How To Stop Cat Scratching

Cat scratching is a destructive behavior that is a common problem for cat owners. Cats often target highly visible areas, such as a sofa or doorway. Though the scratching problem can be a cause of frustration, it is important for the cat owner to understand that the cat’s scratching is not motivated by defiance or ill-temper. Scratching is an instinctive cat behavior. Often, a cat will resort to scratching when they are bored. Scratching also provides exercise for cats’ tendons and muscles in their paws.

Though cat owners may feel forced to declaw their cat in order to save their furniture and woodwork, there are more humane alternatives. In fact, some veterinarians are hesitant to perform declawing surgery because they feel it is painful and unnecessary. Stopping destructive scratching behavior involves changing the cat’s inappropriate target for scratching with a scratching post, deterring further destruction, and alleviating boredom.

A scratching post of cat tree can be used to try to control a cat’s scratching behavior. By encouraging scratching in one area, it may deter scratching of the furniture. If the cat does not use the scratching post provided, the cat owner may encourage its use by rubbing it with a little catnip. Placing a scratching post near areas where inappropriate scratching has occurred can help the cat transfer the scratching behavior to the scratching post.

Covering areas that have been scratched may prevent further destruction and reduce the cat’s desire to scratch. Aluminum foil is commonly used to train cats to avoid certain areas like countertops. This same principle can be applied to deterring scratching by covering scratched areas with foil or double-stick tape. Bitter apple spray can be applied to areas where the cat owner wants to prevent further destruction. When the cat scratches furniture, spraying a cat with a little water may stop some cats from continuing the scratching behavior.

Since cat scratching can be motivated by boredom, give the cat a variety of toys. If the cat is entertained, it is less likely to resort to scratching. A window perch can entertain a cat with problem behaviors linked to boredom. Trimming the cat’s nails regularly can reduce the urge to scratch. By trying a combination of alternatives to declawing, the cat owner can stop cat scratching and avoid the cost and pain of declawing surgery.