Why Do Cats Always Scratch Furniture?
Scratching is an instinctive behavior for cats. The main reasons include:
-
Sharpening claws: It helps remove the dead outer shell of their claws and keeps them sharp.
-
Marking territory: Cats have scent glands in their paws. When they scratch something, they’re leaving a message: “I was here.”
-
Stretching: Scratching is often accompanied by a full-body stretch — like a feline version of yawning and stretching.
-
Relieving stress or boredom: Scratching helps cats relax and release pent-up energy.
Scratching furniture isn't a "bad habit" — it's a behavior written into their DNA.
To prevent your cat from damaging furniture, you shouldn't try to stop the scratching, but rather redirect it. Below is a practical approach designed with feline instincts in mind — from understanding their behavior to implementing effective solutions.
Instinctive Purpose & Behavior
| Instinctive Purpose | Behavior Description |
|---|---|
| 🔪 Sharpen Claws | Scratching hard surfaces to keep claws sharp |
| 🧘 Stretch Muscles | Full-body stretching while scratching |
| 📍 Mark Territory | Scent glands in paw pads leave a "cat scent" |
| 😾 Relieve Stress | Scratching occurs when anxious or bored |
1. Provide Proper Scratching Alternatives
Give your cat appropriate options for scratching, like scratchers and posts. Choosing the right type depends on your cat’s preferences:
-
Vertical posts: Best for cats who like to scratch the sides of sofas or curtains.
-
Flat scratchers: Great for cats that prefer to sit and scratch at the floor.
-
Angled scratchers: Suitable for cats who like a variety of scratching angles.
You can sprinkle catnip on the scratcher or use a teaser toy to guide your cat toward it. As soon as your cat uses it, reward them immediately with a treat or gentle petting to reinforce that it’s the “right” thing to scratch.
2. Help Your Cat Burn Off Energy (So They Don’t Scratch Out of Boredom)
A lot of cats scratch furniture when you're not around simply because they’re bored. Here’s what you can do:
-
Spend time playing with your cat every day — wand toys and laser pointers are great tools.
-
Create stimulating play areas, such as cat trees or window perches.
-
Use interactive or automatic toys that can keep your cat busy when you're not home.
3. Build a Habit of Using Scratchers
This step takes patience but is key to success.
-
Every time your cat uses the scratcher correctly, reward them immediately.
-
In the beginning, place the scratcher next to the furniture they usually scratch. Once they’re used to it, slowly move it away.
-
Ideally, place a scratcher in every room your cat spends time in, so they always have an approved place to scratch.
