Pet Talk: How to Curb Cat Scratching

By Sally Salopek

Q. How can I get my cat Boris to quit scratching my furniture?

A. The best approach is not to try and get Boris to stop scratching your furniture, but instead to teach him where to scratch.

Scratching inanimate objects is normal, natural cat behavior. Scratching objects serves multiple purposes for your feline. They scratch during play. They scratch while stretching to loosen up leg and shoulder muscles. They scratch to remove frayed, worn outer claws and to expose new sharper ones.

They are also territorial little creatures, so by scratching your furniture your kitty is not only leaving a visual marker that the area belongs to him, but also a scent mark to tell other felines that the area is his. Cats have scent glands on the bottom of their feet, along with scent glands on their faces and hip and tail areas. That’s why they rub on everything, including you. Humans can’t smell the scent, but other cats can. It needs to be refreshed often, which explains why cats scratch on objects as part of their daily ritual.

Now to get Boris to stop scratching your furniture. Try cat scratching posts made of different materials such as cardboard, carpet or rope. Once you figure his preference for scratching, provide posts of that kind in several locations, especially near the furniture he likes to claw.

Cats enjoy scratching when they awaken after a nap, so be sure to put one near kitty’s favorite resting spot. Remember the entire house is the cat’s territory so several posts are ideal. Make sure the posts are sturdy and won’t shift or fall over when being used. Most felines like a post that’s tall enough for them to fully stretch. Encourage Boris to investigate his new kitty posts by spraying with catnip, hanging toys on them or leaving treats around the bottom.

When you catch Boris scratching something inappropriate after purchasing or building scratching posts, tell him no, then move him to one of his posts and praise him when he uses it. You may want to put some double-sided tape on your furniture where Boris likes to scratch. This will help discourage further scratching until he starts using his own areas.

You may also want to keep his nails trimmed and/or consider putting plastic caps on his claws so he doesn’t damage your furniture if he decides to claw it. These special caps attach with an adhesive. They are temporary, lasting four to six weeks.

It will take some effort to discourage Boris from using the furniture he has grown to love scratching, but in time he will love his new posts just as much.

Sally Salopek is the owner and operator of Attend-A-Pet pet sitting services in northern Door County. She has also worked professionally with animals in health care, pet grooming, training, wildlife rehab and rescue. Send your pet-related questions to her at [email protected].