Scratching in the house

Cat behaviour counsellor Vicky Halls throws some light on why cats scratch the furniture and how they can be redirected in their efforts!

CATS SCRATCH BOTH INDOORS AND OUT for several reasons. If we want to tackle some of the problems associated with scratching indoors we need to understand the cat's motivations and preferences for this behaviour.

It is a common misconception that cats ‘sharpen' their claws by scratching. What actually happens is the worn outer husk of the claw is detached, using a resistant material, revealing a sharp new surface underneath. Scratching also exercises the muscles of the forelimbs.

Scratching is also used as a form of territorial communication or marking behaviour. Scent and sweat glands in between the pads of the paws mix to produce a unique smell. When claws are scraped down a surface the scent is deposited and the combination of the mark, discarded claw husks and the smell provides a strong visual and scent message to other cats.

Cats will choose a variety of surfaces both vertical and horizontal depending on their individual preferences. If the location is vertical the cat will usually extend itself to full stretch and then rhythmically scratch, alternating between the fore paws. Some cats will choose a horizontal surface or scratch by lying down and pulling their bodyweight along the floor. The surfaces chosen are usually fixed and non-yielding to resist the force exerted by the cat at this time.

Trees, fence posts, sheds and wooden gates (for example) in strategically important locations will all show signs of marking behaviour in a cat populated area. Similar surfaces will also be utilised for claw maintenance. Unvarnished woods and tree bark are the most natural surfaces to scratch as they provide a perfect level of resistance to the action and show a strong visual cue when used regularly.

Many cats nowadays have limited or no access to outdoors. There are also those that choose to spend more time in the comfort and safety of the home and just feel more relaxed about maintaining their claws in a secure environment! Scratching can also be used as a precursor for play or even as an attention seeking tool by the more manipulative and social individuals. Popular substrates indoors include soft woods (eg, pine), fabrics, textured wallpaper and carpet. Popular locations include doorframes, furniture and stairs. Cats will often scratch vigorously in the presence of their owners or other cats as a sign of territorial confidence. However if the scratched locations are widespread throughout the home, particularly around doorways and windows, then it is likely that the cat is signaling a general sense of insecurity. Whether the scratching represents claw maintenance, marking or both depends on the dynamics of the feline household, the pattern of locations and various other factors. If attractive scratching posts or areas are not provided indoors it is likely that damage will occur to furniture, wallpaper or carpet!

If you have owned your cat from a kitten it is important that it is accustomed to handling and restraint at an early age. If a cat becomes used to claw trimming as a kitten then this will be well tolerated as an adult and will prevent damage to furniture. Commercially available scratching posts range from a basic single upright structure with a heavy base to an elaborate floor to- ceiling modular unit that provides many opportunities for play, exercise and resting as well as a variety of surfaces to scratch. In multi-cat households it is probably sensible to provide one scratching post per cat (plus an additional one for choice) positioned in different locations. The choice of design depends then on budget and space available. If space is an issue then scratching panels can be fixed to walls, either using homemade or commercially available products.

Sections of carpet can be attached to walls using double sided carpet tape and wooden batons attached at the top and bottom (using raw plugs and screws) for added security. The carpet chosen to provide a suitable surface for scratching should be a loop-weave to offer the appropriate degree of resistance. It is also essential that it is positioned to allow the cat to scratch at full stretch (remember that kittens grow very quickly so full stretch for them will not be high enough!!)
Commercially available panels of sisal twine can also be attached to walls to create a similar area.

Avoid those scratching products that are too lightweight to resist scratching or cannot be fixed to rigid surfaces. These will not be favoured by cats due to the lack of resistance when used.

It is important initially that the post, scratching panel or modular ‘cat-aerobic' centre is located in an area the cat frequents on a regular basis. Placing it in an area that is convenient to the owner but not visited by the cat will guarantee that it is ignored! As cats often scratch after a period of sleep it may be useful to place the post near a favourite bed. The type of centre chosen should include upright posts that are tall enough to allow the cat to scratch at full stretch. (Although many commercially available scratching posts are covered with carpet there is no evidence that the cat's scratching habits will generalise to other areas of carpet within the home once the post is used regularly.)

If the cat is used to handling and manipulation of the legs and paws then it may be sufficient to gently hold the cat against the new post and gently scrape the paws down the surface whilst offering praise. However many cats will be suspicious of an over-zealous owner if they are actively encouraged to explore the new item. There are better ways to make the scratching post irresistible!

Some commercially available posts are impregnated with catnip. This is a herb that is extremely attractive to many adult cats and its presence will often draw attention without much effort. Once the cat has approached the scratching post a simple predatory-type game (involving a piece of string attached to a feather, for example) around the base will encourage the claws to make contact with the surfaces. Often this will be sufficient to

encourage further visits. If the scratching post has several levels then placing tasty dry food on the modular surfaces may encourage the less playful cat to investigate.

