STUDY REVEALS HIDDEN REASONS CATS SCRATCH FURNITURE, AND HOW TO STOP THEM

While scratching surfaces is a natural behavior for cats, a new study sheds light on why some of our beloved feline friends are more destructive than others. And no, they’re not just being mischievous to annoy you.

“We have found that factors such as having children in the home, the personality traits of the cats, and their activity levels significantly influence the extent of scratching behavior,” says veterinary researcher Yasemin Salgirli Demirbas from Ankara University in Türkiye.

Providing cats with appropriate scratching surfaces is crucial, as it helps keep their claws sharp and prevents overgrowth that can lead to health issues. Additionally, scratched surfaces serve as territorial markers, allowing cats to communicate with other felines.

However, problems can arise when cats scratch furniture, such as expensive leather couches. According to Salgirli Demirbas and her colleagues from Portugal, Canada, and France, the more frustrated an owner becomes, the more likely the cat is to scratch in response to the increased social tension.

The researchers surveyed over 1,200 single-cat households and found that stress is a primary cause of excessive scratching in domestic cats. Despite the potential for bias in self-reported data, they identified a strong correlation.

“We see a clear connection between certain environmental and behavioral factors and increased scratching behavior in cats,” says Salgirli Demirbas. “In particular, the presence of children, high levels of play, and nocturnal activity contribute significantly to increased scratching. Cats described as aggressive or disruptive also showed higher levels of scratching.”

This tells us how we can work with our cats to alter their behavior.

“Providing safe hiding places, elevated observation spots, and ample play opportunities can help alleviate stress and engage the cat in more constructive activities,” advises Salgirli Demirba.

If your cat is scratching in unwanted areas, it’s important to use positive reinforcement strategies and avoid methods that could increase their stress. Positive approaches include providing an alternative scratching surface near their preferred scratching spot.

Cats typically scratch in socially significant areas, often to express their emotional state, so the placement of their scratching post is important to them.

Additionally, engaging in play that suits your cat’s preferences is crucial. Cats that play for long periods may scratch more often, potentially due to overstimulation. Researchers suggest that regular, brief interactive play sessions with appropriate toys can help reduce stress and minimize undesirable scratching behavior.

Cats are indeed particular creatures with strong preferences, even about how they are petted. Identifying specific stressors behind your cat’s scratching can help address and reduce the problematic behavior.

“Understanding the emotional motivations behind scratching behavior, such as frustration linked to personality traits and environmental factors, allows caregivers to address these issues more effectively,” says Salgirli Demirbas.

Calming cat pheromones can help diffuse the situation in the meantime, while other tactics are investigated.

“Our findings can help caregivers manage and redirect scratching to appropriate materials, which could help foster a more harmonious living environment for both cats and their caregivers,” Salgirli Demi̇rbas concludes.

Cats have been our companions for over 10,000 years now, protecting our crops, entertaining us, and providing affection. Trying to understand them better is the least we can do in return.