },
        {
         "text": "Fresher and stronger than other brands buyers had tried",
         "count": 2
        }
       ],
       "watchOutFor": [
        {
         "text": "A few cats show little interest in it",
         "count": 2
        }
       ]
      },
      "ourName": "Mew & Friends dried catnip, 30g",
      "ourTake": "Cats Protection suggests rubbing good-quality catnip on the post, or putting a little cat food on it, to draw the cat in. This is loose dried catnip, cut fine for sprinkling on scratch posts and toys, the listing says. If your cat ignores it, Battersea suggests treats on the scratching surface or a toy dangled at the base."
     },
     "budget": null,
     "upgrade": null,
     "sources": [
      {
       "name": "Cats Protection: cats and scratching",
       "url": "https://www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/cat-behaviour/scratching",
       "checked": "2026-09-27"
      },
      {
       "name": "Battersea: how to stop my cat scratching the furniture",
       "url": "https://www.battersea.org.uk/pet-advice/cat-advice/how-stop-my-cat-scratching-furniture",
       "checked": "2026-09-27"
      },
      {
       "name": "the product's Amazon listing"
      }
     ]
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "id": "this-week",
   "label": "This week",
   "intro": null,
   "countsTowardTotal": true,
   "roles": [
    {
     "role": "A rod toy to play with at the foot of the post",
     "url": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/a-cat-scratching-the-sofa/#role-rod-toy",
     "quantity": "1 set",
     "lasts": null,
     "consumable": false,
     "lastsDays": null,
     "pick": {
      "asin": "B08G4Y3TK2",
      "name": "Bojafa Cat Toys for Indoor Cats Adult: Interactive",
      "amazonTitle": "Bojafa Cat Toys for Indoor Cats Adult: Interactive Kitten Feather Wand Toys - 15Pcs Cat Teaser Toys",
      "brand": "Bojafa",
      "image": "https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51f9ufb2wXL._SL500_.jpg",
      "amazonUrl": "https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08G4Y3TK2?tag=whattobuyfor-21",
      "data": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/products/B08G4Y3TK2.json",
      "price": {
       "amount": 10.99,
       "currency": "GBP",
       "checkedAt": "2026-10-26T07:32:29.264Z",
       "note": "Checked on Amazon UK that morning; the price at checkout on amazon.co.uk applies."
      },
      "availability": {
       "status": "IN_STOCK",
       "amazonMessage": null
      },
      "subscribeAndSave": null,
      "signal": null,
      "amazon": {
       "source": "amazon.co.uk",
       "recordedAt": "2026-09-27T02:48:41.211Z",
       "rating": 4.3,
       "ratings": 2247,
       "boughtLastMonth": "1K+",
       "categoryRank": {
        "position": 3,
        "category": "Feather Toys for Cats"
       }
      },
      "buyersSay": {
       "method": "Our own summary of the reviews Amazon showed; each count is the number of reviews making the point.",
       "reviewsRead": 8,
       "readOn": "2026-09-27",
       "like": [
        {
         "text": "Keeps cats chasing and busy for long play sessions",
         "count": 5
        },
        {
         "text": "Lots of different attachments, quick to swap over",
         "count": 5
        },
        {
         "text": "The rods extend and retract, so play can range widely",
         "count": 2
        }
       ],
       "watchOutFor": [
        {
         "text": "Attachments get torn up and leave bits around the house",
         "count": 4
        },
        {
         "text": "Rods can snap with rough, grabby players",
         "count": 3
        }
       ]
      },
      "ourName": "Bojafa rod toys, 2 rods and 13 lures",
      "ourTake": "Battersea suggests a game with a rod and string that dangles a toy around the base of the post, so the cat's claws meet the sisal. Cats Protection adds that play little and often through the day may help draw energy away from scratching. The two rods retract and reach 96cm, and the 13 lures clip on and off, the listing says."
     },
     "budget": null,
     "upgrade": null,
     "sources": [
      {
       "name": "Battersea: how to stop my cat scratching the furniture",
       "url": "https://www.battersea.org.uk/pet-advice/cat-advice/how-stop-my-cat-scratching-furniture",
       "checked": "2026-09-27"
      },
      {
       "name": "Cats Protection: cats and scratching",
       "url": "https://www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/cat-behaviour/scratching",
       "checked": "2026-09-27"
      },
      {
       "name": "the product's Amazon listing"
      }
     ]
    },
    {
     "role": "A flat cardboard scratcher for cats that scratch low",
     "url": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/a-cat-scratching-the-sofa/#role-flat-scratcher",
     "quantity": "1",
     "lasts": null,
     "consumable": false,
     "lastsDays": null,
     "pick": {
      "asin": "B07CZZSVZM",
      "name": "Cat Scratching Board",
      "amazonTitle": "Cat Scratching Board, Durable Scratch Pad, Corrugated Cardboard Cat Scratcher for Indoor Cats, Heavy Duty, Double-Sided Usability, Recyclable with Catnip, Medium, 1 Pack",
      "brand": "Coching",
      "image": "https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/5114XJ4mvqL._SL500_.jpg",
      "amazonUrl": "https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07CZZSVZM?tag=whattobuyfor-21",
      "data": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/products/B07CZZSVZM.json",
      "price": {
       "amount": 6.99,
       "currency": "GBP",
       "checkedAt": "2026-10-26T07:32:29.264Z",
       "note": "Checked on Amazon UK that morning; the price at checkout on amazon.co.uk applies."
