You bought a scratcher. Your cat walked past it and went straight for the sofa.

Sound familiar? In a Reddit thread about protecting a new couch, owners shared mixed results with furniture tape and scratching posts. Having a scratcher nearby doesn’t always settle it.

Before buying another, watch what your cat does. The spot, angle, and stability may explain why the couch keeps winning.

Match the stretch.

Does your cat reach up the sofa arm or dig into the rug? Offer an upright surface for the first habit and a flat pad for the second. Cats Protection recommends a stable scratcher with enough height for a full stretch, or a horizontal pad for cats that prefer scratching flat surfaces.

Check for wobble.

Your couch stays put. A scratcher that rocks or slides offers a different experience. Watch it during use and check that its base stays steady on your flooring.

Put it at the scene of the crime.

Start beside the exact corner your cat targets. A scratcher across the room may be convenient for you, but it’s away from their chosen spot. Once they’re using it regularly, move it gradually if needed.

Make the new habit rewarding.

Praise your cat when they use the scratcher. Protect the sofa’s favorite scratching patch while they learn; Cats Protection suggests a smooth protective covering. Give the new setup time before deciding it hasn’t worked.

Make room for it in your home.

A scratcher beside the sofa becomes part of the room. Choose a shape that suits your cat’s stretch, then a color and design you enjoy seeing every day.

That’s the appeal of a thoughtfully chosen cat scratcher: a useful place for your cat to dig in, and a piece that feels at home next to your furniture.

Start with one change today. Move the scratcher to that favorite sofa corner and watch what happens.