Can’t stop your cat from scratching the furniture? Science has some tips

Ah, cats. We love our furry feline overlords despite the occasional hairball and their propensity to scratch the furniture to sharpen their claws. The latter is perfectly natural kitty behavior, but overly aggressive scratching is usually perceived as a behavioral problem. Veterinarians frown on taking extreme measures like declawing or even euthanizing such "problematic" cats. But there are alternative science-backed strategies for reducing or redirecting the scratching behavior, according to the authors of a new paper published in the journal Frontiers in Veterinary Science.

This latest study builds on the group's prior research investigating the effects of synthetic feline facial pheromones on undesirable scratching in cats, according to co-author Yasemin Salgirli Demirbas, a veterinary researcher at Ankara University in Turkey. "From the beginning, our research team agreed that it was essential to explore broader factors that might exacerbate this issue, such as those influencing stress and, consequently, scratching behavior in cats," she told Ars. "What’s new in this study is our focus on the individual, environmental, and social dynamics affecting the level of scratching behavior. This perspective aims to enhance our understanding of how human and animal welfare are interconnected in different scenarios."

The study investigated the behavior of 1,211 cats, with data collected via an online questionnaire completed by the cats' caregivers. The first section collected information about the caregivers, while the second asked about the cats' daily routines, social interactions, environments, behaviors, and temperaments. The third and final section gathered information about the frequency and intensity of undesirable scratching behavior in the cats based on a helpful "scratching index."

The team concluded that there are several factors that influence the scratching behavior of cats, including environmental factors, high levels of certain kinds of play, and increased nocturnal activity. But stress seems to be the leading driver. "Cats might scratch more as a way to relieve stress or mark their territory, especially if they feel threatened or insecure," said Demirbas. And the top source of such stress, the study found, is the presence of small children in the home.

A corrugated fiberboard scratching pad can redirect your cat's unwanted scratching away from the furniture.

Credit: Arria Belli/CC BY-SA 2.0

Cats + kids = stress

"The presence of children can definitely influence a cat's stress levels, but it is a complex situation," said Demirbas. "Children, especially when young, tend to move quickly and unpredictably, which can be challenging for cats. Their loud noises and sudden movements can be distressing for cats. Additionally, children might not always understand how to approach cats properly. Rough handling, in particular, can make cats feel threatened and stressed. Another factor is that children can invade the cat's safe spaces, playing or resting in areas the cat considers its own core territories."

How stressful any given cat finds said children also depends in part on the cat's temperament. "A cat’s reaction to children can vary based on its personality and past experiences," said Demirbas. "Cats that are naturally more nervous or have had negative encounters with children before are likely to be more stressed. Conversely, well-socialized cats or those accustomed to being around different people and situations tend to handle the presence of children better."

However, the authors caution that the link between small children in the home and increased scratching is not well understood and requires more research. "If children are taught to respect and handle cats properly, they are less likely to stress the cats out," said Demirbas. "If a cat has enough space to retreat to a safe, quiet area when feeling overwhelmed, they can manage their stress better. Overall, the specific dynamics between cats and children can vary widely. Further detailed studies on these factors can help manage the situation better."

And while too little playtime can adversely affect cat behavior, overstimulation by too much play—or the wrong kind of play—can also have a negative impact. "For cats, structured and routine play is crucial," said Demirbas. "Since play in cats, especially solitary play, originates from hunting behaviors, organized play sessions that mimic hunting are crucial for their well-being. Extended play sessions that do not result in successful hunting or satisfaction (often caused by toys like laser pointers) can induce stress responses due to frustration, overstimulation, and hyperarousal. Similarly, inadequate or lack of play contradicts cats' biology and can lead to distress. The optimal approach involves offering short yet repetitive and successful play sessions. This method mentally and physically stimulates cats, enhances their well-being, and helps prevent undesirable behaviors."

Placing a scratching post in front of Caliban's favorite target for scratching proved effective.

Credit: Sean Carroll

Some of these factors are more easily addressed than others. Providing items such as proper scratching posts placed near the areas a cat frequents, toys, elevated observation spots, and other enrichment options, including pheromone products, can help. Our cat Caliban, for instance, loves to scratch a particular spot on the living room sofa. We placed a scratching post in front of it and now he scratches that—an effective redirection of his otherwise normal scratching behavior.

What you shouldn't do is punish the cat or engage in what's known as "positive punishment": essentially a kind of behavioral aversion therapy akin to positive reinforcement, in which every time a cat engages in unwanted scratching, the caregiver adds an adverse stimulus immediately after. Per Demirbas, positive punishment is more likely to lead to confusion, distress, and increased stress in cats—the opposite of what one should be trying to achieve.

“Understanding the underlying emotional motivations of scratching behavior, such as frustration, which seem to be linked to personality traits and environmental factors, allows caregivers to address these issues directly," said Demirbas. “Our findings can help caregivers redirect scratching to appropriate materials, which could help foster a more harmonious living environment for both cats and their caregivers.”

Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 2024. DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1403068  (About DOIs).