Scratching is a natural need for all cats. When scratching, they mark their territory. This territory marking is both visible (the scratching lines) and invisible! Indeed, cats leave “territory messages” coming from their paws, that only other cats can perceive.
In case of discomfort, cats will scratch more, and this can become an issue if this happens on your walls, doors, sofa or furniture!
In many cases, scratching in your home is in fact your cat’s way of expressing discomfort. It is particularly true for kitten and newly adopted cats, who discover their new home.
Your cat scratching might be a sign of discomfort in particular if:
Your cat is scratching in many areas in the house (on furniture, sofa, chairs...).
Your cat is scratching near windows and doors
You have 2 or more cats
Your cat has many “cat neighbours” (other cats living close to your home)
You had recent changes in your home (like new furniture or moving furniture around).
FELIWAY Optimumcan provide and create a loving and reassuring atmosphere in your home that will help stop cat scratching. Never use FELIWAY CLASSIC Sprayon the scratching post as it would prevent the cat from using it!
Things to Try at Home to Stop Your Cat Ruining Your Furniture
There are many anecdotal ways to stop cats scratching furniture. Some of these involve homeopathy or old wives tales.
Cats scratching is normal and essential for cats. It helps them tell other cats that it is their territory.
Also it is an indicator of a cats feelings, if your cat is feeling uncomfortable then they may scratch more and in more places.
What ever the reason for the scratching a cat needs to scratch especially when they first wake up in the morning. So placing a scratching post near their bed is ideal.
Other solutions to stop cat scratching include adding various ingredients (which cats do not like) to water and spraying on furniture. Just be careful that the ingredients you use do not damage your furniture.
The alternative the these home remedies is to use a scientifically proven product like the products in the FELIWAY range.
Excessive scratching can be due to stress. Cats like to scratch certain materials and your cat may like to scratch carpet, this is not uncommon.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - CAT SCRATCHING
WHY DO CATS SCRATCH?
Scratching is a natural need for all cats. When scratching, they mark their territory. This territory marking is both visible (the scratched lines) and invisible! Indeed, cats leave "territory messages" coming from their paws, that only other cats can perceive. When cats are uncomfortable they will scratch more, and this can become an issue if this happens on your sofa, walls, doors or other furniture! In many cases, scratching in your home is in fact your cat's way of coping with something stressful. It is particularly true for kitten and newly adopted cats, who are discovering their new home. How can you tell if your cat's scratching is related to stress? Your cat is scratching in many areas in the house (on furniture, sofa, chairs...) Your cat is scratching near windows and doors You have 2 or more cats There are many cats in the neighborhood (other cats living close to your home) There have been recent changes in your home (like new furniture or moving furniture around)
HOW DO I STOP MY CAT FROM SCRATCHING THE SOFA OR FURNITURE?
If your cat has decided to make your sofa its scratching post, start by cleaning the areas that have been scratched with warm water and soap to remove the scent marks your cat has left. These scent marks bring your cat back to scratch the area again! So washing the area removes the scent marks. If possible, cover the scratched areas to remove the visual reminder too! Next, make sure you provide your cat with their own scratching post in a strategic location, next to where they sleep, for example. Cats love to stretch when they wake up, so make the most of it! Finally, plugging in a FELIWAY® Optimum diffuser helps to recreate a calm, soothing and reassuring atmosphere in your home, to help reduce your cat's unwanted scratching. For localized scratching, use FELIWAY® Classic Spray, sprayed onto the scratched area after cleaning it thoroughly. Never spray FELIWAY® Classic Spray on the scratching post as this will deter your cat from using it! Please Note: All cats are unique. Results may vary depending on the presence of other pets and other environmental factors.
SHOULD I TRIM MY CAT'S NAILS?
Cats are generally able to maintain their claws effectively when they have something to scratch. When nails are not maintained, they can become a problem for your cat. In order to maintain their nails, cats may scratch cardboard, rope, or scratching posts / pads (both vertical and horizontal options are suggested). If your cat is not interested in a scratching post, offer them another option and consider changing the location. Check out our article on caring for cats' claws for more information.