Scratching is an essential part of daily life for a cat, it’s also important for their physical and mental health. For us, the trick is to teach them where they can scratch and what’s off-limits (for example, the couch!). Luckily for us there are lots of training tools and deterrents available to help with this process – scratch guards for couches are one of them!

Photo by ©Nils Jacobi via Canva.com
8 Best Scratch Guards for Couches
For some of the best scratch guard and furniture protector options around, check out 8 of the best scratch guards for couches below (according to enthusiastic Amazon reviewers!);
1. PRIMENS Heavy Duty Cat Scratch Furniture Protector
PRIMENS via Amazon
With over 1,600 Amazon 5-star ratings, the Primens Heavy Duty Cat Scratch Furniture Protectors are a fan favorite for many (just don’t use them on faux or real leather).
- 100% transparent
- Firm yet flexible scratch-proof plastic
- Self-adhesive backing with no residue
- Includes 10 XLarge 12"x17" sheets
- Packed flat for easy application
- 60 twist pins also included for extra fixation
- Not recommended for faux or real leather
2. SOFA-SCRATCHER Couch Corner/Furniture Protector
SOFA-SCRATCHER via Amazon
Perfect for redirecting your cat’s scratching to a more appropriate surface without damaging your couch, Sofa-Scratcher scratch posts are highly sought after among the cat parent community and are a great alternative to adhesive furniture shields (meaning they’re also a great option for leather sofa owners).
- Sisal covered scratch post for furniture
- Corner-shaped design with ultra-thin base
- Encourages positive, healthy scratching behavior
- Ideal for 90-degree front/rear couch corners
- 9 Neutral colors available
- Hand-made in the USA
- Fits most sofas
- Not suitable for recliners
3. SOFA-SCRATCHER Scratch Post Furniture Protector
SOFA-SCRATCHER via Amazon
Like the corner furniture scratch post above from Sofa-Scratcher, the contoured option (also from Sofa-Scratcher) is perfect for wide or rounded couch corners and is a great alternative to adhesive furniture shield options.
- Sisal covered scratch post for furniture
- Contoured design with ultra-thin base
- Encourages positive, healthy scratching behavior
- Ideal for wide or rounded couch corners
- 9 Neutral colors available
- Hand-made in the USA
- Fits most sofas
- Not suitable for recliners
4. PANTHER ARMOR Premium Vinyl Sheets Furniture Protectors for Cats
PANTHER ARMOR via Amazon
Similar to the Primens furniture shields above, the Premium Vinyl Sheets from Panther Armor are strong, yet flexible, with one enthusiastic Amazon reviewer even describing them as a “life saver” in her multi-cat household.
- 100% transparent
- Flexible, premium vinyl sheets
- Self-adhesive backing with no damage
- Includes 4 large + 4 X-large sheets
- Packed flat for easy application
- 64 twist pins also included for extra anchoring
- Easily customizable
- Manufacturer says these are 'leather-friendly', however, multiple reviewers claim they are not
5. SOFISTI-CAT Cat Scratch Deterrent Tape
SOFISTI-CAT via Amazon
Perfect for teaching your cat where NOT to scratch, this double-sided cat deterrent tape is safe for 95% of upholstery fabrics and is super affordable. One Amazon reviewer said that this tape “immediately stopped my cats from scratching up the furniture”.
- 100% transparent
- Double-sided (sticky) adhesive tape
- Teaches cats where not to scratch
- Safe for 95% of upholstery fabrics
- Ideal for sofa arms and front panels
- Budget-friendly price
- Not suitable for use on bonded or faux leather
6. STELUCCA AMAZING SHIELDS Cat Scratch Deterrent
STELUCCA AMAZING SHILEDS via Amazon
One enthusiastic Amazon reviewer has described the Stelucca Amazing Shields as the “perfect clear protectors”. They’re also super easy to customize.
- 100% transparent
- Strong yet flexible scratch-proof plastic
- Self-adhesive backing
- 6 or 10 XLarge 12"x17" sheets
- Packed flat for easy application
- Optional twist pins also included
- Easily customizable
- Not recommended for faux or real leather
7. KARASENO Anti Cat Scratch Training Tape
KARASENO via Amazon
Another cat-friendly training tape brand at an affordable price, Karaseno Anti Cat Scratch Training Tape is a great option for the budget-concious cat parent.
- 100% transparent
- Double-sided (sticky) adhesive tape
- Teaches cats where not to scratch
- Generous width, 3" x 30 yards
- Budget-friendly price
- Not suitable for faux or genuine leather
8. PANTHER ARMOR Premium Tape Sheets Cat Training Tape
PANTHER ARMOR via Amazon
Finally, Panther Armor’s premium tape sheets work in a similar fashion to the traditional double-sided tape options above, however, they cover a MUCH larger area, making them super economical and quick to apply. One enthusiastic Amazon reviewer even described them as a “miracle product” for cat owners.
- 100% transparent
- Double-sided (sticky) tape sheets
- Trains cat where not to scratch
- Strong residue-free adhesive
- Packed flat for easy application
- Multiple pack and sheet sizes to choose from
- Easily customizable
- Not recommended for microfiber, velvet, faux or real leather
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