Why do cats scratch things? Furniture, carpets, curtains and wallpaper… and what can you do if this is causing a problem in your home?
Scratching is a natural behaviour for cats which occurs for many reasons. Here, we’ll explore why cats need to scratch, why they scratch things in the home and why it is never ‘naughty’.
Take away 5 top tips to discourage your cat from scratching things in your home. As always, be prepared to add a lot of love, understanding & patience (and maybe even a few treats!)
Disclaimer! The only guaranteed way to have a cat who doesn’t scratch in your home is to opt for the rather less cute, superbly well-behaved, tranquil breed who sits reliably on the mantelpiece… made of china or ceramic!
Firstly, why do cats scratch things?
To stretch and keep those claws super sharp!
We all like to have a good stretch, especially after a nap… and cats (the champions of naps) are no different. Your cat will usually enjoy a nice long stretch, whilst scratching vertical & horizonal objects (for outdoor cats this is usually trees, fences, gate posts or fallen logs). Scratching also keeps claws super sharp and helps to removes any loose sheaths (the outer layer of the claw). It’s important that your cat’s claws remain sharp as they are relied on for climbing and protecting themselves (if necessary!)
To mark objects with a unique and familiar scent
Your cat has scent glands between their paw pads which release pheromones (chemical signals) when they scratch (click here to learn about pheromones). Cats may deliberately mark an object with a signal to claim/mark their territory (to warn another cat of their presence). Alternatively, your cat may choose to mark the item with a happy, calm signal, which they return to frequently and find reassuring/familiar.
Pieces of furniture often remain in the same place for a long time, and cats regularly rub against these to mark as ‘safe/familiar’. If you have unintentionally removed this scent by cleaning/polishing, your cat may decide to scratch the area instead. The same may apply if a strong-smelling air freshener over powers the scent that your cat has deliberately rubbed onto furniture.
Visual Marking
If your cat feels threatened by another cat, they may scratch to leave a visual message. The other cat may see these marks and recognise that this area is ‘owned’ by another cat. In other words scratching may be used as a deterrent to warn potential intruders!
Frustration or Attention
Your cat might scratch out of frustration if they can’t access somewhere of interest or if they are shut in a room and can’t get out. They may have learned that if they scratch a certain item you respond in a way that pleases them. For example, they may have learned that if they scratch the carpet outside the bathroom while you are inside, you open the door!
Remember that cats have no concept of what is valuable or treasured.
Never punish a cat for scratching something they shouldn’t – they will not understand! (they will think they are being told off for ‘scratching’ – not for ‘what’ they are scratching). They may then feel afraid to scratch altogether and, as a result will suffer emotionally – which will result in another problem behaviour!
How can I discourage my cat from scratching things in the house?
FOLLOW THESE TOP TIPS
1. Give your cat some options…
Large, upright, sturdy scratching posts are great as your cat can have a good stretch at the same time (without it toppling over!) Some cats (including mine) also enjoy horizontal scratching and there are some great products available to encourage this. Small posts for kittens are available however, they will soon outgrow them! I’d go for a decent size post straight away (your kitten will have great fun climbing a high post!)
Give your cat choice and variety (especially when you have more than one cat). Some days they might fancy an upwards stretch, other days may call for a horizontal reach! My cats enjoy their scratching tree which has multiple posts (which is kept in the spare bedroom). They also have a corrugated cardboard arch which they stand on and scratch horizontally (this is kept in the lounge). I’ve also added some big logs to my garden which is a popular choice!
Keep an eye on the condition of the items and replace them when they wear out (to avoid your cat finding their own replacement!)
Need some inspiration? Explore a range of strong, quality and attractive scratching furniture by checking out the fabulous products created by 3 Fat Cats My favourites are ‘The Hideway’ ‘The Fatboy’ and the ‘Imperial Lounger’! Cool or what?
2. Choose the right location
You might have a fabulous selection of scratching posts/trees/toys which the cat won’t use because of where they are. Consider whether they might feel the room is unsafe i.e. too noisy, guarded by a more dominant pet or full of children? Try putting the scratcher in a room where the cat feels more relaxed.
If your cat is determined to scratch a particular piece of furniture (maybe the corner of a chair) put the scratcher next to the chair. There may be a specific reason for them scratching in that particular location, such as communicating visually to other cats that this item is in ‘their territory’. It might not always be possible to put a scratching post where your cat is scratching (health and safety!) but you can buy items to stick over surfaces for your cat to scratch instead. See example in picture where the cat wants to scratch the kitchen cupboard – a purrfect compromise!
3. Reward your cat & make it fun!
Help your cat to learn by rewarding their decision to scratch the right items (you can reward using food treats or by giving fuss – whatever your cat likes best). Initially, reward your cat when they show interest in the item i.e. approaching it, sniffing it or rubbing it. Then again when they use it for scratching. You MUST offer the reward at the exact time of the desired behaviour so that they make the connection between this and their behaviour.
Encourage your cat to play on or near the scratcher by sprinkling it with some dried catnip and including their favourite toys. For some cats this will be really exciting & they will naturally grip the scratcher with their claws during play. You can also use your nails to make a scratchy noise on the post – some cats will simply follow suit!
4. Call in some extra help!
If you are still experiencing problems, check out FELISCRATCH – a product created by Feliway for Cats which is scientifically designed to speak your cat’s language! FELISCRATCH encourages your cat to scratch particular items using visual and sensory attractions. Feliway products are a synthetic version of the pheromones (chemical signals) that are hugely important to your cat. Click here to learn more about pheromones and your cat.
5. Never punish your cat!
Punishing your cat for scratching will do 3 things. Firstly, it will severely damage the relationship that they have with you. Secondly, they will associate being punished with ‘scratching’ not with ‘what’ they are scratching. Thirdly, they will develop additional undesirable behaviours as a direct result of being frightened!
A final note from me…
Despite my cats using their scratchers every day, I do still have one shredded corner of carpet & a few holes in one curtain! However, I see this as a very small price to pay for the pure joy that they bring to my life every single day.
On behalf of More Purrs & your cat, thank you for taking the time to read this post.
