An international team of researchers has determined which factors influence unwanted scratching behavior in domestic cats, as published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science.
Many cat owners are familiar with torn cushions, carpets and sofas. The feline instinct to scratch is innate, but cat owners often perceive it as a behavioural problem and sometimes it leads to interventions that are not suitable for them.
“Here we show that certain factors, such as the presence of children in the home, cats’ personality traits and activity levels, significantly influence the degree of scratching behavior,” said Dr Yasemin Salgirli Demirbas, a veterinary researcher at Ankara University in Turkey and first author of the study.
“Our findings may help caregivers manage and redirect scratching toward appropriate materials, which could help foster a more harmonious living environment for both cats and their caregivers.”
Researchers asked more than 1,200 cat owners in France about the daily life and characteristics, as well as unwanted scratching behaviors of their feline companions. The researchers’ results showed that there are several factors that influence cats’ scratching behavior.
“We see a clear relationship between certain environmental and behavioural factors and increased scratching behaviour in cats,” explained Salgirli Demirbas. “Specifically, the presence of children in the home, as well as high levels of play and nocturnal activity, contribute significantly to increased scratching. Cats described as aggressive or disruptive also showed higher levels of scratching.”
According to researchers, stress is one of the main causes of unwanted scratching. For example, the presence of children, especially when they are small, can increase stress and be one of several causes that can make felines scratch out of stress. However, the relationship between increased scratching and the presence of children in the home is not fully understood and more studies are needed on the subject. Another factor that could also be related to stress is the desire to play. When cats play for a long time, their stress levels can increase due to non-stop stimulation.
While some factors that promote scratching (such as a cat’s personality or the presence of children) cannot be modified, others can be, according to researchers. Placing scratching posts in areas where cats frequently pass by or near their preferred resting place or using pheromones, for example, can reduce cat scratching on furniture.
“Providing safe hiding places, elevated viewing spots, and plenty of play opportunities can also help relieve stress and engage the cat in more constructive activities,” says Salgirli Demirbas. The key is to set up multiple short play sessions that mimic successful hunting scenarios. These play sessions are more likely to maintain cats’ interest and reduce stress, which can ultimately reduce excessive furniture scratching. They can also foster bonding between cats and their caregivers, the researchers said.
“Understanding the underlying emotional motivations for scratching behavior, such as frustration, which appear to be linked to personality traits and environmental factors, allows caregivers to address these issues directly,” says Salgirli Demirbas. While the researchers had to rely on self-reported data, which is prone to subjectivity, they have gained unique insights into cat scratching behavior.
The aim of this and future research is to develop more effective strategies to control this behaviour, ultimately improving the bond and harmony between cats and their caregivers, they conclude.
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