Cats scratch to sharpen their claws, mark territory (scent pads on paws),
sometimes even it seems just to get our attention! Cats might inadvertantly
damage walls, curtains, shelves while trying to reach a higher purchase
or just in rambunctious play! Proper cat toys and scratching posts,
cat furniture will keep most cats from scratching on the furniture.
New furniture or furniture singled out for destruction should be sprayed
with safe deterents such as phermone magic or similar repelents.
Proper height for scratching posts is neccessary. Watch how and
where your cat scratches...generally its either near to full upright body
extension or along a flat such as arm of sofa or chair. Some cats
just like the feel of certain materials between their paws and claws.
There are so many solutions aside from declaw.