Quick answer: If your cat starts scratching the other side of the couch, the front of the arm or the seat edge after you add a scratcher, check 3 things: height, coverage and style. Match the table to the arm within about an inch, cover the exposed spot for 2 weeks, add a flat scratcher if needed, and reward the sisal.
"Won't my cat just scratch the other part of the sofa?" This is one of the most liked questions about corner scratcher tables, and for some cats the answer is yes at first. The good news is that the spot your cat moves to tells you exactly what to fix.
Measure first, then choose
Measure your sofa arm height from the floor to the top of the arm. The CozeCat Side Table comes in three heights (21.5, 23.5 and 25.5 inches with the riser options) and two finishes, Walnut and Maple, so you can match both the arm and the room.
Why does my cat scratch around the scratcher?
| Where your cat scratches now | Likely reason | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Above the table, top of the arm | Table too short for the arm | Choose a taller height (2-inch or 4-inch riser) |
| Front face of the arm | That face is uncovered | Cover it briefly; place a vertical scratcher there |
| The other arm | Second favorite spot | Add a second table or start with a Pair |
| Seat edge or rug in front | Prefers horizontal scratching | Add a flat sisal or cardboard scratcher on the floor |
| Back of the sofa | Route to a door or window | Add a scratcher on that route |
Is the scratcher the right height?
Cats like to stretch fully while they scratch. If the scratching side ends well below the top of the arm, many cats reach above it onto the fabric. Measure from the floor to the top of the arm. The CozeCat Side Table comes in three heights: 21.5 inches (no riser), 23.5 inches (2-inch riser) and 25.5 inches (4-inch riser). Pick the one closest to your arm height without going far above it. Our height-matching guide has a quick chart.
Measure first, then choose
Measure your sofa arm height from the floor to the top of the arm. The CozeCat Side Table comes in three heights (21.5, 23.5 and 25.5 inches with the riser options) and two finishes, Walnut and Maple, so you can match both the arm and the room.
How do I protect the front of the arm and the seat?
A corner table covers the outside of the arm. If your cat moves to the front face:
- Cover the front face for two to four weeks with a fitted throw, a clear protector or double-sided tape.
- Make the sisal side more appealing with catnip or silvervine, and play near it.
- Reward every scratch on the sisal straight away.
- Remove the cover gradually once your cat has used the sisal steadily for two weeks.
For more protector options, see how to protect couch corners from cats.
What if my cat starts scratching the other side of the couch?
That is common in homes where the cat passes both arms often, or where there are two cats. Add a second table on the other side. A CozeCat Pair costs $329.99, so covering both arms costs less than one Cat-e-Corner at $379. See the cost of covering both arms.
How do corner scratcher tables compare on coverage?
Neither of the best-known corner tables covers the front face or the seat. Both protect the outside of the arm, which is why the steps above still matter.
| CozeCat Side Table | Cat-e-Corner (Hilde & Phil) | |
|---|---|---|
| One table, no riser | $169.99 (Walnut or Maple finish) | $379 (Maple), $395 (Black Walnut) |
| One table, 2-inch riser | $199.99 | $438 (Maple), $454 (Black Walnut) |
| One table, 4-inch riser | $224.99 | $444 (Maple), $464 (Black Walnut) |
| Both sofa arms | Pair from $329.99 ($359.99 / $379.99 with risers) | Two tables from $758 (2 x $379) |
| Height | 21.5 in, 23.5 in or 25.5 in | Base height plus optional 2-inch or 4-inch riser |
| Materials | Plywood, natural fiber (sisal) scratching surface | Hardwood base and top, plywood structural backing |
| Scratch mat | Velcro-backed natural sisal; spare mats $43.86 | Velcro sisal mat included; spare mats $59 |
| Shipping | Free over $99; Next-day shipping from Dallas, TX | Free over $100; UPS, 2 to 7 business days |
| Returns | 30-day returns | 30-day return policy |
Sources: cozecats.com/products/cozecat-side-table-1 and hilde-phil.com/products/cat-e-corner, both checked October 23, 2026. Prices and specs can change; check each product page before you buy.
