Scratching is a natural and essential behavior for cats. Instead of trying to prevent it entirely, which is not feasible or healthy, the focus should be on redirecting this instinct to appropriate scratching alternatives. By understanding why cats scratch and providing suitable outlets, you can effectively prevent damage to your furniture and carpeting. This guide will walk you through identifying your cat’s preferences, choosing the right scratching posts, and implementing strategies to encourage desirable scratching habits.
Understanding Why Cats Scratch Furniture
Cats scratch for several ingrained reasons, stemming from their wild ancestry. Scratching allows them to mark their territory visually and through scent glands in their paws, which communicate important information to other cats. It also serves to maintain their claws by removing the old outer layer, exposing a sharper nail underneath, crucial for hunting and self-defense. Furthermore, scratching provides a physical outlet for stretching muscles and relieving stress, releasing calming chemicals in the brain that help manage anxiety and overexcitement. Vertical surfaces, like the arms of couches and furniture legs, are often targeted because they are at eye and nose level for effective territorial marking.
Why Cats Scratch the Floor or Carpet
While vertical surfaces are preferred for territorial marking, horizontal surfaces like carpet and flooring can also become targets for scratching. These areas might not be as effective for scent marking due to their position, but they are excellent for stretching, nail maintenance, and anxiety relief. Cats naturally gravitate towards sturdy, immobile items, and carpet often fits this description. The soft texture of carpet allows cats to sink their claws in fully, making it a satisfying scratching surface. Some cats simply have a personal preference for horizontal scratching, or they may enjoy both vertical and horizontal scratching. Understanding whether your cat prefers one or both orientations is key to finding the most effective solutions.
How to Redirect Furniture Scratching
The most effective way to stop cats from scratching furniture is to provide attractive alternatives and train them to use these instead. Cat scratching posts are excellent tools for this purpose. They should be tall enough to allow a full stretch and possess a sturdy base to prevent tipping, which could frighten or injure your cat.
1. Select the Right Scratching Post Material
Each cat has unique preferences for scratching materials. Observing your cat’s current scratching habits on furniture can offer clues. You might need to experiment with various materials such as upholstery fabric, sisal rope, carpet, wood, or cardboard to discover what your cat finds most appealing. The angle and position of the scratching post are also important factors. For instance, a cat that favors sisal and vertical scratching might enjoy a post like the Frisco by Chewy Cactus Cat Scratching Post. Conversely, a cat preferring cardboard and horizontal scratching might prefer The Original Scratch Lounge Cat Toy or the PetFusion Ultimate Cat Scratcher Lounge Toy.
2. Strategic Placement of Scratching Posts
Once you’ve identified your cat’s preferred material, strategically place the scratching post. Position it near the furniture your cat frequently scratches and in areas where your cat and family spend a significant amount of time. Cats are social and prefer their resources, including scratching posts, to be in proximity to household members. Avoid placing a scratching post in an isolated area. Some cats may also appreciate a scratching post near their sleeping area, as they often like to scratch upon waking. In multi-cat households, providing multiple scratching posts is crucial to minimize competition and territorial disputes.
3. Encourage Use of Scratching Posts
To encourage your cat to use the new scratching posts, you can try modeling the behavior by gently running your fingernails over the post. This creates an intriguing sound and visual cue that may entice your cat to investigate and try it out. Sprinkling catnip on the post or offering high-value treats and praise each time your cat uses the post instead of furniture can also be highly effective motivators.
4. Gently Deter Furniture Scratching
It’s equally important to gently discourage your cat from returning to the furniture. Motion-detection air spray cans placed near the furniture can be helpful. These devices emit a hissing sound when the cat approaches, interrupting the scratching behavior. It’s vital that the noise is not prolonged or excessively loud, as this can induce fear and anxiety, counteracting the desired outcome. The goal is to quickly interrupt the unwanted behavior, redirect your cat’s attention to the scratching post, and reward them for using it.
