Cat Scratching Behavior Guide: Why Cats Scratch and How to Redirect It
Cats scratch to mark territory, stretch muscles, and maintain claw health—it's natural and necessary. Provide appropriate scratching surfaces (posts, pads) in preferred locations, use deterrents on furniture, and never punish scratching. Most cats will use proper scratchers when they're the right type and placement.
Skip to product recommendationWhy Cats Scratch
🔑 Key Takeaways
- •Scratching is natural and necessary—don't try to stop it, redirect it
- •Place scratchers near furniture they already target
- •Cats prefer tall, sturdy posts they can fully stretch on
- •Reward use of appropriate surfaces with treats and praise
Scratching is essential cat behavior, not just a bad habit:
- Claw maintenance: Removes dead outer sheath, keeps claws healthy
- Stretching: Full-body stretch for muscles and tendons
- Marking territory: Leaves visual marks and scent from paw glands
Additional tips: emotional expression: stress relief, excitement, contentment, exercise: works shoulder and leg muscles.
You cannot—and should not—stop scratching entirely. The goal is redirection.
Choosing the Right Scratching Surfaces
Material Preferences
Cats have individual preferences:
- Sisal rope: Most popular, durable, satisfying texture
- Sisal fabric: Similar appeal, different feel
- Cardboard: Many cats love it, affordable, needs replacement
- Carpet: Some cats prefer it (risky if you have carpet floors)
🏆🐱 Best-Selling Cat Scratcher
The SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post is tall, sturdy, and covered in sisal—cats love it.
Additional tips: wood: natural appeal for some cats, offer different materials to find your cat's preference.
Orientation
- Vertical posts: For cats who scratch furniture or doorframes
- Horizontal pads: For cats who scratch carpet or rugs
- Angled scratchers: Compromise option
- Most cats benefit from multiple orientations
Size and Stability
- Tall enough for full stretch (at least as long as cat stretched out)
- Stable—won't tip when used
- Heavy base or wall-mounted for vertical posts
- Wobbly posts get rejected
Strategic Placement
Location matters as much as the scratcher itself:
- Near sleeping areas (cats often scratch after waking)
- By furniture they've been scratching (not hidden in a corner)
- In main living areas (scratching is social/territorial)
Additional tips: multiple scratchers in multi-cat or multi-story homes, entrance to rooms and near windows.
Encouraging Use
Making Scratchers Attractive
- Catnip: Sprinkle on new scratchers
- Play: Use toys around the scratcher
- Treats: Reward scratching on appropriate surfaces
Additional tips: scent: rub with cat's own scent (towel they've slept on), demonstrate: scratch it yourself (really!).
Making Furniture Unattractive
- Double-sided tape (cats dislike sticky paws)
- Aluminum foil (temporarily)
- Citrus scents near furniture
Additional tips: plastic covers on corners, commercial deterrent sprays.
Redirecting Scratching
When you catch your cat scratching furniture:
- Interrupt calmly (no yelling or punishment)
- Pick up cat or lure with toy
- Place paws on appropriate scratcher
- Praise when they scratch the right surface
- Never punish—it damages trust and doesn't work
Multiple Cats
- Each cat needs their own scratching options
- Cats may not share scratchers (territorial marking)
- Multiple scratchers in different locations
- Watch for resource guarding
About Declawing
Declawing (onychectomy) is not recommended:
- It's amputation of the last bone of each toe
- Causes chronic pain in many cats
- Can lead to behavior problems (biting, litter box avoidance)
Additional tips: banned in many countries and some us cities, appropriate scratching surfaces make it unnecessary.
Nail Care
Regular nail trims can reduce damage:
- Trim every 2-4 weeks
- Just the sharp tips
- Get cats used to handling paws early
Additional tips: if you're uncomfortable, have vet or groomer do it, nail caps are an option for persistent scratchers.
When Scratching Indicates Problems
Excessive scratching may signal:
- Stress or anxiety: Changes in household, conflicts
- Medical issues: Skin problems causing discomfort
- Insufficient scratching options: Need more/better scratchers
- Territory concerns: In multi-cat households
Troubleshooting
Cat Ignores Scratcher
- Try different material or orientation
- Move to better location
- Make it more appealing (catnip, treats)
- Ensure stability
Cat Still Scratches Furniture
- Place scratcher directly in front of furniture spot
- Use deterrents on furniture
- Cover furniture temporarily
- More scratching options throughout home
The Bottom Line
Scratching is normal, healthy cat behavior that shouldn't be stopped—only redirected. Invest in quality scratching surfaces that meet your cat's preferences, place them strategically, and make them more appealing than your furniture. With patience and the right setup, most cats happily use appropriate scratchers.
