To meet a cat's scratching needs while protecting furniture, provide a sturdy scratching post or board. Cats instinctively maintain their nails by scratching, and offering an appropriate surface prevents them from targeting household items. Place the scratching post in a location your cat frequents, as this encourages its use. Additionally, sprinkle a bit of catnip on the post to attract your cat. Regular scratching maintains nail health and satisfies natural instincts, reducing the likelihood of furniture damage.