All cats scratch, but some can become quite destructive, causing owners a lot of frustration and raising the question of whether it’s really possible to share a home with a particular cat. Scratching, in fact, is one of the top reasons cats are either declawed, abandoned, or surrendered to shelters. Cat lovers often face a quandary when they also love their nice furniture and thick, plush carpeting. No one wants to live with sofa arms and drapes shredded and tattered, or carpet strings pulled up, yet few of us are willing to give up our cats, either.
Why Do Cats Scratch?
Scratching is an absolutely normal cat behavior, and it is almost never a sign that your cat is angry or upset. Instead, cats scratch because:
- They are marking their territory using both their claws and the scent glands on their paws
- They are exercising their feet and claws (and stretching their bodies at the same time)
- They are full of energy and having fun
- They are removing dead layers of tissue called the sheath from their claws
Treatment
While it is possible to declaw a cat, it has been viewed as unnecessary and even ‘ethically controversial’ by several well known veterinary organizations to include the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) as well as the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). This is because declaws are elective (unnecessary) and can be painful for cats as they remove a piece of bone from your cat’s paws. It can also cause long term repercussions such as pain, nerve damage or infection. It is far better to pursue alternatives to scratching that can help you and your cat coexist happily. Cats can be trained to scratch appropriately while also keeping its claws at a minimum length.
- Clipping claws. You can purchase cat claw clippers at your local vet, and they are usually easier to use than human nail clippers. Start with a relaxed, sleepy cat, sharp clippers, and a good light source, for best results. Hold your cat securely in your lap, and clip one paw at a time. Press the paw pad and your cat’s claws will extend. Clip off just the sharp, hooked portion of the claw, being careful not to nick the quick (flesh).
- Determine where and what your cat likes to scratch. Each cat has its own preferences; by watching your cat you can determine what kind of surface it like to scratch and where it usually does the most damage. You can then reproduce similar surfaces and scratching posts in similar locations to attract your cat to acceptable scratching areas.
- Remove temptation. Wash, cover, and/or move items your cat typically scratches to make them less accessible and attractive.
- Consider rewards and consequences. It’s always preferable to reward your cat for good behavior rather than offer consequences for poor behavior. Treats for scratching in the right places can be very effective. Only if absolutely necessary, consider using a squirt bottle or other consequence to teach your cat to stay away from certain areas.
About Scratching Posts
Just like humans, cats need exercise, and scratching posts provide the ideal format. Cats stretch and pull against the scratching surfaces to limber their bodies, as well as to "sharpen" their claws (by removing the sheaths that cover them). Be generous with scratching posts – cats love and need a variety of surfaces and planes, so scatter a few throughout the house.
Every cat should own several scratching posts, of varying sizes, angles, and surfaces. Scratching posts are essential to cats, for needed exercise, stress relief, and claw management, and will save wear and tear on furniture and carpeting, as well. With scratching posts, costs are not necessarily a factor, as the inexpensive corrugated cardboard pads are a favorite with some cats.
There are many different options available for scratching posts, and ideally, you'll be able to select one that matches your cat's preference. Some are covered with heavy carpeting, others with corrugated cardboard, and still others with sisal (a natural fiber). A few tips to consider:
- It's fine to purchase an inexpensive scratching post; there's really no need to buy high-priced towers.
- Place the scratching post in the same location as your cat has already been scratching.
- If your cat enjoys catnip, rub a little on the scratching post to attract your pet.
- When your cat uses the scratching post reward it with treats, kinds words, and cuddles.
How to Prevent Scratching
Cats need to scratch; it is an ingrained need to help maintain their main source of defense and to develop strong sinewy muscles and connective tissue.
Destructive scratching need not be a problem if you recognize and respect this need to scratch and provide allowable alternatives to your furniture. You can also trim claws, use soft nail caps, and use other means of discouraging destructive scratching.
If you suspect your pet is sick, call your vet immediately. For health-related questions, always consult your veterinarian, as they have examined your pet, know the pet’s health history, and can make the best recommendations for your pet.
Article Sources
The Spruce Pets uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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Feline Behavior Problems: Destructive Behavior. Feline Health Center, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.
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American Association of Feline Practitioners. AAFP Position Statement: Declawing. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, vol. 19, no. 9, pp. NP1-NP3, 2017. doi:10.1177/1098612X17729246
