Scratching is a natural behavior for cats. - This isn't exactly a revelation, since you probably have the evidence everywhere--in the tattered corners of your sofa, the shredded drapes, your frayed nerves. Though Kitty's natural propensity for scratching may not be big news, it is a fact that you'll need to take into account if you're to make any headway in winning the battle to keep her from scratching in places you consider undesirable.

You can't keep your cat from scratching. - What you can do is stop her from scratching those items you value and want to keep in their relatively pristine state. Provide your cat with an appropriate scratching post. - Since your cat brings you so much joy, you decide to buy her the softest, prettiest and most luxurious scratching post you can find. You take it home and your feline friend gives you a blank stare and walks away. This activates your parental guidance mechanism and you decide to show her how to use the post by taking her front paws and making scratching motions at the post. She of course struggles till she gets free of you and then treats you with utter disdain for the rest of the day.

A word about punishment--Don't do it! - Cats don't understand physical punishment. In addition to it being wrong to hit your cat, punishment simply doesn't work and is likely to make your situation worse. Clever though Kitty is about many things, she won't understand that you're punishing her for scratching the couch. She will only compute that sometimes when you catch her she is treated badly. This may make her insecure and stimulate her to scratch more or develop other undesirable behavior problems.

Eventually you will break the trust and security that is the basis for your cat's relationship with you, and you will find it very difficult to catch her for any reason at all.

Marking their territory - Scratching is a territorial instinct by which cats place their mark and establish their turf. Through scratching, cats mark their domains with more than just visible signs of claw marks. Cat's paws also have scent glands that leave their own special scent on their territory.

And this is why they mark the most visible portions of your house. It's Kitty's way of adding her own personal touch to your (and her) home. Her version of interior decorating.

Exercise - Scratching also serves to keep your cat in shape. The act of scratching stretches and pulls and works the muscles of a cat's front quarters--a cross between a feline gym workout and Kitty Yoga.

Sheer pleasure - Hey! It feels good to scratch.

So give up the idea of reforming Kitty's desire to scratch. Rechannel her into scratching where you want her to. You'll both be happier.

This scratch post is ideal for keeping your cats from scratching up your furniture. Carpeted design feels great on your cat’s paws and can be used both horizontally or vertically. Special catnip oils are used to entice your cat to come back for more.
Couch Protector Scratch Post

Cats need a scratching post that will allow them to get a full stretch. The 32" post height allows the cat to stretch vertically while using the post (important for territorial marking purposes and for toning muscles). The finest materials and workmanship guarantee the scratching post will remain attractive and useful for years.
Ultimate Scratching Post

Bootsie Combination Scratcher. It is very important for a cat to have a durable scratching post. Cats need a scratching post to help them tone their muscles, to remove old nail sheaths from their claws and to help relieve stress. The Bootsie Scratcher is made from woven sisal which is much more durable than wound sisal. This means that you will get much more use out of your scratching post.
Bootsie Combination Scratcher

Does your cat scratch your door? Omega Paw has created the Door Hanging Scratchy Pad to offer your cat a more attractive alternative. The Scratchy Pad can be hung on any style door knob and is made of durable carpet that is treated with catnip. How can a cat resist?
Door Hanging Scratchy Pad