Upon returning home after a long day, many cat owners are met with subtle yet unmistakable signs of their pet’s activity: threads pulled from the carpet, curtains gently swaying, and fur scattered across the floor.
For those who share their homes with cats, the wear and tear caused by scratching and shedding is a common challenge. Carpets may become damaged, and fur can accumulate, impacting both the appearance and cleanliness of living spaces.
However, this guide aims to assist you in choosing carpets that offer durability, resistance to scratching, and ease of maintenance without compromising style.
Why Do Cats Scratch Furniture and Furnishings?
Scratching isn’t bad behaviour. It’s biology. Cats scratch to mark territory, stretch muscles, shed old claw sheaths, and relieve stress. They often go for textured or vertical surfaces, and in the eyes of a cat, your flooring is (unfortunately for you) a five-star feline scratching destination.
- Carpets are often ground zero when your cat wants to stretch, sprint, or dig. Loop piles in particular, are like a climbing wall for claws.
It’s important to realise that you can’t stop their instinct. But you can redirect it, and protect your home in the process. Here’s how.
Best Carpet Types for Cats That Scratch
Not all carpets are created equal. If you’re selecting new flooring or evaluating whether your current carpet can withstand the wear and tear of an active cat, here’s what you need to know:
- Start with cut-pile carpets. These are your safest bet in a feline-filled home. With no loops for claws to snag, cut pile styles are naturally more forgiving, even when your cat treats the hallway like a racetrack. Check out our range of cut pile carpets here.
- Then choose your fibre wisely. Triexta, SmartStrand, and solution-dyed nylon are standout choices — all known for their resilience, stain resistance and ability to bounce back from the everyday chaos your feline can bring.
- For the ultimate pet-friendly option, consider Rhino Original from Carpet Court. It’s powered by Forever Clean™ fibre that resists stains and odours from the inside out, plus an All Pet Warranty that covers accidental damage caused by all kinds of claws.
- What to avoid? Loop pile carpets, especially in wool. They might look luxurious, but one curious claw can start an unraveling event that’s hard to stop. Better to leave those for the cat-free corners of the house.
Pro tip: Have a chat with your local Carpet Court team, they’ll help you understand fibre resilience, cleaning tolerances, and the best options for your cat’s quirks. And if you’re worried about fur or the odd claw mark, darker tones and subtle textures can help keep things looking tidy. But sometimes it’s not just the floor that Mrs Mittens is eyeing up…
How to Stop Cats Scratching Furniture (Without Punishment)
If your furniture’s getting clawed, your cat likely doesn’t have a better option. It’s not misbehaviour, it’s just unmet instinct. The real solution isn’t punishment, it’s redirection. Here’s how to do it effectively:
- Place scratching posts or horizontal pads right next to the spots they already love to claw. Don’t hide them in a corner, meet the mess where it starts.
- Choose the right texture: Sisal, cardboard, and rough fabric are far more appealing than old carpet offcuts.
- Use catnip or pheromone sprays to lure your feline into good habits.
- Try gentle deterrents: Double-sided tape or safe scents (like citrus or lavender water) can help keep claws off furnishings.
- Trim their nails regularly or ask your vet about soft nail caps.
- Offer vertical territory: Cat towers, shelves or window perches can help turn climbers into perchers.
Expert insight: Many people place scratching posts too far from the action. A more effective approach is to position them exactly where your cat tends to scratch most frequently. While scratching is an instinctive behaviour that won’t disappear, it can be successfully redirected with the right setup, potentially saving your furniture in the process. And if damage has already occurred, here’s how to address it:
Cleaning Tips for Cat Hair, Smells and Accidents
Even the most angelic cats leave behind a bit of chaos: Here’s how to keep your home looking (and smelling) fresh, without turning into a full-time cleaner.
Carpet
- Use a rubber squeegee or pet-specific brush to loosen hair before vacuuming. It’s a simple, effective technique our team recommends often.
- Clean minor stains quickly with wool-safe detergent (or warm water and dish soap for synthetics). You can follow our in-depth carpet cleaning guide for pet mess.
- For lingering odours or deeper refreshes, schedule a professional clean once a year, especially if you share your home with more than one fluffball.
Cat-Proofing Is Possible — And We’re Here to Help
You don’t have to tiptoe around your own home, wondering what your cats claws will claim next. With a few smart swaps combined with expert advice, you can create a space that’s stylish, cat-friendly, and built to last.
So pop into your nearest Carpet Court or reach out to chat with our team for expert help on:
- Choosing a claw-resistant carpet that still feels soft underfoot
We’ve worked with all kinds of pets and all kinds of homes. We know what holds up, and what doesn’t. And we’re here to help you.
— The Carpet Court Team