      },
      "availability": {
       "status": "IN_STOCK",
       "amazonMessage": null
      },
      "subscribeAndSave": null,
      "signal": null,
      "amazon": {
       "source": "amazon.co.uk",
       "recordedAt": "2026-09-27T02:36:00.830Z",
       "rating": 4.3,
       "ratings": 24545,
       "boughtLastMonth": "1K+",
       "categoryRank": {
        "position": 2,
        "category": "Cat Scratching Pads"
       }
      },
      "buyersSay": {
       "method": "Our own summary of the reviews Amazon showed; each count is the number of reviews making the point.",
       "reviewsRead": 13,
       "readOn": "2026-09-27",
       "like": [
        {
         "text": "Cats take to it straight away and use it daily",
         "count": 8
        },
        {
         "text": "Draws scratching away from the sofa and other furniture",
         "count": 2
        },
        {
         "text": "Tough cardboard that lasts for months",
         "count": 4
        }
       ],
       "watchOutFor": []
      },
      "ourName": "Coching cardboard scratch pad, medium",
      "ourTake": "Some cats prefer to scratch lying flat, on carpet, stairs or the base of a sofa, and Cats Protection suggests a scratching pad for them. PDSA also recommends a variety of scratchers. This corrugated pad is 40 x 20cm and can be flipped when one side wears, the listing says. Lay it on the floor in front of the sofa."
     },
     "budget": null,
     "upgrade": null,
     "sources": [
      {
       "name": "Cats Protection: cats and scratching",
       "url": "https://www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/cat-behaviour/scratching",
       "checked": "2026-09-27"
      },
      {
       "name": "PDSA: how to stop my cat scratching",
       "url": "https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/kittens-cats/how-to-stop-my-cat-scratching",
       "checked": "2026-09-27"
      },
      {
       "name": "the product's Amazon listing"
      }
     ]
    },
    {
     "role": "A second scratcher near where the cat sleeps",
     "url": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/a-cat-scratching-the-sofa/#role-bedside-scratcher",
     "quantity": "1 per cat",
     "lasts": null,
     "consumable": false,
     "lastsDays": null,
     "pick": {
      "asin": "B0B2NKLVCS",
      "name": "FUKUMARU Cat Scratcher",
      "amazonTitle": "FUKUMARU Cat Scratcher, 68 cm L Shape Cat Scratch Pad Wall Mounted, Cat Scratching Cardboard with Ball Toy for Indoor Cats",
      "brand": "FUKUMARU",
      "image": "https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/511IFGB39eL._SL500_.jpg",
      "amazonUrl": "https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0B2NKLVCS?tag=whattobuyfor-21",
      "data": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/products/B0B2NKLVCS.json",
      "price": {
       "amount": 19.99,
       "currency": "GBP",
       "checkedAt": "2026-10-26T07:32:29.264Z",
       "note": "Checked on Amazon UK that morning; the price at checkout on amazon.co.uk applies."
      },
      "availability": {
       "status": "IN_STOCK",
       "amazonMessage": null
      },
      "subscribeAndSave": null,
      "signal": null,
      "amazon": {
       "source": "amazon.co.uk",
       "recordedAt": "2026-09-27T02:21:49.988Z",
       "rating": 4.3,
       "ratings": 16736,
       "boughtLastMonth": "500+",
       "categoryRank": {
        "position": 1,
        "category": "Cat Scratching Pads"
       }
      },
      "buyersSay": {
       "method": "Our own summary of the reviews Amazon showed; each count is the number of reviews making the point.",
       "reviewsRead": 13,
       "readOn": "2026-09-27",
       "like": [
        {
         "text": "Most cats start scratching it the moment it goes down",
         "count": 4
        },
        {
         "text": "The trapped ball in the curve keeps cats busy between scratches",
         "count": 3
        },
        {
         "text": "Draws scratching away from walls and wallpaper",
         "count": 2
        }
       ],
       "watchOutFor": [
        {
         "text": "The cardboard wears down quickly and sheds flakes on the floor",
         "count": 7
        },
        {
         "text": "It only leans against the wall, so it can slide or tip in use",
         "count": 2
        }
       ]
      },
      "ourName": "FUKUMARU L-shaped scratcher, 68cm",
      "ourTake": "Cats often scratch and stretch when they wake up, so Cats Protection suggests a post near the bed, and says every cat should have its own, in a different place. This cardboard scratcher is 68 x 42 x 29cm and leans against a wall, so the cat can scratch upright or lie on it, the listing says. With two cats, Battersea asks for at least one each."
