Pets - Why cats scratch furniture - and what helps against it
Paw prints on sofas and scratch marks or worn-out favorite carpet squares: The sharp claws of household pets can frustrate many cat owners significantly. In a new study, a research team investigated which factors promote unwanted scratching and what can be done against it.
In the study presented in the scientific journal "Frontiers in Veterinary Science," the researchers concluded that personality, play behavior, nighttime activity, lack of routines, and, last but not least, children in the household influence a cat's scratching behavior. Particularly important is the stress level, as a stressed cat scratches more than a calm one.
The right place for the scratching post
It's not surprising that scratching posts for cats can reduce the risk of unwanted furniture scratching. The researchers also found that the location of such scratching opportunities matters. The most sensible places, therefore, would be those in the home where the cat passes regularly on its territory rounds. A prominent spot in the living room or even near the favorite sleeping place could therefore be more suitable than a hidden corner.
"Providing secure retreat areas, elevated observation points, and ample play opportunities can also help reduce stress and move the cat towards constructive activities," says first author Yasemin Salgirli Demirbas from Ankara University.
Play routines are better than wild letting out
Although the researchers emphasize the importance of play for house cats as a substitute for hunting and an outlet for their curiosity, intensive play - especially at night - may also lead to more stress and scratching as a result. The same applies if the cat has too little or too much opportunity to release energy. If the cat has few opportunities to vent, this can lead to frustration and scratching.
The experts recommend that cat owners try to establish routines for their pets regarding playtime. The length of play sessions is also important: If they are too long, they could increase stress levels through prolonged stimulation. "Regular and short, interactive play sessions and an appropriate toy selection can reduce stress and thus unwanted scratching behavior," the study states. These sessions should feel successful hunting scenes for the cats.
Not everything is controllable
The researchers also found that how much a cat scratches depends significantly on its personality - something that is difficult to influence naturally. If a cat is particularly playful or has a destructive nature, the likelihood is high that it will also scratch furniture. Even if there are children in the household, this may increase the stress level and scratching risk.
The study surveyed 1200 cat owners in France about their cats and unwanted scratching behavior. The findings are based primarily on the responses of the interviewees and not on observations by the researchers.
- Despite placements in hidden corners, the researchers suggest that a prominent spot for the scratching post in the living room or near the cat's favorite sleeping place may be more effective in reducing unwanted furniture scratching.
- Yasemin Salgirli Demirbas, the first author of the study from Ankara University, suggests that providing secure retreat areas, elevated observation points, and ample play opportunities can help reduce stress and move the cat towards constructive activities.
- The study concluded that personality, play behavior, nighttime activity, lack of routines, and children in the household influence a cat's scratching behavior, with a stressed cat likely to scratch more than a calm one.
- Although the researchers emphasize the importance of play for house cats, they also warn that intensive play, especially at night, may lead to more stress and scratching due to prolonged stimulation.
- The experts suggest that cat owners establish routines for their pets regarding playtime, with regular and short, interactive play sessions and an appropriate toy selection potentially reducing stress and unwanted scratching behavior.
