Cat Scratching: Protect Your Home by Supporting a Natural Need

Scratching is a normal cat behaviour. It helps cats stretch, maintain their claws, leave scent and visual marks, and feel secure in their space. The goal is not to stop scratching, but to offer better places to scratch.

Offer appealing options

• Provide sturdy vertical and horizontal scratchers.
• Place them near favourite resting spots and current scratching targets.
• Try different textures and heights to learn your cat’s preference.
• Use play or treats to encourage voluntary use.

Protect furniture without punishment

Temporarily cover attractive furniture surfaces and redirect the cat calmly to an appropriate scratcher. Avoid yelling, spraying or physically moving the cat roughly; these responses can create fear without teaching an alternative.

Consider the whole environment

More scratching can occur with changes, conflict, boredom or reduced access to resources. Add resting spots, vertical space, play and predictable routines. In multi-cat homes, make sure cats can use resources without being blocked.

When to ask for help

Contact a veterinarian if changes are sudden, if claws or paws seem painful, or if scratching occurs with other behaviour or health changes. A qualified behaviour professional can help with persistent household conflict. Devices cannot determine why a cat scratches or replace environment changes.