Other deterrents include applying citrus-based sprays to furniture, as most cats dislike citrus scents. Double-sided sticky tape can also be applied, as the texture is unpleasant for cats without causing harm. Covering furniture with blankets or plastic sheets can also help. Use odor-neutralizing enzymatic cleaning products on furniture your cat frequently scratches, as the residual scent can attract them back. Pheromone sprays like Feliway Classic Calming Spray can also act as a deterrent by mimicking a cat’s natural facial pheromones, which signal familiarity and safety. While regular nail trims and claw caps can reduce damage, they won’t eliminate scratching without providing appropriate outlets.
5. Address Underlying Anxiety
If your cat’s scratching behavior is excessive, it might be linked to anxiety. Calming supplements, such as Purina Pro Plan Calming Care probiotic powder, and medications like fluoxetine (Prozac) or sertraline (Zoloft), prescribed by a veterinarian, can be beneficial. Never administer human-prescribed versions of these medications to your cat without professional guidance.
6. Provide Enrichment Activities
Enriching your cat’s environment can significantly decrease excessive scratching, especially if boredom or anxiety is a factor. This includes providing cat trees for climbing, window perches for bird-watching, increasing interactive playtime, and introducing a “catio” for safe outdoor access. Teaching your cat to walk on a leash with a harness can also provide additional stimulation.
7. Consult a Cat Behavior Specialist
For persistent or severe scratching issues, seeking help from a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (CAAB) or a board-certified veterinary behaviorist can be highly beneficial. These professionals can help implement tailored behavioral modification techniques, along with appropriate supplements and medications, to manage your cat’s scratching behavior effectively.
Managing Carpet and Flooring Scratching
Similar principles apply to managing scratching on horizontal surfaces like carpet and flooring. Experiment with different horizontal scratching board materials that mimic the texture of your cat’s preferred flooring. Fabric-based and cardboard-based scratching boards are often effective because they are easily torn and satisfying for cats to scratch. Ensure these boards are stable and allow your cat to fully engage their claws. Place multiple scratching boards in prominent, high-traffic areas, especially near spots where your cat currently scratches the floor. Deterrents like Feliway Classic spray, citrus sprays, and enzymatic cleaners can discourage carpet scratching, while rewards like treats and praise should be given when your cat uses the scratching boards. Regular nail trimming and nail caps can also limit damage during the training process. If anxiety is suspected, consulting a behavior specialist is recommended.
What to Avoid When Addressing Cat Scratching
Several common approaches are counterproductive and potentially harmful when trying to curb furniture and carpet scratching.
Declawing Your Cat
Declawing, which involves the surgical removal of a cat’s claws and the first toe bone, is an extremely painful procedure and is considered inhumane. It does not eliminate a cat’s natural urge to scratch but rather frustrates them, potentially leading to increased anxiety, aggression, and biting.
Punishing Your Cat
Never punish your cat for scratching. Methods like yelling, spraying with water, or throwing objects can instill fear, increase aggression, and damage your bond with your pet. Cats learn to scratch when you are not present rather than understanding that the behavior is inappropriate. Positive reinforcement for desirable behavior and minimal reaction to undesirable behavior is the most effective training method.
Forcing Interaction with Scratchers
Physically forcing your cat to use a scratcher, such as by manipulating their paws, is also detrimental. This can be perceived as a threat, leading to fear, anxiety, aggression, and a breakdown of trust.
Conclusion
Managing your cat’s scratching behavior requires patience, understanding, and the right approach. By providing appealing scratching alternatives in strategic locations, using positive reinforcement, and gently deterring them from inappropriate surfaces, you can successfully redirect their natural instincts. Addressing any underlying anxiety or boredom through enrichment and, if necessary, professional guidance, will contribute to a harmonious living environment for both you and your feline companion. Remember, the goal is to coexist with your cat’s natural behaviors, not to eliminate them.
