Cat Scratching Behaviour: Normal Need, Not a Problem

Scratching is a normal and necessary behaviour for cats, serving multiple physical and communicative functions. Understanding this helps prevent declawing and furniture destruction.

Key Facts

Cats scratch to shed old claw sheaths, stretch muscles and tendons, deposit scent from interdigital glands, and leave visual marks.
Cats prefer to scratch vertically on tall, stable substrates; horizontal scratchers are used by some individuals but are less preferred overall.
Declawing (onychectomy) is the surgical amputation of the last bone of each toe and is banned or discouraged in many countries.
Studies show declawed cats have higher rates of litter box avoidance, biting, and chronic pain than intact cats.
Cats consistently scratch in prominent, social locations — corners of rooms, near resting areas, and by doorways.
Multiple scratching posts in a multi-cat household reduce conflict over resources.
Cats can be trained to use scratching posts through placement, substrate preference assessment, and positive reinforcement.
Claw caps (soft plastic covers) are a humane alternative to declawing for cats that scratch problematically.

Welfare Considerations

Scratching is a behavioural necessity for cats, not an optional or eliminable habit. When cats lack appropriate outlets, they scratch furniture — but the solution is providing suitable scratching surfaces, not punishment or declawing. Declawing is associated with lasting behavioural changes consistent with chronic pain: increased aggression, litter box problems (because digging in litter becomes painful), and reduced activity. Many countries including the UK and much of Europe have banned declawing as a cosmetic procedure. Appropriate scratching provision is a key component of a cat-friendly home and is part of the Five Freedoms applied to companion animals.

What You Can Do

Provide at least one tall, stable sisal scratching post per cat in your household.
Place scratching posts in socially prominent locations, not hidden corners.
Use positive reinforcement and catnip to encourage use of appropriate scratching surfaces.
Never have a cat declawed — use nail trims, claw caps, or environmental management instead.
Advocate for declawing bans in jurisdictions that still permit the procedure.
Consider a cat's scratching preferences (vertical vs horizontal, substrate type) when choosing posts.