Can’t stop your cat from scratching the furniture? Science has some tips

Cats + kids = stress

"The presence of children can definitely influence a cat's stress levels, but it is a complex situation," said Demirbas. "Children, especially when young, tend to move quickly and unpredictably, which can be challenging for cats. Their loud noises and sudden movements can be distressing for cats. Additionally, children might not always understand how to approach cats properly. Rough handling, in particular, can make cats feel threatened and stressed. Another factor is that children can invade the cat's safe spaces, playing or resting in areas the cat considers its own core territories."

How stressful any given cat finds said children also depends in part on the cat's temperament. "A cat’s reaction to children can vary based on its personality and past experiences," said Demirbas. "Cats that are naturally more nervous or have had negative encounters with children before are likely to be more stressed. Conversely, well-socialized cats or those accustomed to being around different people and situations tend to handle the presence of children better."

However, the authors caution that the link between small children in the home and increased scratching is not well understood and requires more research. "If children are taught to respect and handle cats properly, they are less likely to stress the cats out," said Demirbas. "If a cat has enough space to retreat to a safe, quiet area when feeling overwhelmed, they can manage their stress better. Overall, the specific dynamics between cats and children can vary widely. Further detailed studies on these factors can help manage the situation better."

And while too little playtime can adversely affect cat behavior, overstimulation by too much play—or the wrong kind of play—can also have a negative impact. "For cats, structured and routine play is crucial," said Demirbas. "Since play in cats, especially solitary play, originates from hunting behaviors, organized play sessions that mimic hunting are crucial for their well-being. Extended play sessions that do not result in successful hunting or satisfaction (often caused by toys like laser pointers) can induce stress responses due to frustration, overstimulation, and hyperarousal. Similarly, inadequate or lack of play contradicts cats' biology and can lead to distress. The optimal approach involves offering short yet repetitive and successful play sessions. This method mentally and physically stimulates cats, enhances their well-being, and helps prevent undesirable behaviors."

Some of these factors are more easily addressed than others. Providing items such as proper scratching posts placed near the areas a cat frequents, toys, elevated observation spots, and other enrichment options, including pheromone products, can help. Our cat Caliban, for instance, loves to scratch a particular spot on the living room sofa. We placed a scratching post in front of it and now he scratches that—an effective redirection of his otherwise normal scratching behavior.

What you shouldn't do is punish the cat or engage in what's known as "positive punishment": essentially a kind of behavioral aversion therapy akin to positive reinforcement, in which every time a cat engages in unwanted scratching, the caregiver adds an adverse stimulus immediately after. Per Demirbas, positive punishment is more likely to lead to confusion, distress, and increased stress in cats—the opposite of what one should be trying to achieve.

“Understanding the underlying emotional motivations of scratching behavior, such as frustration, which seem to be linked to personality traits and environmental factors, allows caregivers to address these issues directly," said Demirbas. “Our findings can help caregivers redirect scratching to appropriate materials, which could help foster a more harmonious living environment for both cats and their caregivers.”

Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 2024. DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1403068  (About DOIs).