New Couch, Meet Cat: How to keep the peace (and the upholstery)

By KJ McGlinn, The Kitty Correspondent & Founder of the SuPURR Cat Parent Society | Helping cat parents create calmer homes and closer bonds with their cats — one purr at a time.

I’ll be honest — any time a new piece of furniture crosses my front door, my first thought is “Will the cats think I just brought home the world’s largest scratching post?”

After living with seven feline furniture critics, I’ve tried it all — fancy sprays, scratching post bribery, even dramatic “NO!”s that made us both feel bad. Over the years, I’ve learned that the secret isn’t just stopping them from scratching… it’s giving them better, more tempting options from the start. And doing it with patience, treats, and a little humor.

Here’s my go-to method for introducing new furniture without turning it into shredded modern art.

1️⃣ Prep Before the Big Reveal

Before delivery day, I scout out where the new piece will go and make sure there are scratching options nearby. Not in another room, not across the house — right there. A brand new scratcher to go with the brand new couch!

• A tall sisal post for the stretchers.

• A flat cardboard scratcher for the loungers.

• Something with carpet or softer texture for variety.

SuPURR Tip: Sprinkle a little catnip or silvervine. Think of it as decorating… for them. It coaxes them to scratch where you want them to!

2️⃣ Blanket Armor for the Win

My #1 trick? Throw blankets over the corners and arm rests for the first couple weeks. Not only does it protect the high-risk zones, but it gives the cats a safe way to explore without me getting twitchy every time they hop up.

Bonus: It’s a great excuse to add a cozy pop of color (or three) to the room.

3️⃣ Keep Treats Handy — Always

I keep a small jar of their favorite treats within arm’s reach when I’m in the room. Why? Because the second I see a curious paw reach for the couch, I can cheerfully redirect them to a scratching post and immediately reward them for using it.

They quickly learn: 

➡ Scratching couch = boring. 

➡ Scratching this thing next to the couch = jackpot.

4️⃣ No Drama, Just Redirection

The first few days are for exploring — not scolding. Cats are naturally curious, and they need to give this “new thing” a thorough sniff and walk-around. I stay calm, redirect if needed, and praise every choice they make that isn’t digging claws into my investment.

5️⃣ Make the Good Stuff Irresistible

I refresh their scratching spots often — replace worn pads, rotate toys nearby, even change locations if one isn’t getting attention. Scratching posts aren’t décor for me, they’re décor for us.

🐾 Final Thought

Bringing new furniture home with cats isn’t about “winning” against them — it’s about creating a space where they feel at home too.

Yes, you might have a few blankets draped over your brand-new armrests for a while. Yes, you might find yourself crouched on the floor mid-evening praising your cat for scratching cardboard like they’ve just solved world peace. But I promise — the peace (and your upholstery) is worth it.

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🐾 Want more real-life cat tips and connection tools? Join my SuPURR Cat Parent Society — where your cat’s happiness meets your peace of mind. Go to supurrsociety.com