Scientists Reveal Why Some Cats Scratch Furniture More and How to Stop It

Many cat owners are familiar with torn cushions, ripped sofas and damaged carpets, but scientists have now identified effective ways to help your feline and save your furniture.

According to a new article published in Veterinary scienceHaving children in the home, as well as high levels of play and nighttime activity, can amplify stress and contribute to excessive scratching in domestic cats.

The researchers, who surveyed 1,200 cat owners in France, also found that cats described as aggressive or disruptive scratched more often.

From regular play sessions to providing elevated resting spots, several strategies can apparently help prevent cats from scratching.

“Here we show that certain factors – such as the presence of children in the home, the cats’ personality traits and their activity level – have a significant impact on the extent of scratching behavior,” said Dr. Yasemin Salgirli Demirbas, a veterinary researcher at Ankara University and first author of the study.

Although scratching is an innate feline behavior, essential for maintaining claw health, marking territory, and communicating with other cats, it can put a strain on the relationship between owners and their furry friends.

Fortunately, researchers suggest several strategies owners can adopt to reduce this frustrating habit.

For example, placing scratching posts in areas where cats frequently pass or near their favorite resting spots can be very effective.

Additionally, providing safe hiding places, elevated vantage points for cats to “survey their kingdom,” and plenty of opportunities for play can help alleviate stress and engage them in more constructive activities.

Dr Salgirli Demirbas explained that establishing multiple short play sessions that mimic successful hunting scenarios is a particularly fruitful approach.

These play sessions not only help to stimulate and keep cats happy, reducing stress and therefore scratching, but also strengthen the bond between felines and their guardians.

“Understanding the underlying emotional motivations for scratching behavior, such as frustration, which appear to be linked to personality traits and environmental factors, allows caregivers to directly address these issues,” added Dr. Salgirli Demirbas. “Our findings can help caregivers manage and redirect scratching to appropriate materials, which could promote a more harmonious living environment for cats and their caregivers.”

The study authors have gained unique and valuable insights into cats’ scratching tendencies. Moving forward, their goal is to develop additional and improved strategies to manage this behavior, thereby fostering stronger bonds between cats and their caregivers.

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