It’s undeniable that a cat’s paws are cute, but their scratching habits can be less charming. Many cat owners complain about their feline friends targeting furniture and walls. But why your cat behaves in that way?

To scratch the walls can become a routine for various reasons, some of them are innocent and others are potentially signaling deeper issues. Let’s find out why your cat may have chosen your wall as their scratching canvas and discuss ways to address this behavior.

The 6 Reasons Cats Scratch Walls:

1 HABIT

Cats thrive on routine, preferring things to stay in their usual places. Whether it’s food bowls, litter boxes, or scratching posts, cats develop habits around these. If your cat is scratching the wall, it might simply be out of habit, perhaps initiated when you were away or allowed during their kitten days.

2 TERRITORY MARKING

When cats scratch, scent glands in their paw pads deposit pheromones, marking their territory. Your cat may have taken a liking to the wall as it’s close to their bed or in their favorite room.

3 BOREDOM

Inappropriate scratching is more likely if your cat is bored. Scratching provides comfort and helps release pent-up energy. Make sure that your cat gets enough exercise by incorporating play sessions into your daily routine.

4 ATTENTION SEEKING

If your cat has learned that scratching the wall grabs your attention, they’ll continue to behavior like this. While it’s usually best to ignore attention-seeking actions, redirecting them to a scratch post might be a better solution.

5 ANXIETY

Stress and anxiety can lead to undesirable behaviors, including inappropriate scratching. It serves as a self-soothing mechanism. Watch for other signs of anxiety, and consult a vet if needed.

6 PESTS IN THE WALL

Scratching may increase if your cat hears pests like mice. Check for a pest problem if your cat seems determined to scratch specific areas of the wall.

How to Prevent Wall Scratching:

• Place a scratching post in front of the targeted wall area.
• Gently redirect your cat to the post if they attempt to scratch the wall.
• Offer various scratch posts with different shapes, sizes, and textures.
• Regularly trim your cat’s nails.
• Make sure that your cat have enough exercises: both physical and mental.
• Pay attention to your calm cat, not just when they misbehave.
• Schedule play sessions to reduce attention-seeking behavior.
• Avoid punishing your cat; instead, use positive reinforcement.
• If necessary, temporarily place your cat in another room after wall scratching.
• Cover the area with an unappealing material, like plastic sheeting.
• Consult a vet if you suspect anxiety or health issues.

IS DECLAWING A GOOD OPTION?

No! Declawing poses serious health risks, including pain, tissue death, lameness, nerve damage, bone spurs, and infections. It’s emotionally damaging to cats, akin to cutting off the tips of a human’s fingers at the knuckle. Look for a alternative, such as regular nail trimming.

In conclusion, Don’t worry if your cat has turned your wall into a scratchboard. There is a solution. Determine the cause, consider strategically placed scratch posts, or seek advice from your vet for a thorough analysis.