Why Do Cats Scratch Furniture and Carpets? 4 Reasons & How to Stop

Cats' penchant for scratching carpets and furniture can be perplexing to pet owners, but it's crucial to understand that scratching is a natural behavior for felines. Rather than a destructive or spiteful act, cats scratch for various reasons, including claw maintenance, scent marking, exercise, and communication. To protect your household furnishings or prevent cat from scratching door frames , it's essential to redirect your cat's scratching behavior to more suitable targets.

Why Do Cats Scratch Furniture and Carpets?

Scent Marking

When your cat scratches objects, they are not trying to annoy you; they're marking their territory. Cats' paws contain scent glands, and by scratching, they release visible and chemical scent markers that establish their territory within your home. Frequently used areas, like carpets, sofas, or your favorite armchair, become targets for this territorial marking, helping cats feel secure and relieve stress by leaving their scent.

Health and Grooming

Scratching, or "stropping," helps cats shed the outer layers of their claws, revealing a sharp new surface underneath. These discarded claw layers can often be found around your home, particularly in areas where your cat prefers to scratch. Claw maintenance through scratching is a form of grooming, promoting the cat's overall well-being.

Exercise

Scratching also serves as a means of exercise, engaging the muscles of a cat's forelimbs and spine. This exercise helps cats stay in top physical shape, which is crucial for hunting. Some cats may scratch while lying down and pulling their body weight along the floor. They choose surfaces that are stable and nonyielding to provide resistance for their scratching muscles.

Territory Marking

In the wild, cats communicate messages to each other through various means, with territory being a central theme. Scratching is a significant way for cats to signal their territorial ownership to other felines. The scent left behind during scratching, thanks to the scent glands in their paws, is detectable by other cats, even if it's not discernible to humans. The visible marks from scratching serve as signs for other cats to read.

How to Stop a Cat From Scratching Furniture and Carpets?

Provide Suitable Alternatives

Redirect your cat's scratching behavior to acceptable targets, such as scratching posts designed for this purpose.

Horizontal Scratching Pad

Cats have individual preferences for scratching patterns. If your cat prefers carpet scratching, consider horizontal scratching pads, including wedge-shaped inclines or flattened options, to find one that suits your cat's preferences.

Choose Quality Scratch Posts

Invest in good-quality scratch trees and posts that are sturdy and tall enough for your cat to stretch fully. Wobbly scratching posts can discourage usage.

Cover Scratched Areas

Cover the area where your cat frequently scratches. Moving a piece of furniture or a scratching post to the spot can help. A sisal scratching post might be a suitable choice. For scratching in entryways, place a thin mat over the area. You can use double-sided tape as a deterrent, training your cat to avoid the area, especially on vertical surfaces.

Infuse with Scent

Use feline pheromone plug-ins or sprays like Feliway in the scratching area. These products, while not designed explicitly for this purpose, can create a sense of a marked territory, deterring scratching behavior.

Address Anxiety

Cats may scratch more if they are emotionally stressed due to environmental changes or the introduction of a new pet or child to the household. Providing additional attention, playtime, and reassurance to your cat can alleviate their anxiety and reduce their urge to scratch.

Conclusion

Understanding why cats scratch furniture and carpets is crucial in finding effective solutions. Redirecting their natural behavior to appropriate targets and providing alternatives can help preserve your furnishings. It's essential to remember that cats scratch for beneficial reasons, and they should not be blamed for this instinctual behavior. If you're concerned about excessive destructive scratching, consult your veterinarian for guidance.