Study reveals why cats scratch furniture and tips for managing it

A new study has found hidden reasons behind why cats scratch furniture. Yasemin Salgirli Demirbas, a veterinary researcher from Ankara University, shared that factors like the presence of children at home, the personality of the cat, and their activity levels greatly influence how much a cat scratches.

"We show that certain factors – such as the presence of children at home, personality traits of cats, and their activity levels – significantly impact the extent of scratching behaviour," Science Alert quotedSalgirli Demirbas as saying.

Although scratching is a natural behaviour for cats, it can become problematic when it leads to furniture damage. Demirbas and her research team from Portugal, Canada and France discovered that stress plays a major role in increasing this behaviour. When owners become upset with their cats, it can escalate social tension in the home, prompting cats to scratch even more frequently.

Study findings

The study surveyed over 1,200 cat owners and showed a strong connection between stress and increased scratching. "Cats living with children, being more active during play or at night, are more likely to scratch," Demirbas explained. Cats with aggressive or disruptive behaviour also scratched more often.

How to handle scratching

To manage this behaviour, experts suggest using positive strategies rather than punishing the cat. Placing a scratching post near the area where the cat prefers to scratch can help. Cats often scratch in meaningful areas to express how they feel. It’s also important to play with your cat in a way that doesn’t overstimulate them, as too much excitement can lead to more scratching.

"Understanding these behaviours can help cat owners guide their pets to scratch in the right places, making home life more peaceful," Demirbas concluded.

The research was published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science.

(With inputs from agencies)