Why do cats scratch carpet

Some cats may tear chair arms with their claws, scratch patches of wallpaper off the wall or shred carpets. Most cats do not cause this type of damage, so why do others feel the need to behave like this in our homes?

Scratching has several functions – one of the most important being to keep a cat’s hunting weapons sharp. Scratching also leaves scent marks in a territory. Secretions of watery sweat from between the cat’s pads leave a scent message in addition to the physical marks.

Cats usually scratch outdoors, choosing trees or posts. Wood is just the right texture to allow claws to dig in and be drawn down, pulling off the old claw sheath to reveal the sharp point of the new one.

If you look at a regular scratching place you will find these pieces of sheath embedded in the surface.

Why do cats scratch in the house?

There could be several reasons why your cat is scatching furniture, carpets or wallpaper. Finding why the cat is scratching will help you to decide on a solution (see later section).

Exercising the claws

Indoor cats with no access outdoors still need to perform this natural behaviour. If nothing suitable is provided, they find something in the house that has an appropriate surface.

In the wild, a cat’s claws are an excellent climbing aid as well as a hunting tool. Keeping them sharp is obviously essential but this can cause a problem if it is undertaken indoors instead of out.

Habit or enjoyment

Some cats may have developed the habit of sharpening their claws indoors. Others enjoy the texture of carpets or furniture coverings and the shape of furniture may make it inviting as a scratch point. Some cats seem to enjoy the act of scratching and it can sometimes be a precursor to, or part of, excited play.

Boredom or curiosity

A fascination with wallpaper may occur after a loose piece encourages play, or an accidental grab at the wall results in an exciting game of paper removal with the bonus of chasing all the little pieces that fall off. It may have the additional benefit that the owners suddenly start to take notice and give the cat attention, albeit angry attention.

Communication with other cats

Some cats will scratch more when in the presence of other cats. Exactly what they are trying to convey is not well understood, but this type of scratching may be done as a display and to leave a scent mark to communicate with other cats in the vicinity.

Increasing their feeling of security

When cats feel vulnerable, they will try to rub their own scent on prominent places in a room to feel more secure. While they may not resort to spraying (using urine as a scent mark), they may use the scents produced by scratching to do this instead. If the cat is trying to increase feelings of security, many surfaces may be scratched, particularly those in strategic places such as edges of chairs which are nearest to doorways.

How to stop cats scratching carpets and in the house

Do not blame the cat. Firstly, realise that the cat is not doing this out of spite or in an attempt to cause destruction to furniture on purpose. 

Provide a scratching post

It is important to provide an outlet for claw sharpening in the form of a scratch post, especially if your cat is an indoor cat, or has got into the habit of sharpening their claws inside the house.

Place the post in front of the damaged area, gently wipe the cat’s paws down the post to leave some scent on it and show the cat what to do. Do this several times when the post is new. If you catch your cat in the act of scratching elsewhere, carry the cat to the post and encourage the animal to scratch there instead. You can also encourage your cat to use the post by sprinkling cat nip on it, or attaching a toy or feathers to the top of the post.

Provide enough exercise

If curiosity or the satisfaction of clawing soft furnishings is encouraging the cat to use that area, you will need to find another outlet for the cat’s energies. Try playing with your cat more regularly, little and often throughout the day, providing toys which offer an outlet for hunting abilities.

If your cat attacks the wallpaper, you can try changing the type of paper you use (cats seem to prefer paper which has a raised texture) or painting the area instead. Do not encourage this behaviour by giving the cat attention when you find them scratching.

Improve security

Where scratching occurs at many sites, it can be a form of marking behaviour and a sign that the cat may be feeling insecure. The solution will rely on identifying the cause of this stress or insecurity. Possible causes are strange cats coming into the house, conflict between resident cats, changes within the household, or fear of something outside.

You may be able to help your cat feel more confident by:

• closing the cat flap and letting the cat in and out yourself – or fitting a selective type which keeps strange cats out
• looking carefully at relationships between cats – providing some resting places high up to let the cat relax whilst still being able to watch what is going on will improve security
• restricting your cat’s access within the house and concentrating on making the cat feel secure in one or two rooms
• using your cat’s own scent to make the cat feel more secure. Cats use their cheek glands to mark their territory and the presence of these scents will make them feel relaxed. You can help spread scent by taking a soft cloth and wiping it around your cat’s face. Dab the cloth around the room where you have seen your cat rubbing and where the cat scratches (there are also manufactured scents available which work in the same way – ask your vet for details).
• never punish your cat as this will make them feel even more insecure. You should be viewed as a source of security by your cat, rather than as an additional threat.

