Why this basket
- 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.
Today
Put a post where the damage is and cover the damaged patch.
A tall, heavy-based post right next to the sofa
Feandrea sisal post, 85cm, wide base
4.8 on Amazon · 1,269 ratings · 100+ bought last month · #8 in Cat Scratching Posts · recorded 27 Sept 2026
Limited time deal
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.
What buyers say
Buyers like
- Solid and steady, even when large cats climb or swing on it(9 of 13 reviews)
- Tall enough for big breeds to stretch out fully(7 of 13 reviews)
- Most found it quick to put together(5 of 13 reviews)
Watch out for
- Fitting the heavy base is easier with a second person(2 of 13 reviews)
Our summary of the 13 reviews Amazon showed on 27 Sept 2026, counted by us.
More about this pick
- Size
- about 85 x 50 x 40 cm
- Weight
- 5.1 kg
- Material
- Engineered Wood
- Made for
- small cats
- In the box
- Cat Scratching Post, Accessory Kit, Instructions
From the Amazon listing, recorded 27 Sept 2026. Sizes are the listing's own.
Price: we have checked it on 31 days; Amazon showed a discount of 10% or more on 23 of them, including today.
Also recommended on: a new cat owner, Scratching post or cat tree?.
Clear plastic sheeting over the scratched spot
QianShouYan clear anti-scratch film, 5m
4.0 on Amazon · 1,277 ratings · 200+ bought last month · #4 in Cat Scratcher Accessories & Parts · recorded 27 Sept 2026
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.
What buyers say
Buyers like
- Cats gave up scratching the covered sofa or chair(10 of 13 reviews)
- With the sofa covered, cats moved on to their scratching post(2 of 13 reviews)
- Easy to cut to size and stick on(6 of 13 reviews)
Watch out for
- Does not grip every surface, microfibre and new carpet included(4 of 13 reviews)
- Shows on darker furniture and can look untidy(2 of 13 reviews)
Our summary of the 13 reviews Amazon showed on 27 Sept 2026, counted by us.
More about this pick
- Weight
- 500 g
- Material
- Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
- Made for
- large, medium, small cats
- In the box
- 1 roll of scratch protection cat tape
- Care
- No special care required, clean it as desired.
From the Amazon listing, recorded 27 Sept 2026. Sizes are the listing's own.
Price: we have checked it on 31 days; Amazon showed a discount of 10% or more on 2 of them.
Catnip to rub into the new post
Mew & Friends dried catnip, 30g
4.4 on Amazon · 3,980 ratings · 2K+ bought last month · #2 in Catnip & Cat Grass · recorded 27 Sept 2026
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.
What buyers say
Buyers like
- Cats that respond to catnip get lively with it fast(6 of 13 reviews)
- Fresher and stronger than other brands buyers had tried(2 of 13 reviews)
Watch out for
- A few cats show little interest in it(2 of 13 reviews)
Our summary of the 13 reviews Amazon showed on 27 Sept 2026, counted by us.
More about this pick
- Weight
- 40 g
From the Amazon listing, recorded 27 Sept 2026. Sizes are the listing's own.
Price: we have checked it on 31 days; Amazon showed no discount of 10% or more on any of them.
This week
A rod toy to play with at the foot of the post
Bojafa rod toys, 2 rods and 13 lures
4.3 on Amazon · 2,247 ratings · 1K+ bought last month · #3 in Feather Toys for Cats · recorded 27 Sept 2026
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.
What buyers say
Buyers like
- Keeps cats chasing and busy for long play sessions(5 of 8 reviews)
- Lots of different attachments, quick to swap over(5 of 8 reviews)
- The rods extend and retract, so play can range widely(2 of 8 reviews)
Watch out for
- Attachments get torn up and leave bits around the house(4 of 8 reviews)
- Rods can snap with rough, grabby players(3 of 8 reviews)
Our summary of the 8 reviews Amazon showed on 27 Sept 2026, counted by us.
More about this pick
- Size
- about 40 x 10 x 3 cm
- Material
- Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene
- Pack
- pack of 15
- Made for
- cats
From the Amazon listing, recorded 27 Sept 2026. Sizes are the listing's own.
Price: we have checked it on 31 days; Amazon showed no discount of 10% or more on any of them.
A flat cardboard scratcher for cats that scratch low
Coching cardboard scratch pad, medium
4.3 on Amazon · 24,545 ratings · 1K+ bought last month · #2 in Cat Scratching Pads · recorded 27 Sept 2026
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.
What buyers say
Buyers like
- Cats take to it straight away and use it daily(8 of 13 reviews)
- Draws scratching away from the sofa and other furniture(2 of 13 reviews)
- Tough cardboard that lasts for months(4 of 13 reviews)
Our summary of the 13 reviews Amazon showed on 27 Sept 2026, counted by us.
More about this pick
- Size
- about 40 x 20 x 5.3 cm
- Weight
- 170 g
- Material
- Cardboard
- Made for
- medium cats
- In the box
- Cat scratching pad
- Care
- Spot clean only. Keep indoors.
From the Amazon listing, recorded 27 Sept 2026. Sizes are the listing's own.
Price: we have checked it on 31 days; Amazon showed a discount of 10% or more on 24 of them, including today.
A second scratcher near where the cat sleeps
FUKUMARU L-shaped scratcher, 68cm
4.3 on Amazon · 16,736 ratings · 500+ bought last month · #1 in Cat Scratching Pads · recorded 27 Sept 2026
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.
What buyers say
Buyers like
- Most cats start scratching it the moment it goes down(4 of 13 reviews)
- The trapped ball in the curve keeps cats busy between scratches(3 of 13 reviews)
- Draws scratching away from walls and wallpaper(2 of 13 reviews)
Watch out for
- The cardboard wears down quickly and sheds flakes on the floor(7 of 13 reviews)
- It only leans against the wall, so it can slide or tip in use(2 of 13 reviews)
Our summary of the 13 reviews Amazon showed on 27 Sept 2026, counted by us.
More about this pick
- Size
- about 68 x 42 x 29 cm
- Weight
- 450 g
- Material
- Cardboard, Wood
- Made for
- large cats
- Care
- Keep in a Dry Place
From the Amazon listing, recorded 27 Sept 2026. Sizes are the listing's own.
Price: we have checked it on 31 days; Amazon showed a discount of 10% or more on 4 of them.
Also recommended on: a cat.
Can wait
- A cat tree. 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.
- Claw clippers. 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 it
- SkipShort or wobbly scratching postsPDSA 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.
- SkipClaw caps and nail coversCats 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.
- SkipSpray bottles, pet correctors and anything used to punishBattersea says it is very important not to punish a cat for scratching furniture, because scratching is a perfectly normal behaviour.
- SkipPheromone sprays and diffusersThey 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.
Quick questions
How do I stop my cat scratching the sofa?
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.
Why does my cat scratch the sofa when it has a post?
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.
Why is my cat scratching our new sofa?
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.
Do claw caps stop a cat scratching furniture?
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.
Is scratching all over the house a sign of stress?
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: Cats Protection: cats and scratching (checked 27 September 2026); Cats Protection: how to trim cat claws (checked 27 September 2026); PDSA: how to stop my cat scratching (checked 27 September 2026); Battersea: how to stop my cat scratching the furniture (checked 27 September 2026).