When is it a behavior issue rather than a coverage issue?
If your cat suddenly scratches many new spots, there may be stress behind it: a new pet, a move, changes in routine or conflict between cats. Extra scratching is a way to leave reassuring marks. Add scratchers near entrances and resting spots, keep routines steady and talk to your vet if you notice other changes. Read why cats scratch corners for the territorial side.
Is this a common problem?
Yes. "Won't my cat just scratch the other part?" is one of the most common questions shoppers ask about corner scratcher tables. It usually comes from experience with scratchers placed too far away or too short. A table that sits flush against the arm, at the right height, solves most cases. The steps above handle the rest.
What is a simple two-week plan?
- Days 1 to 3: place the table flush against the arm and cover any exposed fabric nearby. Rub catnip or silvervine on the sisal.
- Days 4 to 7: play with a wand toy across the sisal twice a day and reward each scratch.
- Days 8 to 14: keep rewarding, then start removing covers one spot at a time.
- After two weeks: if scratching moves elsewhere, add a scratcher at the new spot rather than punishing.
What does full coverage cost?
Once you know which spots your cat uses, you can price a setup that covers them all. Here is how the pieces add up with CozeCat listed prices (October 24, 2026):
| Spots your cat uses | Setup | Listed price |
|---|---|---|
| One arm corner | One CozeCat Side Table | $169.99 to $224.99 by height |
| Both arm corners | CozeCat Side Table Pair | $329.99 to $379.99 by height |
| Arm corner plus seat edge | One table plus a flat scratcher on the floor | Table price plus your flat scratcher |
| Worn sisal after months of use | Spare Velcro sisal mat | $43.86 |
Orders over $99 ship free. Most homes do not need every option at once: start with the spot your cat damages most, watch for two weeks and only add coverage where new marks appear. For the cost of covering both arms, read what a Pair really costs.
Which spots should get extra scratchers?
Look at where your cat scratches right after waking up, near the door it uses most and on the route to its food bowl. Those are prime marking spots. A second scratcher at one of them, vertical or flat to match your cat's style, takes pressure off the sofa. Read vertical vs. horizontal scratchers to work out which style your cat prefers.
Cat-e-Corner and Hilde & Phil are trademarks of their owner, used here only to identify their product. CozeCats is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by Hilde & Phil.
FAQ: cat scratching other side of couch
Why does my cat scratch above the scratcher table?
The table is probably lower than the arm, so your cat reaches above it. Choose the height closest to your arm, for example the 23.5-inch or 25.5-inch CozeCat.
Will my cat scratch the front of the couch instead?
Some cats try. Cover the front face for a few weeks and reward the sisal side until the habit moves.
Do I need two tables?
Only if your cat targets both arms. Start with the damaged side, then add the second table or choose a Pair if needed.
My cat scratches the rug in front of the sofa. Why?
Some cats prefer horizontal scratching. Add a flat sisal or cardboard scratcher on the floor next to the table.
How long until my cat stops scratching the uncovered parts?
Often a few days to a few weeks with covers and rewards. Adult cats with long habits may take longer.
Measure first, then choose
Measure your sofa arm height from the floor to the top of the arm. The CozeCat Side Table comes in three heights (21.5, 23.5 and 25.5 inches with the riser options) and two finishes, Walnut and Maple, so you can match both the arm and the room.
Sources
- ASPCA: Destructive scratching
- Indoor Pet Initiative (The Ohio State University): Scratching
- PetMD: How to stop cats from scratching furniture
Related guides
- Does a Scratcher Next to the Couch Teach Bad Habits?
- How to Stop Your Cat Scratching the Couch
- Cat scratch couch protector table
- Walnut cat scratcher side table
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