Scratching Behavior
& Appropriate Surfaces

(Why Cats Scratch — and How to Guide It Without Damage)

Scratching is one of the most misunderstood cat behaviors. To humans, it often looks destructive or defiant. To cats, scratching is a necessary physical, emotional, and environmental behavior that supports their health and sense of security.

Understanding why cats scratch — and providing appropriate surfaces — is the key to protecting your home while meeting your cat’s needs. When scratching problems occur, they are almost always the result of missing, poorly placed, or uncomfortable scratching options rather than “bad behavior.”

This guide explains what scratching really means, how to choose the right surfaces, and how to set up your home so scratching happens where it should.

Why Scratching Is Essential for Cats

Scratching serves several critical purposes for cats:

• Claw maintenance – Scratching helps remove old nail sheaths and keeps claws healthy
• Muscle stretching – It stretches the shoulders, back, and spine
• Territory marking – Cats leave both visual marks and scent from glands in their paws
• Stress relief – Scratching releases tension and provides emotional comfort

Because scratching fulfills so many needs at once, it cannot be trained out of a cat. It can only be redirected.

Why Cats Target Furniture,
Carpets, and Door Frames

Cats don’t choose furniture at random. They gravitate toward surfaces that feel good and are placed where scratching makes the most sense to them.

Common reasons cats scratch household items include:

• Texture preference (fabric, wood, carpet, leather)
• Stability (wobbly scratchers are often ignored)
• Height (cats like to stretch fully)
• Location (near sleeping areas, entrances, or social spaces)
• Visibility (scratching is communication)

If a couch or rug is being scratched, it usually means that surface is meeting a need that the current scratchers are not.

Vertical vs Horizontal Scratching Preferences

Not all cats scratch the same way. Providing the wrong orientation can make even a high-quality scratcher useless.

Vertical Scratchers

Preferred by cats who:
• Scratch door frames
• Stretch upward when scratching
• Enjoy tall, upright surfaces

Good vertical options include tall posts, floor-to-ceiling cat trees, and wall-mounted scratchers.
Many households rely on tall sisal posts or large cat trees such as those commonly found here:

Horizontal Scratchers

Preferred by cats who:
• Scratch carpets or rugs
• Scratch flat furniture surfaces
• Scratch while crouched

Flat cardboard scratchers, angled scratch pads, and floor-level scratch mats often work best.
Sturdy horizontal scratchers are widely available:

Most homes benefit from both orientations, even if one is used more than the other.

Choosing the Right Scratching Materials

Cats have strong material preferences. Offering the wrong texture can lead to complete rejection of a scratching surface.

Sisal

• Durable and long-lasting
• Provides firm resistance
• Preferred by many adult cats

Sisal posts and wrapped scratchers are a reliable option for heavy scratchers and multi-cat households.

Cardboard

• Softer and shreddable
• Often favored by kittens and seniors
• Needs replacement more frequently

Cardboard scratchers are affordable and easy to rotate, especially during training phases.

Carpet

• Familiar texture
• Can encourage carpet scratching elsewhere
• Best used cautiously

Carpeted scratchers should be avoided if your cat already targets household carpet.

Wood or Natural Fiber

• Appeals to cats who scratch furniture legs
• Often blends well with home décor

Natural wood or fiber scratchers can be effective for cats who ignore traditional options.

Stability Matters More Than Price

One of the most common reasons cats ignore scratchers is instability. If a scratcher moves, tips, or wobbles, many cats will avoid it permanently.

Before buying or placing a scratcher, test for:

• Solid base
• No tipping when pressure is applied
• Full body stretch support

Large cat trees with integrated scratching posts often provide the best stability for confident scratching

Placement:
Where Scratchers Should Actually Go

Placement is often more important than the scratcher itself.

Ideal locations include:

• Near sleeping areas (cats stretch after waking)
• Near entrances or room transitions
• Beside frequently scratched furniture
• In social areas where the cat spends time

Hiding scratchers in corners or unused rooms often leads to rejection. Scratching is a visible behavior — cats want their marks to be seen.

Redirecting Scratching Without Punishment

Punishment does not teach a cat where to scratch. It only creates fear or confusion.

Effective redirection strategies include:

• Placing a scratcher directly next to the problem surface
• Using double-sided tape or furniture protectors temporarily
• Gently moving the cat to the scratcher during scratching moments
• Rewarding use of appropriate surfaces with praise or treats

Furniture protection tools can help during the transition phase

These should be used as guides, not permanent solutions.

Using Catnip and Scent Cues

Some cats respond strongly to scent encouragement.

Options include:

• Catnip sprays on scratchers
• Silvervine powder for cats indifferent to catnip
• Rubbing the scratcher with your hands to add familiar scent

Catnip sprays designed for scratch training are commonly used

Not all cats respond to catnip, but when it works, it can significantly speed up acceptance.

Multi-Cat Homes and Scratching Zones

In multi-cat households, competition for scratching areas can lead to conflict or avoidance.

Best practices include:

• Multiple scratchers in different rooms
• At least one scratcher per cat, plus one extra
• Separate vertical and horizontal options
• Avoid forcing shared use

Scratching zones help cats establish boundaries without confrontation.

Nail Trimming and Scratching Balance

Scratching does not replace nail trimming. Both work together.

Regular nail trims:
• Reduce damage from scratching
• Improve comfort for the cat
• Make redirection easier

Basic cat nail clippers designed for home use are widely available

Trimming should be gradual and calm — never forced.

When Scratching Changes Suddenly

Sudden increases or decreases in scratching may signal:

• Stress or environmental changes
• Pain or mobility issues
• Anxiety or territorial insecurity

If scratching behavior shifts dramatically, it should be evaluated alongside other behavior changes rather than addressed in isolation.

Common Scratching Myths

“My cat scratches to spite me.”
Scratching is instinctive, not emotional revenge.

“Declawing is the solution.”
Declawing causes long-term pain and behavior issues and does not address underlying needs.

“One scratcher is enough.”
Most cats need multiple surfaces in different locations.

Creating a Scratch-Friendly Home

A scratch-friendly home doesn’t eliminate scratching — it channels it.

Successful setups usually include:

• A tall vertical post in a main living area
• A horizontal scratcher near sleeping spots
• One scratcher near problem furniture
• Stable, well-placed surfaces

When scratching needs are met, destructive scratching often fades naturally.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many scratchers does my cat need?
Most cats do best with at least two scratchers of different orientations.

Why does my cat ignore expensive scratchers?
Placement, texture, or stability may not match your cat’s preferences.

Should I remove old scratchers?
Only if they are unstable or completely worn. Familiar scent matters.

Is scratching more common in kittens?
Yes, but adult cats rely on scratching just as much.

Related Home Care Guides

• Cat-Safe Furniture & Flooring Choices
• Indoor Cat Environment Setup
• Managing Odors & Wear in Cat Homes