Sign in or sign up
Project list
Sign in to your account
With project lists you can...
Please sign in or create an account to use Project Lists
When your cat is eyeballing you while ripping into your favourite chair, it’s easy to assume cat scratching is happening just to annoy you. But there are multiple reasons why cats scratch and why you should accept it as normal and healthy behaviour. As SPCA scientific officer Dr Alison Vaughan explains, “Scratching is a natural behaviour that cats perform to stretch their muscles, keep their claws sharp and healthy, scent-mark, and relieve stress and anxiety.” That said, your sofa doesn’t have to suffer. Encourage owner-approved options instead and stop cats scratching furniture with these handy tips.
What about declawing cats to protect furniture from scratch marks? That would be a no. In New Zealand, declawing is illegal in most circumstances, and can cause numerous health and behavioural issues in cats. Instead, it’s a good idea to look at trimming your cat’s nails as part of your pet care schedule. While this is unlikely to stop them scratching, blunting the ends of their claws may minimise the damage to your home.
You might also consider trimming your cat’s claws for health reasons. “Some cats will need their nails clipped, particularly older or less active cats,” says Dr Vaughan. “It’s good to start this from a young age so that the cat becomes used to grooming and nail clipping and isn’t afraid or upset by it, which makes the process much easier.” Ask your vet for advice or enlist a groomer if you’re not sure how to do it.
While scratching is normal cat behaviour, you can train them to flex those claws where you want them to – and not on your new sofa. One of the best ways to stop cats scratching furniture is to provide them with an alternative. A cat scratching post is a great solution, and more than one is even better.
Dr Vaughan suggests blocking off access to your favourite pieces to protect furniture from cat claws, which will help make the scratching post a more desirable alternative. “Position scratching posts in areas where your cat naturally likes to scratch, such as near their sleeping area or by windows where they can watch the outside world,” she says. “Placing a post near furniture can also deter them from scratching the furniture itself.” Don’t forget to encourage your cat to use the scratching post by making it fun, too – cat toys can help. “You can encourage them to use scratch posts by sprinkling them with catnip or dragging a wand toy slowly up the scratch post,” Dr Vaughan suggests.
The key to training your cat to use the scratching post is being attentive and consistent. Redirect them by gently picking them up and placing them at the scratching post every time they go for the carpet or sofa. It’s important to offer your cat a positive reward when they do the right thing. Avoid disciplining your cat, as punishment is unlikely to help.
Cat scratching posts come in a variety of textures, from rope to soft carpet, and every cat will have a preferred surface, which you might have to find through trial and error. Dr Vaughan suggests experimenting with a few different options. “Provide a variety of scratching posts, ideally made from different materials like sisal, carpet and cardboard,” she says.
“Horizontal scratchers can appeal to cats that prefer scratching low, whereas vertical posts should be taller than your cat when they are standing on their hind legs with both hind and forelegs stretched out. Consider providing your cats with multiple scratching posts of different levels that they can use to play, climb and jump on as well as scratch.” Make sure the post or tower has a nice wide base, so it’s sturdy enough that it won’t tip over when they put weight on it.
If you have two cats, you might like to consider following the 'one per cat plus one' rule: so one scratching post per animal, plus an additional one. This can help prevent competition and issues with territory claiming. Cats aren’t great at sharing and one might mark the post as its territory, refusing the other cat access.
If your cat’s scratching post is looking worse for wear, it’s a simple job to bring it back to new.
Remove all the old rope from the scratching post. Using sisal rope, start wrapping from the bottom, gluing in place as you go, with non-toxic glue. Note: you can use staples or nails to hold the rope in place, but if you do use staples or nails, place them at the back and make sure they’re hammered in securely to minimise the chance of your cat catching a claw.
If your cat prefers carpet for scratching, you can re-cover the post with an offcut. Use a staple gun to secure the carpet and, as above, make sure all staples are hammered in securely to prevent your cat hooking a claw on a staple.
Treat your feline friend to a world of entertainment by building a D.I.Y. cat run.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
