Scratching is not bad behaviour. It is a natural, important part of being a cat. Trying to stop it completely rarely works and can cause stress. The goal is to give your cat scratching options it likes more than your furniture.
Why cats scratch
- Claw care: scratching removes the worn outer layer of the claws and keeps them healthy.
- Stretching: it works the muscles of the shoulders, back and legs.
- Marking territory: cats have scent glands in their paws, so scratching leaves both a visual and a scent mark.
- Emotional release: many cats scratch when excited, after waking up or when greeting you.
Choose the right scratching post
Many scratching posts fail because they are too short or too wobbly. Look for:
- Height: tall enough for your cat to stretch fully, usually at least 80 centimetres.
- Stability: a heavy base that does not tip or rock. A cat that gets a fright will avoid the post.
- Texture: sisal rope or sisal fabric is popular with most cats. Some prefer cardboard, carpet or wood.
- Direction: some cats like vertical posts, others prefer horizontal scratchers on the floor. Watch what your cat scratches now and copy it.
Put scratchers in the right places
Location is as important as the post itself. Place scratchers:
- Right next to the furniture your cat is currently scratching
- Near where your cat sleeps, since many cats scratch on waking
- In main living areas and near entrances, where marking matters most to cats
Once your cat uses the new scratcher consistently, you can move it gradually, a little at a time, to a spot you prefer.
Make the post attractive
- Rub a little catnip or silvervine on it, if your cat responds to these.
- Drag a wand toy over and around the post during play.
- Reward with praise or a treat whenever your cat uses it.
Make the furniture less attractive
While your cat learns, temporarily cover favourite scratching spots with a throw, double-sided sticky tape or a smooth plastic sheet. Cats dislike sticky or slippery surfaces under their paws. Do this alongside providing a good alternative right next to it, never instead of it.
Trim the claws
Regular nail trims reduce damage. Trim just the sharp, clear tip and avoid the pink quick, which contains blood vessels and nerves. If you are unsure, ask your vet or a groomer to show you how.
What not to do
- Do not shout, spray water or punish your cat. It creates fear and often moves the scratching somewhere else.
- Do not choose declawing. It is a surgical amputation of the end of each toe and is banned or strongly discouraged in many countries because of the pain and long-term problems it can cause.
Be patient
Most cats switch to a good scratcher within a few weeks if it is sturdy, tall enough and in the right place. Keep the old favourite spot covered until the new habit is firmly established.
Quick answers
At what age do cats start scratching? Kittens begin scratching at a few weeks old. Introducing scratchers early, before habits form on furniture, makes training much easier.
Do nail caps or regular trims help? Trimming the sharp tips every few weeks reduces damage while your cat learns to use a scratcher. Soft nail caps are an option for some cats, but they need replacing as nails grow and should be fitted carefully.
Which scratcher material works best? Many cats prefer sisal rope or sisal fabric on vertical posts, and corrugated cardboard for horizontal scratching. Offer both and watch which your cat chooses.
Why does my cat scratch more when I come home? Scratching is also a greeting and a way to release excitement. Placing a scratcher near the front door or the sofa gives that energy a good outlet.
When should I talk to a vet? If scratching is sudden, obsessive or comes with over-grooming, limping or changes in behaviour, a vet check can rule out pain, skin problems or stress.
