How to Stop a Cat Scratching Furniture: Posts, Pads and Placement

The short answer

Cats scratch to keep claws in shape, stretch and leave scent, so the aim is redirection, not stopping. Offer a scratcher that matches how your cat scratches (upright on a tall, heavy post or flat on a pad or ramp), put it right next to the furniture it's using, and make the furniture less appealing for a few weeks.

Match the scratching style

Scratchers we cover (seller's dimensions)
Scratcher	Height	Longest side
MidWest Feline Nuvo Grand Forte Post 135F	41 in	19 in
Cat Craft 41 in Plush Scratching Post 402301	41.73 in	19.25 in
SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post 3832	32 in	16 in
PAWSCRAT 32 in Thick Sisal Post	7 in	15 in
Karolpar 34 in Wide Sisal Post YY101	34 in	15.8 in
PetFusion Jumbo Cat Scratcher Lounge PF-CLL1	39 in	14 in
FUKUMARU L-Shaped Cat Scratcher ST01	11.5 in	26.8 in
CHEERHOME PETS Sisal Scratcher Ramp S00701	24.8 in	14.5 in
SREBAY Self-Adhesive Couch Scratch Pad	0.2 in	78.7 in

Placement

Put the scratcher directly in front of the scratched spot, then move it a little at a time.
Add scratchers by doors and beds: cats scratch after waking and when greeting.
Rub catnip on it or drag a wand toy across it.
Praise or treat when your cat uses it.

Protect the sofa meanwhile

Cover the scratched area so it's less satisfying. A stick-on scratch mat such as SREBAY turns the sofa arm into an approved surface; a leaning ramp like CHEERHOME PETS S00701 can stand in front of it.

Posts that work

A post must be tall and heavy enough for a full stretch without wobbling. SmartCat Ultimate is the long-standing favorite; MidWest Grand Forte suits big cats.

SafetyNever punish scratching; it teaches a cat to scratch when you're not there.