Yes—when a cat scratches one part of the sofa, put a suitable scratcher immediately beside that exact area. The alternative needs to compete on location, orientation, height, texture and stability, not merely exist somewhere in the room.
Match the function of the sofa
Notice whether the cat scratches an upright corner, a horizontal seat edge or fabric near a route. Provide an alternative that permits the same posture and full stretch. A short, wobbling post is unlikely to replace a tall, solid sofa arm for a large cat.
Make the preferred choice easy
Secure the scratcher so it cannot tip or slide and place it close enough to intercept the existing approach. Reward investigation with calm praise or a small treat from the daily allowance. Never shout, spray water or force the paws onto the surface.
Protect the sofa during learning
Use a pet-safe temporary cover or furniture protector while keeping the scratcher accessible. Avoid strong fragrances or essential oils. Once the cat uses the alternative reliably, move it only a few centimetres at a time—and stop moving it if sofa scratching returns.
Choose by usable height and base
The Scratch Central is a sisal post with a wooden base. Check its current dimensions against your cat’s stretch and the available floor area. One product may need to be paired with a horizontal scratcher if the sofa receives both types of use.
Sources and further reading
Guidance checked 13 September 2026.
