Why it happens
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Claw care
Scratching pulls off the old, blunt outer layers of the claws, with new ones already growing underneath. You may find empty claw husks by the scratching post, and that is normal.
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A good stretch
Hooking its claws in and pulling back stretches the cat's back, shoulders and legs. That is why it likes to scratch straight after waking up, much as we stretch.
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Scent and visible marks
The paw pads have scent glands, so a scratching cat leaves its smell along with clearly visible marks. The sofa by the door or your favourite armchair are places it wants to mark as its own.
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Feelings and attention
Cats scratch to greet you, when excited or when they have nothing to do. If the sofa gets your attention every time, even a telling-off, the cat soon learns it is a way to call you over.
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The wrong scratching post
A post that is too short, wobbles or is made of the wrong material does not interest a cat. If the sofa is taller, steadier and in a better spot, the cat will choose the sofa.
What helps
- A sturdy, tall enough post The post should be tall enough for the cat to stretch to its full length and sturdy enough not to wobble. Some cats prefer flat scratchers on the floor, so it is worth having both kinds.
- The right material Notice what the cat scratches now: rough fabric, carpet or wood. Many cats like sisal rope or corrugated cardboard, which the claws grip well.
- Where the cat lives Put the post where the cat already scratches: by the sofa, by the front door or near where it sleeps. A post in a far corner does not do its job, because the cat wants to mark the places the family uses.
- Cover up and praise While the cat gets used to the post, cover its favourite sofa corner with a thick blanket or slippery film and put the post right in front of it. Praise the cat or give it a titbit when it uses the post; do not scold it or spray it with water, or it will just learn to scratch when you are out.
- Claw care, not declawing Trimmed claw tips do less damage to fabric; the claw care guide shows how to trim them safely. Declawing is the amputation of the tips of the toes: it is painful, changes the way a cat walks and is banned in many countries, so it is no answer.
Related product categories
The links lead to product categories, not to a particular product or brand. They are not a recommendation.
When it is a question for a vet
Scratching itself is not a sign of illness. See a vet if the cat has stopped scratching or no longer wants to jump, limps, if a claw has grown into a pad, broken or is bleeding, or if it is not scratching things but constantly scratching itself.