Scratched sofas and stair carpets are among the most common complaints of cat owners, but both Cats Protection and International Cat Care stress that scratching is a normal, necessary behaviour. The practical answer is therefore to redirect it rather than try to stop it. This guide summarises what the two charities say about why cats scratch, how to choose and place scratching posts, and when scratching points to insecurity. It is general welfare information, not a substitute for a vet or qualified behaviourist.
Why cats scratch
Cats Protection gives two main reasons: to keep claws in good condition, and to communicate with other cats and leave a reminder for themselves. Scent glands between the paw pads leave a unique smell on surfaces, which combines with the scratch marks and discarded claw husks to send a message to other cats.
International Cat Care adds that scratching also exercises the muscles of the front legs and spine. Dragging the claws downwards, known as stropping, loosens and removes the outer keratin husk to reveal sharp new claw underneath, and healthy, sharp claws help with climbing, hunting, playing and defence. It says kittens start to scratch from around five weeks of age.
Why scratching happens indoors
Cats Protection says every cat needs a scratching outlet whether it goes outside or not, so a cat with limited access to the outdoors will scratch in the home. In the wild, cats would scratch tree bark, and a sofa or chair can serve as a substitute because cats prefer objects that are sturdy or tall enough to grip and dig into. International Cat Care says cats scratch indoors for claw maintenance, exploration and play, and that scent deposited while scratching may give a feeling of physical safety and security. Some cats also learn that scratching furniture earns attention.
Choosing a scratching post
Both organisations emphasise matching the post to the cat. Their guidance includes:
- Height and stability. Cats Protection recommends a heavy, stable base so the post does not wobble or topple, and one tall enough for a cat to scratch at full stretch. International Cat Care likewise says a post should be as tall as the cat standing on its hind legs in a fully stretched position.
- Surface and direction. Cats Protection suggests a vertical weave that lets a cat run its claws downwards, and a horizontal scratching pad for cats that scratch carpets and stairs. International Cat Care says each cat has its own preferred surfaces and vertical or horizontal orientation.
- Like for like. If a particular surface is being damaged, International Cat Care says to offer an alternative with a similar experience. For example, a cat scratching textured wallpaper at a certain height needs a vertical alternative with similar texture and ridges that allows the same stretch.
- Age. Kittens and senior cats may prefer softer surfaces, such as angled or horizontal cardboard scratchers.
- Small spaces. International Cat Care says panels of sisal twine, bark or corrugated cardboard can be fixed to walls.
Where to put posts
Cats Protection advises placing a post next to the area where the cat has been scratching, then gradually moving it to a more suitable location once the cat uses it. Because cats often scratch and stretch on waking, a post near the cat’s bed is worth trying. It also suggests rubbing good-quality catnip on a post, or placing a few pieces of cat food on it, and playing with the cat little and often, which may help redirect energy away from furniture.
In homes with more than one cat, Cats Protection says every cat should have its own post positioned in a different place to avoid conflict. International Cat Care recommends one post per cat plus an extra for choice. The site’s guide to multi-cat households explains how resources are shared between cats.
Protecting furniture while the habit changes
Until the cat is using the post, Cats Protection suggests protecting the furniture with thick, shiny plastic sheeting, which cats find unappealing to scratch, and removing it gradually once the post is used. It also says to praise a cat that scratches the post and ignore scratching of inappropriate objects, because attention can reinforce the habit.
International Cat Care cautions that trimming claws may prevent immediate damage but does not meet the cat’s needs, and so it is best to offer alternatives instead. It says senior cats, however, may need regular claw trims because they are physically less able to scratch as often as they need to. Overgrown claws can catch on soft furnishings or grow into the pads, which is painful, and Cats Protection publishes a guide on how to trim claws safely.
When scratching signals stress
Cats Protection says that if a cat scratches in many places, including conflict areas such as windows and doors, it is likely communicating and feels insecure there, and the most common cause of indoor scratching of this kind is the presence of another cat. International Cat Care similarly says widespread scratching, particularly around doorways and windows, may signal a general sense of insecurity. Cats Protection warns against simply providing another scratching surface without helping the cat feel more secure, and says a qualified behaviourist may be needed to uncover the cause of the anxiety. International Cat Care notes that a synthetic feline pheromone can help provide reassurance. The site’s guide to keeping an indoor cat happy covers other ways to make a home more secure.
Frequently asked questions
Can a cat be trained never to scratch?
International Cat Care says scratching is normal and necessary behaviour that cannot, and should not, be stopped, only directed to suitable surfaces.
Does an indoor-only cat still need to scratch?
Yes. Both charities say indoor cats need sharp claws and a scratching outlet.
The bottom line
The charities’ advice is consistent: provide tall, stable posts in the right places, match them to the surfaces the cat already prefers, reward their use, and protect furniture while the habit changes. Widespread scratching around doors and windows is a prompt to consider what is worrying the cat.