Nervous cats are likely to find any new challenge threatening. When we redecorate our homes or replace our furniture, we inadvertently remove all the scents which have made the cat feel secure. We then replace them with strong smelling carpets, suites, paint, cleaning fluids etc which can be quite disturbing to a scent oriented cat. When redecorating, it may be worth keeping your cat out of the new room for a while until the new smells have mingled with other familiar smells in the house, and you have helped replace your cat’s own scent using the method given above.

Clean scratched areas

If scratching is used as a form of marking territory, then the cat will be attracted back to the spot to top up the marks as the scent wears off. If this is an area where you want to stop the cat scratching and the surface is cleanable, then it can be useful to try to remove the smell as much as possible. This can be done using a mild solution of a biological washing powder and then scrubbing with surgical spirit (check that this will not remove colour from fabrics).

Keep your cat away from the area until it is dry. Keeping the cat away for as long as possible will also help to break the habit and let smells dissipate. You can then dab some cheek scents on the broader area to help the cat feel relaxed.

Most cat owners will catch their kitty scratching at a patch of carpet sooner or later, but did you know that it’s a natural and healthy part of feline behavior? If you want to save your carpet and keep your cat happy, we’ve got you covered. There are many ways to easily lure a cat away from the carpet! In this article, we’ll show you how to redirect your cat’s behavior by giving them more appealing options to scratch, while also making the rug less tempting.

This article is based on an interview with our certified feline training and behavior specialist and certified cat behavior consultant, Molly DeVoss, founder of Cat Behavior Solutions. Check out the full interview here.

1. Cats need to scratch for their health, so give them a place to do it. Accept that your cat will always instinctively scratch to groom their claws. However, they won't scratch the carpet if you give them an alternative, such as designated scratching posts in each room with carpeting. To reinforce good behavior, give your cat a treat when you see them using the scratcher correctly.

   • Pick a scratching post that is sturdy and tall enough for your cat to stretch out when using it, as they often enjoy a full back stretch.
   • Place the scratcher either next to the cat's bed or next to areas of the carpet that they normally scratch to redirect their attention and make sure it's accessible. Your cat may just be scratching the rug for convenience!

1. Try differently shaped and sized scratchers to see what your cat likes. Often, if a cat isn't interested in a post, horizontal scratchers are an appealing alternative. They can also double as beds, and some are designed for cats to rest on after scratching. You could also try a hanging cat scratcher, or an unusually-shaped post that looks more interesting than a regular scratcher.[1] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source

   • Try different materials, too. Scratchers can be made using cardboard, carpet, sisal, upholstery, and more. You never know what your cat will prefer when given a choice.

1. Catnip-scented scratchers attract cats so they don't scratch the rug. If simply placing a scratcher in a convenient location isn't redirecting your cat's attention enough, consider sprinkling some catnip on the scratcher. This will make the scratcher more appealing and lure your cat into using that instead of the carpet.

   • Alternatively, you could try Feliscratch, a product that mimics cat pheromones to attract cats over to the scratching post.
   • Hanging toys on the scratcher can also draw cats over.

1. Cats scratch to keep their claws short, so a trim is helpful for them. Gently hold your cat's paw when you trim their nails and give them a treat after each successful clip. Take care not to cut the quick, which is the solid pink park of the claw where nerves and blood are; stick to the nail's white, partially clear area.[2] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source

   • It's easiest to clip your cat's nails when they're relaxed and sleepy and get them used to the sound of the nail clippers beforehand.
   • If you don't feel confident clipping your cat's nails, a veterinarian or groomer can easily do it for a small fee.
   • Declawing your cat is ultimately painful and unnecessary, as it involves removing the tip of your cat's finger. Steer clear of this procedure and remember that there are better ways to stop a cat from scratching![3] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source

1. Place obstacles or furniture over the spot your cat likes to scratch. If they ignore the scratching posts you put up, deter your cat from scratching by simply making sure they can't. Often, cats will pick a particular spot on the rug and scratch there; cover it with a chair or couch, or even a horizontal scratcher, so your cat has no choice but to use it.[4] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source

1. Cats don't like citrus, so a spray can make them avoid the rug. They have powerful noses that are very sensitive to odors—and luckily, cats dislike a few enjoyable scents for humans. Use a citrus spray or another scented spray that will smell bad to your cat, and spray it over the carpet. There are even some specifically-designed cat deterrent sprays you can invest in.[5] X Research source Go to source

   • Other scents cats dislike include lavender, peppermint, and lemongrass.
   • You probably won't smell much (and it'll dissipate fast if you do), but your cat will smell it for days.

