Why do cats scratch?

Cats use their front claws to scratch objects for many reasons, including communication and marking territory.
Once cats have scratched in a certain area, they usually return to that same area to continue scratching
Scratching is a natural behavior. It is not done to be spiteful.
Scratching does serve a purpose to keep nails healthy, it removes the old layers (sheath) of nail on the cat’s claws.
Provide your cat with a scratching post and teach him how to use it.
Because scratching is instinctive, it cannot be completely prevented or stopped. It can however be directed at an acceptable scratching post or box.
When cats scratch on furniture or carpet it causes owner frustration and sometimes the loss of the home or life for the cat.
The goal is to stop unacceptable scratching and establish acceptable scratching habits by getting your cat to prefer a scratching post rather than your sofa.
Cats just like people have different tastes - some cats like different types of posts. They may prefer carpet, rope, or cardboard.
One of the cheapest posts available is a box that contains corrugated cardboard (often sprinkled with catnip). Cats, and kittens especially, love to scratch it.
Some posts are also made of wood, it is best to find one that will not splinter if your cat prefers this type.
Whatever type of post you buy, make sure the cat can stretch out completely when using it. It should be tall enough or long enough for the cat to do this.
Some cats know just what to do when given a scratching post and they will focus all their scratching on this acceptable item. But kittens and cats that haven’t used a post much may not understand that you would prefer them to use the post versus the sofa!
You may have to train your cat or kitten that the post is the only place they are allowed to scratch.

Just remember, cats can learn. Declawing is not a humane alternative.

Visit the SoftPaws® website for more info about SoftPaws®

How to Train Your Cat to Use a Scratching Post

Some tips for starting good scratching habits in kittens and newly acquired adult cats:

Put out several scratching posts in multiple areas that are used the most by your cat. Near their favorite sleeping place, places the cat most likes to rest and to play are good spots.
Make sure your cat can stretch completely to use the post. Get a post or box that is long enough to allow them to do stretch out.
Don’t put the cat’s paws on the post and force it to scratch. It will confuse the cat.
Simulate scratching by using your own fingers on the post, this often gives your cat the "right" idea about what they are supposed to do.
Kittens are born knowing how to scratch and restraining the cat to drag its paws over the post may be very unpleasant and actually cause the cat to avoid the post.
Do encourage scratching on the post by playing with dangle-toys on or near the post, scenting the post with catnip, using praise and food rewards when the cat scratches the post or even scratching the post yourself to stimulate the cat to scratch.
Coax the cat over to the post after its nap, cats often like to stretch and scratch after a nap.
One inexpensive post alternative is the scratching box. This is available at pet stores for very little cost ($5-$10). Scratching boxes are simply with corrugated cardboard. The cardboard has been scented with catnip to make it appealing. Cats love to scratch on these.
You can also keep a can of catnip spray on hand and spray the post occasionally when the cat is not using it.

For older cats or kittens who don't use a scratching post:

Make the damaged scratching area unavailable or cover it with lightweight plastic so that it feels different and less appealing.
Cats hate aluminum foil also and it makes a great training tool.
Cover the area with plastic or foil to "train" the cat not to scratch there.
There is a product called "sticky paws" that you can put on furniture. The product is similar to double sided tape; cats don’t like it and won’t scratch the area where the sticky paws are.
Put the scratching post next to the damaged area and be sure it is covered with a material that is acceptable to the cat.
Some cats prefer to rake loose-weaved fabric, while others like to "pick" at knubby textures.
Carpet and sisal rope are appealing to most cats.
Because cats like to scratch in prominent areas of their home, you may need to leave the post in the area where the cat prefers to scratch.
Don't put the post in an area that your cat doesn't frequent otherwise it may not be used.
If your cat persists in scratching off-limits objects, keep a spray bottle with water handy.
When she goes to scratch on the item, say "NO" in a firm voice and spray her with a stream of water.
Most cats will quickly learn that they are not allowed to scratch in certain places.
Most cats really don’t like water and will avoid being sprayed.
It is best to not let the cat see you spray her, that way she will not associate the spray with you.

