Scientists say they have identified strategies that could save pet cats’ pillows, carpets and sofas.
While scratching is a normal feline behavior, it can be controlled by adapting play sessions and providing scratching posts in the right places, according to the study.
Researchers looked at what factors might influence unwanted scratching behavior and found that the presence of children in the home, cats’ personality traits, and their activity levels “significantly impact” the extent of scratching behavior.
Dr Yasemin Salgirli Demi̇rbas, a veterinary researcher at Ankara University, Turkey, and first author of the study, said: “Our findings can help caregivers manage and redirect scratching to appropriate materials, which may help promote a more harmonious living environment for cats and their caregivers.”
The study, published in the journal Frontiers in Veterinary Science, suggests that there are many factors that influence cats’ scratching behavior.
Dr Salgirli Demirbas said: “We see a clear link between certain environmental and behavioural factors and increased scratching behaviour in cats.
“Specifically, the presence of children in the home, as well as high levels of play and nighttime activity, significantly contribute to increased scratching. Cats described as aggressive or disruptive also exhibited higher levels of scratching.”
Researchers said stress was found to be one of the main reasons for unwanted itching.
For example, the presence of children, especially when they are young, can increase stress and be one of the many causes that can make pets scratch due to stress.
However, the relationship between scratching and children in the home is not fully understood.
Play can be another factor linked to stress, as when cats play for too long, their stress levels can increase due to the non-stop stimulation.
Dr Salgirli Demirbas added: “Providing safe hiding places, elevated vantage points and plenty of play opportunities can also help to alleviate stress and engage the cat in more constructive activities.”
Experts suggest that setting up several short play sessions that mimic successful hunting scenarios is key to success.
These play sessions are more likely to keep cats interested and reduce stress, which can reduce excessive scratching of furniture.
For the study, researchers asked more than 1,200 cat owners in France about their feline companions’ daily lives and characteristics, as well as unwanted scratching behavior.
The study’s funder, animal health company Ceva Sante Animale, helped with data collection.
