고양이 스크래칭 행동 자주 묻는 질문 Q&A — 보호자가 꼭 알아야 할 핵심

Why Does My Cat Keep Scratching? — Causes of Scratching and When to Intervene

Brain & CognitionQ&AMeongsiljang Veterinary Advisory Board

Scratching is an irresistible instinct in cats. We’ve compiled a Q&A covering why they scratch, where to place scratching posts, and practical tips to reduce furniture damage.

Why Do Cats Scratch?

Scratching is a natural instinct in cats, involving the use of their claws to scratch surfaces. This behavior serves multiple purposes, including marking territory, maintaining claw health, and stretching. The key point is that you should never try to forcibly stop or punish this behavior. Punishment can lead to increased stress and potentially result in other behavioral issues. Pheromones are secreted from glands located between the toes (interdigital glands), not on the paw pads. These pheromones remain on the scratched surface, conveying territorial information through both visible marks and scent, engaging both visual and olfactory senses. Since scratching is an innate instinct that cannot be eliminated, providing an appropriate scratching post or environment is the most effective approach.

Four Functions of Scratching

Understanding that scratching is more than just a habit changes how you respond.

Territory marking: Cats leave pheromones from the interdigital glands between their toes on surfaces to signal "this is my area," while the scratch marks themselves serve as a visual cue.

Claw maintenance: Scratching helps shed the outer sheath of old claws and keeps them sharp (claw conditioning).

Stretching: It acts as a full-body stretch, simultaneously extending the muscles of the front legs, back, and spine.

Emotional expression: Scratching may increase when your cat is excited, anticipating something, or feeling anxious.

Comparison of Scratcher Materials

Item	Sisal rope	Corrugated cardboard	Carpet
Durability	High	Low	Moderate
Cat preference	Highest	Moderate	Low
Recommended form	Vertical	Horizontal/inclined	Vertical
Maintenance point	Little dust	Needs periodic replacement	Watch for fur tangling

Every cat has different material preferences. At first, try offering 2–3 types together.

Scratcher Placement and Quantity — Just as Important as Material

Even if you buy a good scratching post, your cat won’t use it if it’s placed in the wrong spot.

Location along their path: Place it along frequently traveled routes or next to their sleeping area. Cats won’t use posts hidden in corners or stored away in closets.

Visibility: Since scratching also serves as a way to mark territory, the post should be placed where it’s clearly visible.

Quantity: For one cat, we recommend having at least two scratching posts. In multi-cat households, provide one post per cat, or even more.

A cat scratcher placed along the walking path next to the sofa

How to Help Your Cat Get Used to a New Scratcher

If your cat shows no interest in the new scratcher, try sprinkling catnip on it or mimicking scratching motions with your fingers. Rewarding them immediately with treats when they use it will help them get used to it quickly.

Practical Ways to Reduce Furniture Scratching

To prevent furniture scratching, you need to combine blocking the behavior with providing alternatives. 1. Protect the furniture: Apply double-sided tape or aluminum foil to the scratched areas; cats dislike the texture and will avoid them. 2. Provide alternatives: Place a scratching post right next to the furniture they were scratching. 3. Positive reinforcement: Immediately praise and reward your cat with a treat every time they use the scratching post. Punishment or yelling increases stress and can actually make the problem worse.

Cats being encouraged to use a scratching post instead of furniture

If Scratching Suddenly Increases

If your pet is suddenly scratching more than usual, it could be a sign of stress. First, check whether there have been any recent environmental changes, such as moving to a new home, adding a new family member, or introducing another animal. If excessive paw licking or hair pulling is also occurring, please consult your veterinarian.

Regular Nail Care and Its Relationship to Scratching

Regular nail trimming helps blunt the sharp tips, making nail care easier and reducing furniture damage. It’s a recommended alternative to declawing surgery. When trimming, avoid the pink vascular area inside the nail (the quick) and only clip a small portion of the tip. Cutting too short can cause pain or bleeding. If your pet dislikes nail trimming, gradually acclimate them by gently handling their paws, and reward them with treats afterward to create a positive association. However, keep in mind that scratching is a natural instinct and won’t disappear even with frequent nail trims—this is completely normal.

Reviewed by a veterinarian

Dr. Tony — Punnawat Phongkittirak

Veterinarian

A veterinarian who majored in veterinary medicine at Khon Kaen University, Thailand, and completed the IVSA program at North Carolina State University in the United States. Drawing on clinical experience at animal hospitals, he works in the pet healthcare field and is dedicated to building a digital care environment that connects pet parents with veterinarians.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will declawing stop my cat from scratching?

Claw removal surgery (onychectomy) is not simply pulling out the claws; it is an amputation procedure that also removes the tip of the toe bone to which the claw is attached. Because it can lead to acute and chronic pain, difficulty walking, and increased aggression, many veterinarians both domestically and internationally do not recommend it. Instead, proper alternatives include regular claw care, training to adapt to scratching posts, and using claw caps (silicone covers).

I bought several scratching posts, but my pet doesn’t use them at all. Why might that be?

It’s likely the location and material aren’t quite right. If it’s tucked away in a corner, your cat may not pay attention to it. Try moving it near their sleeping area or along their usual path, and experiment with different materials like sisal, cardboard, or carpet. Sprinkling catnip on it at first can help encourage use.

Is it normal for my pet to scratch right after waking up?

Everything is perfectly normal. Scratching right after waking up is simply a full-body stretch, similar to yawning or stretching out. In fact, it’s a sign of good health. Placing a scratching post near their sleeping area can naturally guide them to use it instead of your furniture.

My pet only scratches the walls. What should I do?

If your cat is drawn to the texture of the wallpaper, apply double-sided tape or a clear acrylic protective sheet to the scratched area and place a vertical scratcher with a similar texture right next to it. Use catnip to attract their attention, and reward them with treats each time they use the scratcher. This positive reinforcement will help them gradually switch to the appropriate scratching surface.

I have multiple cats, and their scratching has gotten worse.

In multi-cat households, the urge to mark territory can intensify, leading to increased scratching. It’s important to provide as many scratching posts as you have cats—or even more—placed in various locations. Adding a new scratching post right away when a new cat joins the household can be especially helpful.

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References

[1] Ellis, S.L.H. (2024). A Professional's Guide to Feline Behaviour: Understanding, Improving and Resolving Problems. CABI.

[2] DePorter, T.L. & Elzerman, A.L. (2019). Common Feline Problem Behaviors: Destructive Scratching. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice.

[3] Little, S. (ed.) (2023). The Cat: Clinical Medicine and Management, 2nd Edition. Elsevier.