When wallpaper, sofas and carpets show signs of scratching, this does not go down well with cat owners. We can help you find out the cause of this behavior and give you tips on how to prevent unwanted scratching.
Scratching is part of a cat's natural behavior
A cat's scratching can be controlled quite reliably, but you cannot completely stop or prohibit a cat from scratching, as this behavior is firmly anchored in the cat and has several meanings:
- Sharpening claws
Just like our fingernails, a cat's claws grow back throughout its life. However, a claw differs from our nails in terms of its structure: It consists of an inner and an outer horny layer. Only the inner layer grows back, while the outer layer has to be shed at regular intervals. This is done by scratching. If you look closely, you can find empty shells near scratching utensils.
- Stake out territory
Whether indoors or outdoors - instinct tells cats that they need to mark their territory so that conspecifics can recognize it and respect it accordingly. This works in two ways: Firstly, other cats should be made aware from a distance that there is a territorial boundary by scratching marks. Outside, trees are usually used for this purpose, as their bark shows corresponding marks. Cats also spread scent traces when scratching, which are distributed via glands on the paws. This makes it easy to identify territory boundaries even in the dark.
Why does my cat scratch furniture, wallpaper and other objects?
Unfortunately for some cat owners, their pets are not particularly picky when it comes to choosing where to scratch. They sharpen their claws on wallpaper, cupboards, sofas, table legs and carpets. There are a number of possible reasons for this:
- No suitable scratching furniture
Cats want to sharpen their claws every day, but if there are no or insufficient opportunities to do so, they will inevitably use the interior furnishings. If you therefore find scratching marks, you should consider whether you are offering your cat sufficient scratching opportunities. First and foremost, a large scratching post is recommended. There are also scratching boards, scratching walls and scratching garbage cans. Provide several if you have to, in every room or near every place that has ever been used as an unwanted claw sharpener.
- The wrong place
On the one hand, scratching is about the cat being able to sharpen its claws, but on the other hand it also wants to mark its territory. If, for example, there is only one scratching area in a room that the cat does not prefer, it may not be particularly interested in it. It is therefore important to provide scratching furniture in the area that the cat likes to visit.
- The cat is not busy
Is your cat often alone at home, does it not have a companion of its own species at its side and often has little time to spend with it? Then it will look for an outlet and take out its frustration and boredom by rearranging the home to suit its needs. So ask yourself whether too little attention and variety in everyday life could be the reason for scratch marks in your home. If so, think about getting a second cat, offer a change of toys every day, increase the size of the territory by providing a cat-proof balcony and reserve sufficient play and cuddle time with your four-legged friend every day.
- The cat is not neutered
As already mentioned, scratching is also a cat's way of marking its territory. This is particularly important for them if they are not neutered. So if you have an unneutered animal at home, an appropriate procedure could solve the problem of scratching and marking.
What should I do if I catch the cat scratching?
Please do not shout, hit or chase away wildly. But neither should you let the situation go unchallenged, even if it is an old sofa that is soon to be replaced. Cats cannot tell which piece of furniture is allowed or forbidden to scratch. Either you don't care if there are occasional scratch marks or you take firm action. For example, clap your hands once and clearly say "No". Either give her another chance or pick her up straight away and place her on one of your scratching furniture. If she continues scratching there, praise her and give her a treat.
Cats may take a little longer than dogs to understand what they want, but they are perfectly capable of understanding the connection with a reward. If there is a treat for sharpening their claws on the scratching post, most are happy to focus on that and not the couch.
When kittens scratch
Kittens learn to use their claws at an early age. This is not so bad among like-minded animals, after all they have protective fur. However, if the playmate is our hand, this can become increasingly unpleasant as the cat gets older. To avoid having an 8-kilogram Maine Coon cat climbing up on you one day, you should make it clear from the start that scratching does not go down well with you or in your home.
It is best if you only use your hand for stroking and not for playing. There are plenty of toys available for this purpose that are easy on the forearms. If you get a scratch, don't ignore it, but make it clear to the cat with an "ow" and a temporary break in play. It will certainly find this unfortunate and will try to learn from the situation. It is no different in the nursery. If one of the kittens overdoes it, the other withdraws and the fun is over. So next time they will be more careful.
Conclusion
If you want to take precautions, make it clear to kittens that scratching your hands and furniture is undesirable. If you have no ambitions to breed with your cat, it is best to have it neutered. Markings for a territory are then of less importance. It is important to provide sufficient scratching furniture in the household and to ensure variety in everyday cat life. The more busy and content the cat is, the less likely it is to think silly thoughts.