1. Apply a product that mimics pheromones to problem areas of the rug. Pheromones can also fool your cat into thinking another cat has already laid claim to the rug, causing them to retreat. You can also use plug in diffusers that imitate hormones to generally calm your cat down, making them less likely to scratch.

   • Don't worry about smells; humans' weaker noses can't smell the pheromone spray.

1. A cat might return to scent-marked carpets, so wash them regularly. This also applies to visible marks, which cats can spot and return when they want to scratch. You don't have to do anything too intense for this: just wash spots with clean, cool water and soap. If necessary, you can use a pet odor neutralizer when you're done to make sure it doesn't still smell like your cat.[6] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source

   • Cleaning chemicals like ammonia and vinegar might motivate your cat to mark the area with their scent again, so avoid using them.

1. Give your cat toys, affection, and stimulation to reduce their anxiety. Make sure your cat is content by playing with them daily, ensuring that there's enough food and water to go around, and showering them with love and attention when they behave. This will stop them from being destructive out of boredom or anxiety, which can happen when your cat wants more time with you.

   • Get toys that encourage your cat's hunting drive, such as a toy on a string.
   • Aside from the basics, cats get stressed when introduced to a new feline member of the household. Introduce them slowly to help your cat acclimate with as little anxiety as possible.

1. Provide a scratching post for each cat you have. Position each cat’s scratch close to their favorite napping spot for easy access; this way, your cat can wake up and use the scratcher to stretch out. Cats like to be solitary and should each have a designated spot to go take care of their claws. If your cat has to compete, they may wander over to the carpet for a scratch instead.

1. Kittens won’t learn to scratch the rug if you give them a place to do it. Cats learn through experience, so a young kitten can be taught to use a scratching post before the carpets become an issue.[7] X Research source Go to source Have scratchers available when you bring your kitten home for the first time, and use either treats or a little catnip to provide incentive right off the bat.

   • Even if your kitten seems relatively calm, remember: all cats need to scratch, so it's not a question of "if," but rather where you want them to do it.

1. Nail caps are a harmless and painless way to blunt your cat’s claws. Use nail cap glue to bind these soft vinyl caps to each claw and let your cat scratch away! Your cat won’t leave behind any marks with nail caps, and they can still extend and retract claws as usual. Replace the caps every 4 to 6 weeks when they start to lose effectiveness.[8] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source

   • If you don’t feel confident applying the nail caps, a veterinarian or groomer can do this for you.
   • Keep in mind that nail caps aren’t ideal for cats that spend time outdoors, as they take away the cat’s main defense mechanism.
   • Though nail caps don’t harm cats at all, not every cat reacts the same. Some may fuss over them for the first couple of applications, while others adjust effortlessly. Be patient and give your cat a few days to warm up to them.

Written by:

Certified Feline Training and Behavior Specialist & Certified Cat Behavior Consultant

This article was written by Molly DeVoss and by wikiHow staff writer, Glenn Carreau. Molly DeVoss is a Certified Feline Training and Behavior Specialist (CFTBS), a Certified Cat Behavior Consultant (CCBC), a Fear Free Certified Trainer (FFCT), and the Founder of Cat Behavior Solutions. Molly specializes in using positive reinforcement to modify and prevent unwanted behaviors in cats and reduce cat shelter surrender. Molly has sat on the Dallas Animal Advisory committee since 2013 and was voted one of the Top 12 Extraordinary Cat Behaviorists of 2020 by Catpetclub.com. She is certified by both the Animal Behavior Institute and the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. She is also the host of the weekly podcast Cat Talk Radio. This article has been viewed 17,528 times.

Co-authors: 7

Updated: June 8, 2022

Views: 17,528

Article Rating: 100% - 25 votes

Categories: Featured Articles | Cat Training | Cat Proofing and Cat Safety

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