My Happy Pet Team
If your cat keeps scratching your sofa no matter how many times you say “no,” you are not alone. Scratching is not misbehaviour. It is communication. It helps cats stretch their muscles, mark their territory, and relieve tension. The problem is that your furniture just happens to feel perfect for it.
The trick is not to stop the behaviour, but to guide it.
Start by giving your cat a better option, not just any post or toy. Cats are picky about where and what they scratch. The surface needs to be tall enough for a full stretch, firm enough for resistance, and textured in a way that feels satisfying. Most small scratching posts are too short or too wobbly, which is why they often get ignored.
Placement matters just as much as design. Put the scratcher near the area your cat already targets, not in a random corner of the room. Cats scratch where they spend time and where you are, such as near the sofa, near the window, or close to their favourite nap spot. When they choose the right place, praise them gently or give a small treat. Positive feedback teaches them faster than any “no.”
You can also make your furniture less appealing while they adjust. Use a throw, a deterrent spray, or simply cover the corners they love most. The goal is to make the right choice easier, not to punish the wrong one. Within a few days of consistent setup, most cats start using their scratcher naturally.
At My Happy Pet, we designed the Kitty Loop with these habits in mind. It is tall enough for a full stretch, stable enough not to tip, and textured to invite healthy scratching. It is about creating the right environment, not fighting instincts.
When you understand what your cat needs, your furniture finally gets a break and your cat gets a habit that feels just right.