Why does my cat scratch my furniture?

by Caroline Crevier-Chabot

Scratching surfaces is a species-typical behavior for cats. What does that mean? It means that they are genetically programmed to do this action and find it enjoyable and satisfying. Scratching has several uses:

  • Helps keep the claws in good condition by helping to remove the shedding layers (that’s why you sometimes find claw covers around the house)
  • Tones the muscles
  • Stretches the muscles
  • Releases tension
  • Releases excitement
  • Helps to bring down the state of nervousness
  • Visually indicates that the cat has been there.
  • Olfactorily indicates that the cat has been there (the pads of the cat’s paws generate semiochemical compounds that are left on the surface when the cat scratches)

Did you know that even cats who have had their toes cut off (a procedure that is now illegal in Quebec and incorrectly referred to as “declawing”) like to scratch if they are given an appropriate substrate? That’s how important this behavior is to them.

To get your cat to scratch the surfaces you prefer instead of the one you would like to keep in good condition, here are the key points:

  • Material: Different cats like different materials, the most popular typically being: sisal rope, cardboard, carpet, wood, fabrics.
  • Height: Almost all scratching posts available on the market are too short. An average cat easily reaches 34in or 86cm. Have you ever noticed that the posts of cat trees are often interrupted by one or more of the tree’s levels? This makes them much less pleasant for the cat to use and prevents them from enjoying their full height while scratching.
  • Stability: A wobbly scratching post is not pleasant to scratch on. This is unfortunately the case with most scratchers on the market.
  • Placement in the house

Cats scratch:

  • When they wake up
  • When you come back home
  • When they are excited during play with another cat
  • , etc.

So your cat isn’t going to go down a flight of stairs to the back of the basement to scratch. They need to be able to do it WHEN THEY FEEL THE IMMEDIATE URGE in order for it to be satisfying.

Not sure what’s the best route to take to get your cat to scratch where you want them to? That’s what we’re here for! To schedule an appointment, click here.

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