Many cat owners’ homes bear the telltale signs that their cat loves to scratch. Oddly placed furniture (likely covering carpet that has been shredded) and throw blankets tossed here and there on nearly every piece of furniture in the living room (probably to hide the spots where the cat mistakenly used the sofa as a scratching post) are clear giveaways.
While some cat owners have resigned themselves to the belief that such destruction of property is just part of cat ownership, others have sought ways to put an end to the damage.
Replacing a piece of furniture is not cheap, but it’s far easier than replacing a room full of carpet. However, there is something about carpet that many cats find simply irresistible. As they saunter from room to room, each step reminds them that, right below their feet, is an endless supply of scratching delight.
It must be terribly hard to resist because most cats don’t even bother trying. Instead, they pick a spot or two and let the destruction begin. Some cat owners focus on trying to get their cats to stop scratching completely, but that’s never going to happen. Scratching is natural and necessary for cats, so trying to stop the behavior altogether is a waste of time.
Instead, try to encourage your cat to scratch in appropriate locations, such as on their scratching post.
There are four main reasons why cats scratch
1. Keep Claws Sharp
It’s important for a cat to keep their claws sharp and healthy. This is one of the main functions of scratching.
2. Mark Territory
Cats’ feet have scent glands that, thankfully, humans cannot smell. These scent glands are left behind wherever a cat scratches, letting other cats know who has been there.
This explains why cats will nap in their favorite spot on the sofa and, before hopping down, give the spot a good scratch. The cat is simply letting everyone know, “Hey, this is my spot.”
3. Release Energy
Scratching is a form of mild exercise for cats. It helps them relax and burns off excess energy.
4. It’s Fun
Scratching just feels good to cats. If you don’t believe it, just notice that when your cat scratches, they’re often purring at the same time.
Now that you know why cats scratch, it should be clear why trying to “train” them to stop scratching is not a good idea. Instead, provide them with a place to scratch that is acceptable to both you and your cat. Doing this will help keep your cat from scratching the carpet.
The Perfect Scratching Post
For most cats, not just any scratching post will do. There are several factors to consider when shopping for the perfect scratching post.
1. Texture
While your cat might enjoy scratching your carpet, it is actually not the best material for scratching. As mentioned earlier, one reason cats need to scratch is to keep their claws sharp. That’s why a rough surface, such as sisal or cardboard, is ideal. This isn’t to say that carpet-covered scratching posts should be completely avoided, as many cats love that texture. Just be sure to also provide a rougher surface as well.
2. Size
The size of the scratching post depends on many factors, including how much available space you have in your home. Just keep in mind that your cat should be able to fully extend their body while scratching. As long as the post is long or tall enough to accommodate a full-body stretch, it will work.
3. Stability
What do you think would happen if, the first time your cat tried to use the scratching post, it fell over and scared the daylights out of them? Of course, the answer is that your cat would never go within ten feet of that scratching post again. That’s why it’s important to make sure the scratching post is very stable before introducing your cat to it.
Another thing to consider is that it’s a good idea to have scratching posts in every room where your cat spends a lot of time. It’s fine to have one where they sleep, but if your cat naps in the living room, the carpet will look just as appealing as the scratching post. By keeping one in every room, you increase the chances that they will use the post and leave the carpet and furniture alone.
What About Having My Cat Declawed?
Declawing is as acceptable an idea as cutting off your fingers at the second knuckle. Don’t do it. Some people think that declawing a cat is similar to trimming a person’s nails. This is not the case. Claws are not just “tails”; they are an important part of a cat’s anatomy. A declawed cat will have issues with balance and mobility. Additionally, many declawed cats suffer from behavioral and emotional problems.
Declawing is cruel and unnecessary. It should be completely removed as an option.
Getting your cat to stop scratching the carpet will take some time and patience. But once your cat adjusts to using scratching posts to satisfy their scratching urges, your carpet and furniture will be safe, and your cat will have a perfect spot to scratch to their heart’s content.
One Response
We have scratching posts for our cats, and they do use them. However, if a door is shut and they know one of us is in the room (i.e. Bathroom), they will scratch the carpet. How can we get them to stop? One of our cats never meows, so it’s hard to tell when he’s at the door.