RAIN is a non-profit 501(c)3 Sacramento/Elk Grove based animal rescue and adoption organization

Why do cats scratch?

Cats use their front claws to scratch objects for many reasons, including communication and marking territory.

Once cats have scratched in a certain area, they usually return to that same area to continue scratching

Scratching is a natural behavior. It is not done to be spiteful.

Scratching does serve a purpose to keep nails healthy, it removes the old layers (sheath) of nail on the cat’s claws.

Provide your cat with a scratching post and teach him how to use it.

Because scratching is instinctive, it cannot be completely prevented or stopped. It can however be directed at an acceptable scratching post or box.

When cats scratch on furniture or carpet it causes owner frustration and sometimes the loss of the home or life for the cat.

The goal is to stop unacceptable scratching and establish acceptable scratching habits by getting your cat to prefer a scratching post rather than your sofa.

Cats just like people have different tastes - some cats like different types of posts. They may prefer carpet, rope, or cardboard.

One of the cheapest posts available is a box that contains corrugated cardboard (often sprinkled with catnip). Cats, and kittens especially, love to scratch it.

Some posts are also made of wood, it is best to find one that will not splinter if your cat prefers this type.

Whatever type of post you buy, make sure the cat can stretch out completely when using it. It should be tall enough or long enough for the cat to do this.

Some cats know just what to do when given a scratching post and they will focus all their scratching on this acceptable item. But kittens and cats that haven’t used a post much may not understand that you would prefer them to use the post versus the sofa!

You may have to train your cat or kitten that the post is the only place they are allowed to scratch.

How to Train Your Cat to Use a Scratching Post

Some tips for starting good scratching habits in kittens and newly acquired adult cats:

Put out several scratching posts in multiple areas that are used the most by your cat. Near their favorite sleeping place, places the cat most likes to rest and to play are good spots.

Make sure your cat can stretch completely to use the post. Get a post or box that is long enough to allow them to do stretch out.

Don’t put the cat’s paws on the post and force it to scratch. It will confuse the cat.

Simulate scratching by using your own fingers on the post, this often gives your cat the "right" idea about what they are supposed to do.

Kittens are born knowing how to scratch and restraining the cat to drag its paws over the post may be very unpleasant and actually cause the cat to avoid the post.

Do encourage scratching on the post by playing with dangle-toys on or near the post, scenting the post with catnip, using praise and food rewards when the cat scratches the post or even scratching the post yourself to stimulate the cat to scratch.

Coax the cat over to the post after its nap, cats often like to stretch and scratch after a nap.

One inexpensive post alternative is the scratching box. This is available at pet stores for very little cost ($5-$10). Scratching boxes are simply with corrugated cardboard. The cardboard has been scented with catnip to make it appealing. Cats love to scratch on these.

You can also keep a can of catnip spray on hand and spray the post occasionally when the cat is not using it.

For older cats or kittens who don't use a scratching post:

Cover the area with plastic or foil to "train" the cat not to scratch there.

There is a product called "sticky paws" that you can put on furniture. The product is similar to double sided tape; cats don’t like it and won’t scratch the area where the sticky paws are.

Put the scratching post next to the damaged area and be sure it is covered with a material that is acceptable to the cat.

Some cats prefer to rake loose-weaved fabric, while others like to "pick" at knubby textures.

Carpet and sisal rope are appealing to most cats.

Because cats like to scratch in prominent areas of their home, you may need to leave the post in the area where the cat prefers to scratch.

Don't put the post in an area that your cat doesn't frequent otherwise it may not be used.

If your cat persists in scratching off-limits objects, keep a spray bottle with water handy.

When she goes to scratch on the item, say "NO" in a firm voice and spray her with a stream of water.

Most cats will quickly learn that they are not allowed to scratch in certain places.

Most cats really don’t like water and will avoid being sprayed.

It is best to not let the cat see you spray her, that way she will not associate the spray with you.