If your cat has turned the arm of the couch into a shredded mess, you're not alone. Scratching is one of the most common complaints from cat owners. But it isn't bad behaviour. It's a natural, healthy need, and every cat has to scratch somewhere. The good news is that, with the right setup, you can teach your cat to scratch where you want them to. This guide explains why cats scratch, how to choose and place a scratcher, and how to protect your furniture.
Why cats scratch
- To care for their claws. Scratching pulls off the worn outer layer of the claw, revealing a sharp new one underneath.
- To stretch. A good scratch stretches muscles all the way from the toes to the shoulders and back. You'll often see cats do it straight after waking up.
- To mark their territory. Cats have scent glands in their paws, and scratching leaves both a scent and a visible mark that says "this is mine".
- To release energy and emotion. Cats often scratch when they're excited, when you come home, or when they're feeling stressed.
Because scratching is about marking territory, cats usually scratch in prominent places: near doorways, beside where they sleep, and on furniture in the rooms where the family spends time.
Declawing isn't the answer
Declawing is a painful amputation of the end of each toe, and it isn't done in New Zealand except for medical reasons. It's far kinder, and very effective, to give your cat better places to scratch.
Choosing a scratcher your cat will use
- Tall enough to stretch fully, so your cat can reach up with their legs straight. For most cats, that means at least 80cm.
- Sturdy. If a post wobbles or tips, your cat won't trust it. Choose a heavy base or fix it to the wall.
- The right texture. Sisal rope, sisal fabric and corrugated cardboard are favourites. Notice what your cat likes to scratch now: a rough couch, a carpet or a wooden door frame.
- Upright and flat. Some cats prefer to scratch vertically, others horizontally on the floor. Many like both, so offer a mix.
Where to put it
- right next to the furniture your cat is scratching, at first
- near where your cat sleeps, as most cats scratch when they wake up
- near doorways and entrances to the main rooms
- in the rooms where your family spends the most time
Once your cat is using it reliably, you can move it gradually, a little each day, to where you'd like it.
Teaching your cat to use it
- Rub some catnip on the scratcher, or play with a toy around it.
- Praise your cat and give a treat when they use it.
- Never force your cat's paws onto it, as this can put them off.
- If they scratch the furniture, calmly lift them to the scratcher. Never punish them, as it only adds stress.
Protecting your furniture
- Make the furniture less appealing for a while. Cover the scratched area with a throw, or apply double-sided tape, which cats dislike under their paws.
- Keep claws trimmed. Blunter claws do less damage. Trim the tips every couple of weeks, avoiding the pink quick.
- Reduce stress. Cats who feel unsettled often scratch more. A calming diffuser can help.
- Keep them busy. Regular play gives cats another outlet for their energy. Our guide to keeping indoor cats busy and happy has plenty of ideas.
Products that help
Petstages Spin & Scratch. Corrugated scratch discs with jingling balls, giving cats a flat surface to scratch and a toy to bat and chase. Great for cats that like to scratch the carpet or rugs.
Feliway Classic Spray. Helps reduce the urge to scratch or mark in unwanted places. Spray it onto areas your cat has scratched, never directly onto your cat. For ongoing support, the Feliway Classic Diffuser helps cats feel secure at home.
FURminator Nail Grinder. A cordless, two-speed nail grinder with an LED light, suitable for cats and dogs. Smooth claws do less damage to furniture. Introduce it slowly, as many cats are wary of the noise at first.
Rewards and catnip. Petstages Straw-Babies catnip toys and Omega Plus King Salmon Bites for Cats make good rewards for using the scratcher.
These products are ordered in especially for you, so allow a few extra days. Not sure what will help? Call or pop into our Oxford store and we'll talk it through with you.
Find help for your cat
Browse our cat treats and cat toys, with delivery across New Zealand and click and collect from Oxford, North Canterbury. Or get in touch and tell us about your cat. We're happy to help.
This article is general information, not veterinary advice. If your cat's scratching changes suddenly, or they seem stressed or unwell, see your vet.