Skip to main content

What it means when your cat is constantly scratching and how to stop it

What to know about cat scratching and how to keep it under control

Kitty parenthood can present some serious conundrums. On the one hand, you love your cat more than you love your desk chair. However, you’d prefer it if your cat would stop scratching your desk chair. Sound familiar? Those home office upgrades you made weren’t cheap, nor were the state-of-the-art scratching posts and cat trees you bought (or made) for your cat.

Though cat scratching is a common behavior, it’s probably not your favorite habit of your kitty’s if they’re doing it on furniture, cabinets, carpet, or walls. Like many less-than-desirable cat behaviors, there may be several reasons for incessant scratching. You’ll want to pinpoint the specific triggers for your cat so you can take steps to fix the issue. Allow us to play detective for you.

Gray and white cat scratching couch

Why is my indoor cat scratching so much?

Outdoor cats scratch trees, posts, and fences to condition their claws and mark territory — especially if they’re having issues with other neighborhood cats. It can serve as a form of protection and an outlet for emotions, primarily stress or excitement. Cats also like to scratch to give themselves a manicure, as the action removes the dead parts of their nails.

Even if your cat has their own private space for a litter box and doesn’t have to contend with predators, you might find yourselves having an issue with scratching. Regardless of where a feline lives, scratching is instinctual. Cats don’t always take the time to think, “Should I scratch here, or will it make my human upset?” Instead, they may default to, “I need to scratch. This spot looks good.”

White cat playing with a scratching post

What does it mean if my cat is scratching more frequently than normal?

If your cat suddenly begins scratching much more frequently, it could be a sign something is off.

  • Your kitty is upset. Did your cat recently undergo a change? For example, perhaps another beloved family pet died, or you returned to work. Scratching could be your cat’s way of expressing their feelings.
  • They don’t have an appropriate outlet. Cats are going to scratch — it’s instinctual — but the goal is to have them use something designed for scratching, such as a post. If you haven’t invested in one, now is likely the time. The one your kitty had been using may be old and frayed, so you may need to upgrade.
  • Boredom. Sometimes, cats need something — anything — to do, so they might resort to scratching. Your new sofa may simply look fun. Also, if you seem to notice them more when they scratch, it may be an attention-seeking behavior.
  • Fear or anxiety. Your cat may be scared and feel the need to scratch to mark their territory. They spray (urinate) for the same reason. If you recently moved in with new roommates or adopted a new pet, your pet may be anxious and want to stake claim to their territory.

A kitten scratching a scratch post

What should I do if my cat keeps scratching?

Though you can’t completely stop your cat from scratching, you can encourage them to scratch in designated places. Here are some top tips for accomplishing that together.

  • Get a scratching post or two. Purchasing a cat scratching post or having a couple across the house can help direct your pet’s urges to an appropriate spot. Scent the posts with catnip to make them more interesting than your couch if you need something special to entice them.
  • Play. Playing with your cat helps tire them out and reduces boredom. As a result, they’ll be more content (and tired) and less likely to scratch.
  • Trim their nails. A regular mani for your cat may not be fun for them, but it’ll remove the dead parts of the nails for them.
  • Make your sofa less desirable. Put crinkle paper or double-sided sticky tape on your cat’s favorite inappropriate spot to scratch. They don’t love how these items feel on their paws, so it’ll encourage them to seek another place to act on their urges.

All in all, cat scratching is completely normal and instinctual. Cats scratch to mark territory, release emotions, alleviate boredom, and ensure they can defend themselves. You can’t stop your kitty from scratching completely, but you can direct them toward an appropriate outlet using the methods we’ve discussed. And remember — you can always speak with your vet if you’re still struggling to help your kitty break the habit.

Editors' Recommendations

BethAnn Mayer
Beth Ann's work has appeared on healthline.com and parents.com. In her spare time, you can find her running (either marathons…
Everything you need to know about the adorable snowshoe cat
Never heard of the snowshoe cat breed? You're not alone, but they're worth learning more about
Cat with white paws standing up

We don’t typically think of cats as breeds. With canine companions, there is a ton of information on different breeds, including common physical and social traits.

However, felines also have separate breeds beyond just commonly known ones, like Maine Coons and Siamese cats. One you may not have heard of is the snowshoe cat. There’s likely a reason you’ve never heard of this cat, because the breed is rare.

Read more
Polydactyl cats: Everything you should know about these unusual pets
Get the facts on polydactyl cats, a condition that's not as rare as you think
Maine Coon cat

Polydactyl cats: The term sounds exotic — almost like it should be used to describe an amphibian. The unusual term is fitting for something of an odd condition.

A polydactyl cat has a congenital physical anomaly. In layperson’s terms, this means that a cat is born with the condition. They can’t suddenly develop the condition.

Read more
This video shows another side to the war in Ukraine: All the cats
These cats are working alongside their humans in service to their country
Kitten peeks out of a military helmet

Pets might not be our first thought when we think about armed conflict, but they're a surprising part of it. In the current war in Ukraine, many refugees fleeing the country are bringing beloved pets with them and, luckily, neighboring countries have been able to take some of them in. Despite nearly impossible circumstances, animals are being saved and even brought to the US and going to loving families. Some, however, are living directly on the front lines with soldiers, including the adorable cats featured in this video.

In it, you see cats of all shapes and sizes hanging out with their buddies dressed in fatigues and often ready for action. The kitties climb up their people or ride along in satchels or assist the war effort by becoming lookouts (or at least pretending to). While they may not be a lot of help in that arena, they can provide friendship and become true assets to their units (some trained military dogs deploy with troops around the world to help with things like finding land mines and search and rescue). Interestingly, animals have always been essential to war, not just as the cavalry but in a companionship role as well.

Read more