If a particular surface or object is being damaged it is important to provide an acceptable alternative that offers a similar experience when used. For example if the cat is scratching textured wallpaper at a certain height it is essential that the alternative scratching area is vertical with similar texture and striations that allows the cat to stretch to the same level.

It's important to remember that the cat is not doing this just to be naughty. If the motivation is claw maintenance then you are merely punishing a natural behaviour (very confusing for the cat). If the cat is scratching excessively due to anxiety and insecurity then punishment will add to his or her distress and probably make the situation worse.

If scratching has damaged furniture, it is possible to deter your cat from future visits to the same location. Low tack double sided adhesive tape* can be stuck over the area and this will

provide an unpleasant (but not dangerous) experience when your cat next scratches there. It is essential to ensure that the tape is not too sticky since it could damage paws and fabric.

This method can be employed once there are acceptable scratching posts nearby to use as an alternative. Commercially available double-sided adhesive sheets can be purchased from

If wooden furniture, doorframes or banisters have been damaged by scratching it is important to remove all traces of the scratch marks by rubbing down with a fine sand paper and treating the area with a thick layer of furniture polish once the surface is smooth again. Suitable posts or scratching panels should be located nearby. If the area is not ideal for a free-standing scratching post on a permanent basis then it can be relocated slowly (an inch at a time!) to a more convenient position once it is being used regularly.

Many cats target the lower step on staircases and scratch horizontally whilst lying down. Place low tack double-sided adhesive tape* over the damaged areas (warn the family not to tread on it!) and provide a scratching area nearby. If the cat grips the stair on opposite sides of the right angle, providing both vertical and horizontal scratching surfaces, it is important that the alternative offers the same opportunity. For example a breeze block covered in carpet will be heavy enough to resist the pull of the scratching action, can be used for both vertical and horizontal scratching and is easily located nearby.

Thin sheets of Perspex can be cut to size and fitted over the damaged area of wallpaper using screws and raw plugs if appropriate. This surface will be unattractive to scratch since it is smooth and it is also easily cleaned to remove any scent deposits. Double-sided adhesive tape* can also be used over the affected area if the wallpaper is sufficiently damaged to require replacing. Whichever deterrent is used it is essential to provide a vertical scratching panel of a similar height nearby.

it is widespread
present in a multi-cat household
present within a home in a densely cat-populated territory
there have been major changes within the home

There are often tensions within multi-cat households or territories that are not easily identified by the owners. The solution to territorial marking lies in identifying the problem and cause of the individual cat's stress. Once this has been established it may be possible to decrease the cat's anxiety by providing additional resources within the home to prevent competition between members of the group. Making environmental changes within the home will also increase the cat's feelings of security and safety.

Provide a number of high resting places and secure hiding places in different rooms within the home (one per cat plus one is always a good formula to follow)
Provide sufficient indoor litter facilities in different locations if the cats have limited access to outdoors (one per cat plus one)
Increase interactive play sessions
Provide additional feeding stations
Provide additional water stations
Ensure there are plentiful sleeping areas/beds
Cover the cat flap with a solid panel and give the cat access to outdoors on demand

Provide an electronically controlled exclusive access cat flap

All cats produce secretions from glands in their cheeks that provide a unique scent. Cats use this scent to mark their territory and the smell gives them a sense of security and reassurance. Research has shown that cats will not scratch or spray urine in areas where this pheromone is deposited. The individual cat's scent can be collected and rubbed on the areas that have been scratched to provide a more positive and relaxed atmosphere. A part of this scent is common to all cats and a synthetic version called Feliway (manufactured by Ceva Animal Health Ltd) is available in spray and diffuser form (this plugs into an electrical socket) from veterinary practices.

1. Use a small soft natural fibre cloth or fine cotton gloves (available from pharmacies)

2. Stroke firmly around the cat's head, using the cloth or gloves with particular emphasis on the cheeks, chin and forehead

There are various commercial deterrents on the market that can be sprayed on the damaged area to prevent further approaches. In the author's experience these products emit an odour that is also highly offensive to humans and the spray needs to be regularly reapplied to be effective.

Small vinyl pads can be glued over the cat's claws (Soft Paws) by a veterinary surgeon and these will remain in place for 6-10 weeks. Scratching will still take place but damage will no longer occur and the cat can be retrained to more acceptable areas.

* The adhesive on the tape will attract atmospheric dust and fibres so it may be necessary to place a fresh strip over the original on a daily basis if the cat is persistent.