Cats scratch furniture because it is normal cat behavior. Scratching helps remove the old outer sheath from the claws, stretches the body, and marks territory with scent and visual signals. It is not revenge, spite, or a behavioral mystery.
The fix is to make the right surface easier to use than the couch. ASPCA recommends a sturdy scratching post at least three feet high, stable enough not to wobble, and covered with a rough material such as sisal, burlap, or tree bark. Put it near the furniture your cat already targets, trim claws every two to three weeks, and reward the cat for using the post. Temporary deterrents on the sofa can help, but the replacement scratching spot matters more than punishment.
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