Proper Training Can Stop a Cat's Destructive Scratching

I used to turn a blind eye when my cat scratched my carpet. I didn't think it mattered, because the carpet was old and shabby. However, when I moved to a place with brand new carpeting, I realized just how wrong I was. My cat treated the new carpet as his personal wall-to-wall scratching pad, and I needed help immediately!

I did extensive research on how to stop a cat's destructive scratching, because my new carpet was in danger of becoming shredded. To be fair, it wasn't really the cat's fault - I didn't establish good scratching habits in kittenhood, I didn't provide him with the type of scratching post he preferred, and I didn't properly train him to scratch on acceptable surfaces instead of my carpet.

Why Do Cats Scratch?

According to Daniel Q. Estep, Ph.D. and Suzanne Hetts, Ph.D., Certified Applied Animal Behaviorists, to thwart cats from scratching furniture or carpet, you must first understand why they scratch. Most people assume cats scratch to sharpen their claws, and although this is partially true, it's only a secondary reason.

Cat behavior research suggests that the major reason cats scratch is communication. Whether it's the bark of a tree or your favorite chair, scratching leaves a scent that tells other cats or people where the cat is and what they're up to; scratching also leaves a highly visible sign that "marks their turf." Cats also scratch for exercise, to relieve stress or frustration, and simply because it feels good.

How to Prevent a Cat's Problem Scratching

Animal behaviorists see a lot of owners desperate to find a solution to their cat's destructive scratching. It's important to understand that it's far easier to train your cat to scratch on appropriate surfaces, than it is to re-train them after they've developed a preference for scratching your carpet or furniture.

It's no use trying to get your cat to stop scratching altogether; they simply won't. Instead, you need to diligently and consistently work on redirecting their impulse to scratch to appropriate, owner-approved places, like cat scratching posts or scratching mats.

How to Establish Good Scratching Habits

Cat scratching posts come in many different materials and styles, including carpet, sisal, wood and corrugated cardboard. Further, some cats prefer scratching horizontal surfaces, and some prefer vertical scratching posts. You might need to try several different kinds before you find the scratching surface your cat prefers. Nevertheless, this step is essential if you hope to prevent or stop a cat's destructive scratching.

The following tips can help you train your cat to scratch where you want them to:

1. Put scratching posts in several different rooms used most by your cat. Don't put the scratching post in the back bedroom, closet or some other out of the way place, because your cat won't use it.

2. Make sure the scratching post is sturdy enough so it won't tip over when your cat uses it. If they get scared by a falling post, they probably won't go back.

3. Most cats prefer a taller scratching post, because it lets them stretch out fully. Shorter posts are also more prone to tipping over; you can wedge the base under a couch or chair to prevent this.

4. Remember that training a cat to use a scratching post requires time, consistency and patience. It won't happen overnight; however, since cats are creatures of habit, you should eventually be able to establish a good scratching routine.

5. Don't try to force your cat to use the scratching post by placing its paws on it.

6. Use toys, treats and catnip to encourage your cat to scratch on the post. Place treats on the post to entice your cat to come over to it. Hold a toy that dangles from a string near the post and move it around, so that when your cat chases the toy their paws come in contact with the post. Many felines find catnip irresistible, and sprinkling it liberally (and often) on the scratching post will encourage your cat to scratch.

If you try all of these suggestions and still can't stop your cat's destructive scratching, it may be time to call in the experts. A Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist or a board-certified veterinary behaviorist can help you assess the situation and recommend solutions. Destructive scratching in cats is quite common, but as I found out, it was just as important to re-train me as it was to properly train my cat!

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http://www.aspcabehavior.org/articles/25/Destructive-Scratching.aspx

http://www.animalbehavior.org/ABSAppliedBehavior/article-applied-behavior/why-cats-scratch-things