     },
     "budget": null,
     "upgrade": null,
     "sources": [
      {
       "name": "Cats Protection: cats and scratching",
       "url": "https://www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/cat-behaviour/scratching",
       "checked": "2026-09-27"
      },
      {
       "name": "Battersea: how to stop my cat scratching the furniture",
       "url": "https://www.battersea.org.uk/pet-advice/cat-advice/how-stop-my-cat-scratching-furniture",
       "checked": "2026-09-27"
      },
      {
       "name": "the product's Amazon listing"
      }
     ]
    }
   ]
  }
 ],
 "totals": {
  "today": {
   "amount": 83,
   "currency": "GBP",
   "itemsPriced": 6,
   "itemsMissingPrice": 0
  },
  "monthlyRunningCost": null
 },
 "canWait": [
  {
   "what": "A cat tree",
   "why": "Battersea says tall scratching furniture must be rigid and may need a bracket to the wall. Start with the post by the sofa, and add a tree once you know where your cat likes to scratch."
  },
  {
   "what": "Claw clippers",
   "why": "Cats Protection says a young, active cat is unlikely to need its claws trimmed at all. Older or less mobile cats may; if so, use clippers made for cats, never human ones, which can split the claw."
  }
 ],
 "skip": [
  {
   "what": "Short or wobbly scratching posts",
   "why": "PDSA and Cats Protection both say a post must be stable and tall enough for the cat to stretch its whole body. Cats Protection says cats pick furniture that is sturdy or tall enough to grip and dig their claws into."
  },
  {
   "what": "Claw caps and nail covers",
   "why": "Cats Protection says claw caps stop a cat retracting its claws and stop it scratching, which is natural behaviour. It suggests a post near the furniture instead."
  },
  {
   "what": "Spray bottles, pet correctors and anything used to punish",
   "why": "Battersea says it is very important not to punish a cat for scratching furniture, because scratching is a perfectly normal behaviour."
  },
  {
   "what": "Pheromone sprays and diffusers",
   "why": "They are sold on calming claims, which this site does not cover. If the scratching seems linked to stress, Battersea suggests asking your vet about a referral to a behaviour specialist."
  }
 ],
 "questions": [
  {
   "question": "How do I stop my cat scratching the sofa?",
   "answer": "Give the cat a better place to scratch, right where it scratches now. Cats Protection says to put a tall, stable post next to the damaged area, cover that part of the sofa with thick, shiny plastic, and praise the cat when it uses the post while ignoring scratching elsewhere. Once the post is in regular use, move it gradually to a better spot and take the plastic off."
  },
  {
   "question": "Why does my cat scratch the sofa when it has a post?",
   "answer": "Usually because the sofa is the better scratch. Cats Protection says cats choose furniture that is sturdy or tall enough to get a good grip, so a short or wobbly post loses to a solid sofa arm. Battersea says to put the post where the cat spends a lot of time or near where it has already scratched."
  },
  {
   "question": "Why is my cat scratching our new sofa?",
   "answer": "A new sofa smells strange to a cat, PDSA says, so it may scratch to leave its own scent. PDSA suggests putting cardboard around the spots it is most likely to scratch for a while, with sturdy posts nearby as the alternative."
  },
  {
   "question": "Do claw caps stop a cat scratching furniture?",
   "answer": "They stop the scratching, but Cats Protection advises against them. It says caps mean a cat can no longer retract its claws and stop a natural behaviour. Its advice is a scratching post placed near the furniture the cat prefers."
  },
  {
   "question": "Is scratching all over the house a sign of stress?",
   "answer": "It can be. Cats Protection says a cat scratching in many places, including windows and doors, is likely scratching to communicate and may feel insecure. Battersea suggests asking your vet for a referral to a behaviour specialist if the scratching seems linked to stress."
  }
 ],
 "sources": [
  {
   "name": "Cats Protection: cats and scratching",
   "url": null,
   "checked": "2026-09-27"
  },
  {
   "name": "Cats Protection: how to trim cat claws",
   "url": null,
   "checked": "2026-09-27"
  },
  {
   "name": "PDSA: how to stop my cat scratching",
   "url": "https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/kittens-cats/how-to-stop-my-cat-scratching",
   "checked": "2026-09-27"
  },
  {
   "name": "Battersea: how to stop my cat scratching the furniture",
   "url": "https://www.battersea.org.uk/pet-advice/cat-advice/how-stop-my-cat-scratching-furniture",
   "checked": "2026-09-27"
  }
 ],
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