Scientists Explain Why Some Cats Are More Aggressive at Scratching Furniture than Others
Ah, cats. We love our furry masters, even though they sometimes vomit fur and tend to scratch furniture to sharpen their claws. The latter is a natural behavior for cats, but excessive scratching is usually considered a behavioral problem. Veterinarians discourage extreme measures such as declawing or even euthanizing such “problem” cats. However, there are alternative, science-based strategies to reduce or redirect scratching behavior, the authors say. new jobpublished in the journal Frontiers in Veterinary Science.
This latest study builds on the team’s previous research examining the effects of synthetic facial pheromones on unwanted scratching in cats, said co-author Yasemin Salgirli Demirbas, a veterinary researcher at Ankara University in Turkey. “From the outset, our research team agreed that there was a need to examine broader factors that could contribute to this problem, such as factors that influence stress and, as a result, scratching behavior in cats,” she told Ars. “What’s new in this study is that we focused on the individual, environmental, and social dynamics that influence scratching behavior. This perspective is intended to broaden our understanding of how human and animal welfare are interrelated in different scenarios.”
The study looked at the behaviour of 1,211 cats, and collected data using an online questionnaire completed by their caregivers. The first section collected information about the caregivers, the second section collected information about the cats’ daily routine, social interactions, environment, behaviour and temperament. The third and final section collected information about the frequency and intensity of cats’ unwanted scratching behaviour, based on a “scratching index”.
The team found that there are several factors that influence cats' scratching behavior, including environmental factors, high levels of certain types of play, and increased nocturnal activity. But stress appears to be the main factor. “Cats may scratch more often to relieve stress or mark their territory, especially if they feel threatened or insecure,” Demirbas says. And the main source of such stress, the study found, is the presence of small children in the home.
Cats + kids = stress
“The presence of children can certainly affect a cat's stress level, but it's a tricky situation,” says Demirbas. “Children, especially young ones, tend to move quickly and unpredictably, which can be a problem for cats. Their loud noises and sudden movements can be stressful for cats. In addition, children don't always understand how to handle cats properly. Rough handling, in particular, can make cats feel threatened and stressed. Another factor is that children may invade a cat's safe space by playing or resting in areas that the cat considers its main territory.”
How stressful a particular cat finds the presence of children also depends in part on its temperament. “A cat's reaction to children can vary depending on its personality and past experiences,” says Demirbas. “Cats that are naturally more nervous or have had negative experiences with children are likely to be more stressed. Conversely, well-socialized cats or cats accustomed to interacting with a variety of people and situations tend to be better able to handle the presence of children.”
However, the authors caution that the link between having young children in the home and increased scratching is not well understood and requires more research. “If children are taught to respect cats and handle them appropriately, they are less likely to cause stress,” says Demirbas. “If a cat has enough space to retreat to a safe, quiet place when it feels overwhelmed, it may be better able to manage its stress.” Overall, the dynamics between cats and children can vary greatly. Further detailed research into these factors may help to better manage the situation.”
And while too little play time can have a negative impact on a cat’s behavior, too much stimulation — or the wrong kind of play — can also have a negative impact. “Structured and regular play is essential for cats,” says Demirbas. “Since cats’ play, especially solitary play, is rooted in hunting behavior, structured play sessions that simulate hunting are critical to their well-being. Long periods of play that do not result in successful hunting or satisfaction (often due to toys like laser pointers) can cause a stress response due to frustration, overstimulation, and hyperarousal. Likewise, inappropriate play or a lack of play goes against a cat’s biology and can lead to illness. The optimal approach is to provide short, repeated, and successful play sessions. This method stimulates cats mentally and physically, improves their well-being, and helps prevent unwanted behavior.”
Some of these factors are easier to manage than others. Items that can help include appropriate scratching posts located near frequented areas, toys, elevated viewing areas, and other room design options, including pheromone treatments. Our cat Caliban, for example, likes to scratch a specific spot on the living room couch. We placed a scratching post in front of him, and now he scratches there—an effective redirection of his normal scratching behavior.
Avoid punishing your cat or using what's called “positive punishment,” which is essentially a form of behavior modification therapy similar to positive reinforcement, in which each time the cat scratches, the handler immediately adds an unpleasant stimulus. According to Demirbas, positive punishment is more likely to make cats feel confused, unwell, and stressed out—the opposite of what you want.
“Understanding the emotional motivations behind scratching behavior, such as frustration, which appear to be linked to personality and environmental factors, allows animal caregivers to directly address these issues,” says Demirbas. “Our findings may help cat caregivers redirect scratching toward appropriate materials, which could create a more harmonious environment for both cats and their caregivers.”
