Why Cats Scratch Furniture and Carpets

Destructive Feline Scratching - Reasons and Solutions

Aug 11, 2009 Jennifer Copley

Why do cats scratch things? Scratching is a natural behaviour, and all cats and kittens need to scratch.

Contrary to popular belief, cats don’t tear up the furniture or carpets to be vindictive or to sharpen their claws. Scratching is actually more akin to grooming than sharpening, as the purpose is often to shed old claw sheaths from the front claws (cats usually chew the sheaths from their back claws).

Cats also have scent glands in their paw pads, so in addition to removing claw sheaths, scratching a surface leaves the feline’s personal scent signature to let others know that the item or space is his. Humans can’t detect these scent signatures, but another cat can. Marks left by clawing also let other cats know by sight who owns a given object or area.

Scratching may also act as a stress reliever, because it often increases in response to territorial conflicts or other stressors. A cat may vigorously tackle his scratch post or some less appropriate surface when he’s frustrated, tense, or anxious.

How to Stop Cats Scratching Furniture and Carpets

Many cats love nubby upholstery because it mimics the texture of tree bark. Once a cat has claimed a piece of furniture or spot of carpet, it’s difficult to get him to change his ways because his personal scent signature will keep luring him back.

Punishment doesn’t work with cats – it just increases anxiety, which can lead to more undesirable behaviour. A better strategy is to make the abused surfaces less appealing by covering them with material that cats don't like for a few weeks or so until the habit is broken. Good deterrents include:

Plastic carpet runner, pointy side up
Tinfoil
Cat-safe sticky strips such as Sticky Paws tape
Sand paper

Before removing the deterrent, clean the area thoroughly to eradicate any scent traces that might encourage the cat to target the same place again. Using a non-toxic enzymatic cleaning product such as Nature’s Miracle is recommended.

Some people also have luck with herbal deterrents such as Only Natural Pet Herbal Scratch Deterrent or pheromone products such as Feliway. Additional solutions include buying furniture coverings made of thick fabric to protect the targeted item or providing a sacrificial piece of furniture that can be used as a scratch post.

Provide a Good Scratch Post

Cats need to scratch, so providing at least one scratch post or access to a tree trunk or tree stump is necessary. The post shouldn’t be tucked away in some faraway corner of the house, as the cat will be less likely to use it. Placing it near the cat’s inappropriate scratching target will ensure that the post gets noticed and may help to redirect the scratching behaviour.

When purchasing or building a scratch post, there are several things to consider. A good scratch post is:

Sturdy enough that it won’t wobble or fall over – if it comes crashing down, the cat may avoid it forever
Covered with appealing material – sisal twine is usually appreciated, though many cats also like carpet or carpet backing, nubby fabric, burlap, cork, or wood
Tall enough for the cat to stand upright or long enough that he can stretch out horizontally while scratching (at least 3 feet in length or height)

To increase the likelihood that a cat will choose the post over the furniture, purchase or construct a post that has coverings of a similar texture to the cat’s favourite piece of furniture or carpeting.

Make the Scratch Post Appealing

Many cat owners are disappointed to find that their cats ignore the scratch posts they’ve purchased or built. To make a scratch post more appealing:

Place it near the cat’s sleep spot
Rub a little catnip into it
Play with the cat near the post
Place the cat’s favourite toys on the post
Provide treats, praise, and affection when the cat is on or near the post

Most experts recommend against an owner holding a cat’s paws and simulating a scratching motion in the hopes of training him to scratch the post. This is ineffective with many cats, and may even cause an aversion in some.

See How to Make Cat Trees, Beds, and Scratch Posts for information on building custom scratching posts and trees.

Don’t Declaw

Some owners consider declawing in a desperate attempt to save their furniture. Declawing is an extremely painful procedure, and many cats that go through it end up with lifelong psychological and behavioural problems. For more on this, see The Dangers of Declawing Cats. Humane alternatives to declawing include trimming the tips of the claws to dull them or using a product such as Soft Paws (vinyl nail caps that fit over the claws).