How to Use a Cat Scratcher to Save Your Furniture

By The Pets Larder | Published: 2026-10-23

Category: How-to Guides

Learn how to train your cat to use a scratching pad and stop clawing your sofa. Step-by-step guide with tips for the FUKUMARU L shape cat scratcher.

Quick answer

Place a sturdy cat scratcher near the furniture your cat targets, then use positive reinforcement to redirect their claws.

Why cats scratch furniture (and how to redirect it)

Cats scratch to mark territory, stretch muscles, and maintain claw health. They often choose furniture because it's stable and located in high-traffic areas. The key is to offer an appealing alternative—like a scratching pad—and make the old spot less attractive.

Choosing the right scratcher matters

Not all scratchers are equal. A flat pad might not satisfy a cat that likes to stretch upward. An L shape scratcher, like the FUKUMARU Cat Scratcher, gives both vertical and horizontal surfaces, which suits most cats' natural scratching angles. Its corrugated cardboard is also a texture many cats prefer over carpet or sisal.

Step-by-step training guide

Step 1: Place the scratcher in the problem zone: Put the scratching pad right next to the furniture your cat is targeting. Cats are creatures of habit, so the new option must be more convenient than the old spot. If possible, use the wall-mount feature of the FUKUMARU scratcher to keep it stable. Checkpoint: After 2–3 days, if your cat still uses the furniture, move the scratcher closer to their favorite scratching spot.
Step 2: Make the old spot less appealing: Cover the scratched area of the furniture with a smooth material like packing tape or a plastic carpet runner, sticky side up. Cats dislike the texture and will seek an alternative. Common mistake: Avoid using double-sided tape on delicate fabrics—test on a hidden area first.
Step 3: Lure your cat to the scratcher: Use catnip or a dangling toy (the FUKUMARU includes a ball toy) to draw your cat's attention to the pad. Gently guide their paws in a scratching motion. Checkpoint: If your cat ignores the scratcher, sprinkle a pinch of catnip on the pad daily for the first week.
Step 4: Reward every use: Immediately give a treat, praise, or play session when your cat scratches the pad. Positive reinforcement builds the habit faster than punishment, which can cause stress and more scratching. Common mistake: Do not scold or spray your cat—this often makes them scratch more out of anxiety.
Step 5: Gradually move the scratcher to a permanent spot: After 1–2 weeks of consistent use, start moving the pad a few inches each day toward its final location. If your cat returns to the furniture, move the scratcher back and slow down the transition. Checkpoint: Place the scratcher in a room where your cat spends the most time—not hidden in a corner.

Product spotlight

FUKUMARU Cat Scratcher, Small L Shape: The FUKUMARU Small Inch L Shape Cat Scratcher is wall-mountable and includes a ball toy for indoor cats. It measures 47.5 x 42 x 24.5 cm with 4 cm thick cardboard. The L shape lets your cat scratch vertically and horizontally in one product, and the wall-mount option keeps it stable—two reasons cats prefer it over furniture.
FUKUMARU Cat Scratcher, Small L Shape