You might’ve bought your kitty all the toys and cat trees in the world, and yet they always seem to go back to scratching the furniture! If you’re wondering why your cat is scratching the furniture, this blog will explain why, plus let you in on some tips on how to encourage your cats to use their scratching post instead.
Why do cats scratch?
Scratching is completely normal for cats. You may often find your cat dragging their claws downwards on different surfaces in your home, and the reason behind it is not just because they want to ruin your furniture. Scratching is important to cats as it helps them do many things, such as:
- Loosening and removing the outer part of their claw to give them a new sharp surface
- Exercising the muscles of your cat’s forelimbs and their spine
- Communicating and marking their territory—a chemical message is released from between their pads as they scratch, so the visual mark and the pheromone message act as a way for them to help them understand the different parts of their environment that they feel safe in
- Initiating a play session or getting the attention of their human
Why does my cat scratch the furniture?
If you’re finding that your cat is scratching the furniture regularly, one reason could be that there aren’t enough scratching objects or areas around the house to keep your cat from scratching unwanted places. If the locations that your cat is scratching are widespread in the house, especially if this includes windows or doors, then it’s likely that your cat is feeling stressed or insecure.
Some reasons your cat might be feeling this way could be down to a change of their environment, such as introducing new people or pets to the home. As a result, your cat may scratch the furniture to mark their territory. If you think your cat is scratching because of stress, then try FELIWAY Optimum which is proven to reduce the stress-related scratching and give them a feeling of enhanced serenity.
It’s important to not punish your cat for scratching furniture, especially if your cat is scratching because they’re anxious, as this can make the situation worse. Remember that scratching is a natural behaviour for cats. Instead of getting frustrated, try and redirect them to a desired place for scratching to gently lead them away from the furniture.
How do I stop my cat scratching the furniture?
First, it’s a good idea to check your cat’s normal routine. Does your cat have enough outlets for interaction with you? Are they physically and mentally stimulated by enough toys and playtime? Asking these questions can help you figure out if your cat is scratching because they want your attention or need something to do.
Another thing you can try to stop your cat scratching the furniture is to consider what items your cat is scratching and provide them with a scratching post or object to replicate it. For example, if your cat likes scratching textured wallpaper, get a scratching post that matches the height of the wall with a similar texture to replicate this experience, but with a suitable object.
To prevent certain items of furniture from being scratched again, you can cover the area to protect it and deter scratching. Placing a scratching post in a nearby area as an alternative will also help minimize repeat scratching. Another tip is to spray FELIWAY Classic spray on the scratched areas once they are cleaned and dry to discourage the area being scratched. However, don’t use FELIWAY Classic spray on your cat’s scratching post, as this will stop them from using it.
Why is my cat not using the scratching post?
When it comes to answering the question of how to encourage cats to use their scratching post, the main thing to remember is patience. All cats are different, and some may take longer than others to break their scratching habits. You could also move the scratching post to different areas of the house, or even try a different style of scratching post to encourage your cat to use it.
Another thing you can do if your cat won’t use their scratching post is play a game with a fishing rod toy around the post. Or, try placing some dry treats on the top or on a platform of the post. This will help spur your cat to explore the item.
Once your cat starts using their scratching post, they’ll keep returning as the scratch marks and messages encourage them to scratch again. Remember to reward your cat when they use appropriate objects for scratching to recognize their good behaviour.
If you’d like to understand more about why your cat is scratching the furniture, check out all our other fantastic blogs online! Or if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch—we’ll be delighted to share all the insights we can. And while you’re here, don’t forget to sign up to our newsletter to stay up to date with all our latest news, articles, and product info from FELIWAY.