Scratching is a natural and essential behavior for cats, serving purposes beyond simply marking territory. It’s a way for them to stretch their muscles, shed the outer layers of their claws, and relieve stress. Instead of attempting to eliminate this instinct, the focus should be on redirecting it towards appropriate outlets like scratching posts and boards. This article will guide you through understanding why cats scratch and how to prevent damage to your furniture and flooring by providing suitable alternatives and employing positive reinforcement techniques.
Understanding Why Cats Scratch
Scratching is an ingrained feline behavior that plays a vital role in their well-being. This instinct, present from as early as 8 weeks of age, allows cats to mark their territory visually and olfactorily. Scent glands in their paws release pheromones that communicate information about their status to other cats. Furthermore, scratching helps cats maintain sharp claws by removing the dead outer sheath, crucial for hunting and self-defense. The act of scratching also provides a full-body stretch, releasing muscle tension and promoting a sense of calm by releasing endorphins. In their natural habitat, cats often scratch vertical surfaces like tree trunks, leaving visual markers at eye and nose level for other felines. This explains their predilection for furniture arms and wooden legs in our homes.
Addressing Carpet and Floor Scratching
While vertical surfaces are common targets, cats also scratch horizontal surfaces like carpets. These may be less appealing for territorial marking due to their orientation, but they are still utilized for stretching, nail maintenance, and stress relief. Cats often prefer sturdy, immovable items for scratching, and carpets, being securely fixed and soft enough for claws to sink into, fit this requirement. Some cats may simply have a preference for horizontal scratching. Therefore, understanding whether your cat favors vertical, horizontal, or both types of scratching is crucial for implementing effective solutions. Redirecting your cat’s scratching behavior is key to preventing damage to your home.
Providing Suitable Scratching Alternatives
The first and most crucial step in preventing furniture damage is to provide appealing alternatives. Scratching posts should be tall enough for your cat to stretch fully and have a stable base to prevent tipping, which could startle or injure them.
Selecting the Right Material and Orientation
Cats have diverse preferences for scratching materials. Observing your cat’s current scratching habits on furniture can offer clues. You may need to experiment with various textures such as upholstery fabric, sisal rope, carpet, wood, or cardboard. Similarly, the angle and position of the scratcher are important. For cats that enjoy sisal and vertical scratching, a post like the Frisco by Chewy Cactus Cat Scratching Post might be ideal. For those who prefer horizontal scratching on cardboard, options like The Original Scratch Lounge Cat Toy or the PetFusion Ultimate Cat Scratcher Lounge Toy could be suitable.
Strategic Placement of Scratchers
Once you’ve identified your cat’s preferred scratching material, strategically place the scratching posts or boards. Position them near the furniture your cat currently scratches and in areas where the family spends a lot of time. Cats are social and prefer their resources, including scratching areas, to be in proximity to their human companions. Avoid placing scratchers in secluded spots. Some cats may also appreciate a scratcher near their sleeping area, as they often scratch upon waking. In multi-cat households, providing multiple scratching stations is essential to prevent conflict and ensure access.
Encouraging Use of Scratching Posts
Actively encourage your cat to use the new scratching posts. You can model the behavior by gently running your fingernails across the scratching surface, creating an enticing sound and visual cue. Consider sprinkling catnip on the post or offering high-value treats and praise when your cat uses the designated scratcher instead of your furniture.
Discouraging Furniture Scratching
Alongside providing alternatives, it’s important to gently discourage your cat from scratching furniture.
Utilizing Deterrents
Consider using deterrents in conjunction with positive reinforcement. Motion-activated air spray cans, like those from PetSafe SSSCAT, can be placed near furniture. The sudden hiss can interrupt the scratching behavior without causing undue fear. Tools for deterring cats can be highly effective when used correctly. Other deterrents include:
- Applying citrus-based sprays to furniture, as most cats dislike citrus scents.
- Using double-sided sticky tape on furniture surfaces, which cats find unpleasant to scratch.
- Covering furniture with blankets or plastic sheets temporarily.
- Cleaning previously scratched areas with enzymatic cleaning products to neutralize scent markers that attract cats.
- Using pheromone sprays like Feliway Classic Calming Spray for Cats. This spray mimics feline facial pheromones, which can help create a sense of familiarity and safety, discouraging scratching in treated areas.
While regular nail trims and claw caps can reduce damage, they are not a substitute for providing appropriate scratching outlets.
Addressing Underlying Anxiety
Excessive scratching can sometimes be a sign of anxiety or stress. Calming supplements like Purina Pro Plan Calming Care probiotic powder or veterinary-prescribed medications such as fluoxetine or sertraline can be beneficial. Always consult your veterinarian before administering any supplements or medications.
Enhancing Environmental Enrichment
Providing ample enrichment activities can help alleviate boredom and anxiety, thereby reducing excessive scratching. This includes offering cat trees for climbing, window perches for observing the outdoors, engaging in interactive play sessions, teaching your cat to walk on a leash with a harness, and creating safe outdoor enclosures like a “catio.”
Seeking Professional Guidance
For persistent or severe scratching issues, consider consulting a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (CAAB) or a board-certified veterinary behaviorist. These professionals can help identify the root cause of the behavior and develop a tailored modification plan.
Managing Carpet and Flooring Scratching
The principles for managing vertical scratching largely apply to horizontal surfaces. Experiment with different horizontal scratching board materials, such as fabric-based or cardboard, that mimic the texture of the flooring your cat favors. Ensure these boards are stable and allow your cat to fully engage their claws. Place multiple boards in high-traffic areas and near the carpet or flooring your cat targets. Deterrents like citrus sprays and enzymatic cleaners can also be used. Reward your cat for using the scratching boards, and continue with nail trims and claw caps as supplementary measures. If anxiety is a factor, professional behavioral help is recommended.
What NOT to Do
It is crucial to avoid certain methods when addressing scratching behavior.
Declawing
Declawing, the surgical removal of a cat’s claws and the first toe bone, is a painful and harmful procedure. It does not eliminate a cat’s need to scratch but rather frustrates this instinct, potentially leading to increased anxiety, aggression, and biting.
Punishment
Never punish your cat for scratching. Yelling, spraying water, or throwing objects can create fear, increase anxiety, and damage your bond with your pet. Cats do not learn that scratching is inappropriate; they only learn to scratch when you are not present. Positive reinforcement for desired behaviors is far more effective than punishment for undesirable ones.
Forcing Use of Scratchers
Physically forcing your cat to use a scratcher, such as by dragging their paws across it, can be perceived as a threat and lead to fear, anxiety, or aggression. Cats learn best through positive experiences and rewards.
By understanding your cat’s natural instincts and providing appropriate outlets and positive reinforcement, you can effectively redirect scratching behaviors and maintain a harmonious home environment.
