Let’s talk about why cats like to scratch, why they may not scratch, and why they are choosing inappropriate locations to scratch rather than their scratching posts, pads, and cat towers.
Scratching is a natural behaviour for cats and serves several important purposes for them. Starting with why cats scratch …
- They scratch to mark their territory. They have scent glands in their paws, and scratching helps them leave their scent behind.
- They also scratch to stretch and exercise. Scratching helps cats stretch their muscles and maintain their flexibility.
- Cats scratch to maintain their claws. Scratching helps them shed the outer layer of their claws to keep them sharp and healthy.
- They also scratch to relieve stress and anxiety. Scratching can help them release built-up tension and anxiety.
There are also some reasons why cats may not scratch. These could be due to a lack of appropriate scratching surfaces. If a cat does not have access to suitable scratching surfaces like posts or pads, they may resort to scratching furniture and carpets instead.
Medical issues may also play a factor, such as arthritis or declawing, as well as stress and anxiety. If they are feeling anxious, they could be too preoccupied with their emotions to engage in normal behaviours such as scratching. It’s always good to pay attention to this; if they were once avid scratchers and then stop, it could very well be that an underlying issue needs to be addressed with a veterinarian and then a behaviour specialist if needed.
Here are some tips on how to encourage your cat to scratch appropriate places other than your furniture:
- Define multiple scratching surfaces: Offer your cat a variety of scratching surfaces, such as vertical scratching posts, horizontal scratching pads, and cardboard scratchers. Cats have individual preferences for the type of material they like to scratch, so offering different options can help cater to their preferences.
- Place scratching surfaces strategically: Put posts and pads in areas where your cat likes to scratch, such as near their favorite resting spot or by entrances/exits. Placing scratching surfaces in prominent locations can encourage them to use these instead of furniture or carpet.
- Try using catnip or pheromone sprays: Sprinkling catnip on scratching posts or using pheromone sprays can attract your cat to the designated scratching surfaces. Catnip is a natural attractant for cats, while pheromone spray can help reduce stress and anxiety, making your cat more likely to engage in appropriate scratching behaviours.
Be consistent in your approach to encouraging appropriate scratching behaviour in your cat to help protect your furniture and carpet from damage. Remember to be patient and understanding, as cats may need time to adjust to new scratching surfaces and habits.
Tip:
When selecting a cat tree or scratch post for your cat, it’s important to consider the height and sturdiness of the structure to ensure your cat will be interested in scratching on it.
The cat tree should be tall enough to allow your cat to fully extend their body while scratching. Ideally, the cat tree/post should be at least 30 inches tall or even taller to accommodate your cat’s natural stretching behaviour. Sturdiness is equally important, as cats don’t want to scratch on something that is not stable or is ready to tip over at any moment.
For scratch pads, horizontal scratch pads can vary in length depending on your cat’s size preferences. A standard scratch pad for most cats is around 18 to 24 inches long, providing enough surface area for your cat to stretch comfortably. Consider your cat’s size and stretching habits when choosing a scratch pad length.
Article by Krista Schulte
I am a fear-free, force-free, and positive reinforcement Certified Cat Trainer and Behaviour Specialist in Canada. I volunteer in shelters and work on feline enrichment and socialization, and behaviour modification for TLC cases. I threw myself into the Cat Behaviour community and began a path of rigour study, gaining various certificates to attain this goal and will always continue my education. After helping get cats out of the shelters, I transitioned to a Behaviour Counsellor with Toronto Cat Rescue (still with them) to keep cats from going back to the shelter. I am passionate about these cats and their welfare.
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