Cat Scratching

Cat Scratching

It is one of the most irritating cat behaviours and one that drives owners mad. So why and what can I do to stop it?

Here are some pointers:

Scratching is a natural behaviour for cats.

Nothing new here. All cats, wild and domesticated, have used scratching as a way to mark their territory. As well as the visual sign, there are also scent glands on the cat’s paws, so this helps mark their territory.

The tendency is for cats to mark visual parts and extremities of their territory. Because it is visual, it is the most irritating to the proud homeowner.

Should I punish?

As cats don't understand physical punishment, never physically punish them.

If you do, it is more likely to lead to other behavioural problems.

Scratching is useful

It is a way of keeping the claws at the right length without clipping by you or using a groomer. Cats enjoy scratching. Cat scratching is a useful exercise as they stretch and pull which is particularly beneficial for an internal cat. But we need to control where they do it.

Provide an Appropriate Scratching Post

There is a wide choice of products available, whether commercial or DIY. Some of the commercial ones are combined with baskets and feeding elements. Good homemade ones have included cut tree stumps and logs and sometimes combined with coiled rope that is often used in commercial scratching pads.

Make sure the post is tall enough for the cat to fully stretch, both now and when it grows. It should also be very stable.

Sisal textured material is deemed by experts to be preferred to the rope versions as it has the perfect texture and grain for a cat to shred. A good alternative material is the reverse side of a rug. This can be placed over any area that the cat may be scratching. It must be fixed firmly, the easiest way being double sided tape. You can use the back of an old rug also on walls as well.

The cat might not take to the post immediately.

Where is the best place for the scratching post?

As the cat is trying to mark his territory, the location should either be in the centre of the family action or by an extremity of the cat's territory, at the back door for example. Don’t put it in a corner away from everything.

Put the post close to, or in front of, what he is scratching

Remember that an important part of scratching is the cat's desire to mark its territory so a scratching post should be in an area that's used by the family, not hidden in a back corner. After a time, you can move the post away to the periphery of the room, but you'll need to do this gradually.

Initially, put the post where your cat goes to scratch. This may be by a sofa, a chair or wherever Kitty has chosen as her territory and you may need more than one post to cover her favourite spots. Security is a major factor in making the post appealing to your cat. If it topples or shakes, she won't use it. It should either be secured to the floor or have a base wide enough and heavy enough to keep it stable.

To further encourage use, try playing with kitty in the area. Use catnip leaves or powder on it.

Reward the kitten with her favourite treat whenever she uses the post. Try tying some of her toys around it. If your cat scratches in a number of areas, but stops in the room where you have placed a post, you may want to consider placing one close to wherever there is an issue with scratching.

Discouragement of Scratching

If the above does not work, you might want to consider the covering of her favourite scratching areas that you want to stop. A good material to try is aluminium foil or a double sided tape. Make sure that what you are using will not damage the surface you are trying to protect.

This can be reinforced by the use of strongly scented products. Citrus odours are good so place a lemon scented potpourri nearby or using lemon scented-sprays. These will hide the cat's scent from previous scratching, but there are also pet odour removers that are useful in kitchens etc where you do not want strong smells.

You can also use the classic cat discourager of gently spraying her with water when she is doing something that you do not want her to do. This can be reinforced by using a loud noise or whistle when she is doing the act you are discouraging.

Start them young.

As always, stop scratching when they are young – it is a lot easier.

Cats are creatures of habit so start them off correctly.

Alternate Solutions

Trimming your cats claws is not an easy task even if it is started with a young kitten. It is a two man job, one to hold and one to trim. This is not a typical soothing bonding moment with your kitty.

De-clawing which is done in some countries is, in our view, unnecessary if you follow the above steps and it is illegal in many countries.