Why is my cat scratching around the house?
Written by Dr Madeleine Totham BVetMed(Hons) ABTC-CAB MRCVS, Veterinary Surgeon and Clinical Animal Behaviourist

Why is my cat scratching the furniture?

Scratching is a normal and important feline behaviour, but it can be frustrating when your cat chooses the sofa, carpets or wallpaper! Understanding why cats scratch and providing suitable alternatives can help protect your furniture whilst meeting your cat's behavioural needs.

 

Why do cats scratch?

• Claw maintenance: Scratching removes the worn outer layers of their claws.

• Stretching: Scratching allows cats to stretch their muscles, particularly after resting.

• Communication: Scratching leaves both visible marks and scent from glands in their paws, providing information to other cats.

• Emotional arousal: Some cats scratch more when they are excited, frustrated or anxious.

 

Scratching is a natural behaviour that cats need to perform, so the aim should be to redirect it onto suitable surfaces rather than trying to stop it altogether.

 

Why does my cat prefer the furniture to a scratching post?

Furniture often provides an ideal scratching surface.  Sofas are sturdy, covered in materials that allow cats to get a good grip and often tall enough for a full-body stretch.  The location also matters- cats frequently scratch in prominent areas of their home, particularly near resting places, entrances and areas where they spend time.  A scratching post hidden away in an unused corner may therefore be much less appealing than the sofa in the living room.

 

How do I choose a suitable scratching post?

Cats have individual preferences, so you may need to experiment with different options.

• Height: Vertical posts should be tall enough for your cat to stretch upwards fully.

• Stability: Choose a sturdy post that won't wobble or tip over.

• Material: Try different textures such as sisal, cardboard, carpet or wood.

• Orientation: Some cats prefer vertical surfaces, whilst others favour horizontal or angled scratching boards.  Ideally offer more than one type to establish your cat’s preferences.

 

Where should I put scratching posts?

Position scratching facilities where your cat naturally wants to scratch, such as:

• Next to furniture they currently scratch.

• Near favourite sleeping and resting areas.

• In rooms where they spend a lot of time.

• Near entrances and exits.

 

Provide several scratching opportunities throughout the home.  In multi-cat households, these should be distributed so that cats can access them without having to encounter one another.

 

How can I stop my cat scratching the furniture?

The most effective approach is to provide an attractive alternative and encourage your cat to use it.

 

1. Provide a suitable scratching surface.  Place a sturdy post or board immediately beside the furniture your cat scratches.

2. Encourage exploration.  Catnip and silver vine may encourage your cat to investigate a new scratching surface, but they can cause overexcitement in some cats, so use them with care. Alternatively, try encouraging exploration with a wand toy.  Never force your cat's paws onto a scratching post.

3. Reward appropriate scratching.  Whenever your cat uses the post, immediately offer a small treat or another reward they particularly enjoy.

4. Protect your furniture. Temporarily use furniture covers or suitable protective guards whilst your cat learns to use the alternative surface.

5. Gradually move the post if necessary. Once your cat is using it reliably, you can try moving it slowly to a more convenient location. However, if your cat stops using it, the original position may have been important.

 

Avoid shouting, spraying water or punishing your cat for scratching.  These methods can cause fear and anxiety without teaching your cat what to do instead.

 

Could scratching be a sign of stress or anxiety?

Although scratching is normal, a sudden increase in scratching or scratching in new locations may sometimes indicate stress or anxiety.

 

Possible causes include:

• Conflict or tension with other cats in the household.

• Unfamiliar cats approaching the home or entering the garden.

• Changes in the home environment or household routine.

• The arrival of a new person or animal.

• Frustration or insufficient opportunities for play and enrichment.

 

However, scratching alone does not mean that a cat is stressed. It is important to consider other changes in behaviour, body language and the home environment.  If stress is contributing, the underlying cause will also need to be addressed.

 

Could a medical problem be contributing?

Pain or reduced mobility can affect how a cat scratches. For example, an older cat with osteoarthritis may find it uncomfortable to stretch upwards and may prefer horizontal scratching surfaces.  Claw disorders, overgrown claws or injuries affecting the paws may also alter scratching behaviour.  If your cat's scratching behaviour changes suddenly, particularly alongside changes in mobility, activity or general behaviour, a veterinary examination is recommended.

 

When should I seek professional help?

Most unwanted furniture scratching can be improved by providing suitable scratching facilities and encouraging their use. However, if scratching increases suddenly or occurs alongside other behavioural changes, further assessment may be needed.

 

As a Veterinary Surgeon and ABTC-registered Clinical Animal Behaviourist working exclusively with cats, I can help identify any environmental, behavioural or medical factors contributing to the problem and develop an individualised management plan.

 

Contact Cat Behaviour Vet if you would like help with your cat's behaviour.

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This page is intended as general guidance only and is not a substitute for veterinary examination, diagnosis or treatment. If you have concerns about your cat, please speak to your registered vet.