It's never a bad idea to get them checked by the vet when there is a change
in behavior. It's probably nothing but OTOH he might be trying to tell you
something.

Once health problems have been ruled out you can try moving a scratching
post near the chair where he is scratching. I don't know if you already have
a post in that room but if he's looking for attention he might want to do
his scratching near you. You can also use something on the chair to
discourage him using that. There are various sprays and double sided sticky
tape that could discourage him. You could do a search online at PetSmart to
see what products are available and purchase where ever the price is best.
We used the sticky tape on our stereo speakers. It discouraged Isabelle (1.5
yo female) from using it but Boots (5 mo male) is fascinated with it and
tries to rip it off to play with it. Mixed results on the tape. Others
hopefully will post about what has worked for them.

You could also spray the post with catnip if your cat likes that to make it
more appealing.

W

We have a cat, 4 years old, who has JUST begun to scratch at the furniture.
Sometimes when we're watching TV in the family room, he actually looks up at
me and then starts to us the end of the couch as his personal scratching
post! How infuriating. In his favor, all I have to do is sharply say
"James!" and he bolts from the couch.
Just so no one flames me, no, declawing is not an option.
I was hoping some more astute kitty people could give me a clue as to James'
behavior?

You'll probably wanna know if anything has changed. This kitty belongs to
and is adored by and in turn adores the heck out of our daughter.  They've
been best buds since she rescued him from her former employer. (actually SHE
wanted the calico. *I* said "sure, if we take the white kitty as well :)
Ahh, the power of the Mommy :) hehe. Unfortunately  and sadly the eagles in
our back yard made lunch of the calico about a year later, but James
remains. But I digress)
Anyway, what has changed is that our daughter is away more and more. She's
17 and has a life outside of her kitty. They make tracks to each other
whenever she's home, however.

James is an indoor and outdoor kitty. He comes and goes at his own pace and
leisure. He comes to the kitchen window when he wants in and we let him in.
he has the whole family nicely trained.  :)
His diet has not changed, at least what *we* feed him, but he's a great
hunter so only God knows what he catches out there. *Please* no flaming
about his hunting.. he's a cat, it comes naturally..
When inside he sometimes uses our other kitty's litter pan, but the litter
has not been changed.
The two cats get along fine, and have since we introduced the kitten (now a
year old).
Let's see, anything else? Oh, they have several scratching posts around the
house, one of which is a 6 foot climbing, scratching, playing tree with lots
of *shelves*.
He has lots of toys to play with.
he's not ignored by his humans, he's cuddled and coddled. Nor is he ignored
or antagonized by Tucker, the other cat.
I can't think of anything else.

Sooo.. is James just *acting out* his displeasure at having been replaced by
our daughter's life? Or is this something I should seek vet attention
regarding?
Any ideas?

Thanks :)
Hailey

been replaced by

The Feliway package says it is for behavior modification, including marking
and scratching.  You might get some and spray it on the couch where the cat
wants to scratch.
It sounds like he wants to be near you, since he does it when you are there
and even makes sure he gets your attention before doing it.  You might try
getting a laser toy or feather on a pole toy to distract him while you watch
T.V.
If those suggestions don't work, you might try putting something he can
scratch near the couch he wants to scratch.
Good luck.
Annie

OMO  He is inviting YOU to play with him.