Last updated on: November 6, 2023 by Crystal Uys
There’s no denying that a cat’s paws are adorable, but what they do with their claws isn’t always so cute. Moggies suppressing their urges to scratch furniture and walls is a common complaint from cat parents, but why do they do it in the first place?
Scratching walls can become a habit for a variety of reasons, some innocent and others that may indicate a deeper problem. Let’s take a look at why your wall may have become your cat’s latest victim. We’ll also share some tips to avoid scratching in inappropriate places.
The 6 reasons why cats scratch the walls:
1. Habit
As we all know, cats are creatures of routine. They like everything to be in the same place as always, whether it’s food and water bowls, litter boxes or scratching areas. If your cat scratches your wall, the simplest explanation is that he has developed the habit routinely.
Maybe your cat started doing it while you weren’t home, so you weren’t always able to detect and redirect its behavior. Another explanation may be that they were allowed to do this as kittens before you brought them home.
2. Territory marking
When a cat scratches something, its pads (which have scent glands) deposit pheromones. It’s a way for cats to mark their territory, so your cat may have taken a shine to your wall and wants to claim it as his own. This might sound strange, but maybe your cat likes this particular spot because it’s close to where her bed is or in her favorite room.
3. Boredom
Cats are more likely to scratch in inappropriate places if they are bored. Scratching is calming for cats and helps them release pent-up energy. You may want to think about whether or not your cat is getting enough exercise. Try incorporating play sessions into your daily routine to allow your cat to release this excess energy and increase mental stimulation.
4. Attention Seeking
If your cat has learned that scratching the wall gets your attention, he will continue to do it whenever he deems it necessary. Usually, it’s best to ignore unwanted attention-seeking behavior, but when the integrity of your wall is at stake, it may be best to try redirecting them to a scratch item.
5. Anxiety
Stress and anxiety can cause unwanted behaviors, like scratching areas that shouldn’t be scratched. This is an attempt to self-soothe through natural behavior. Other signs of anxiety in cats include running around, going to the bathroom outside of the litter box, excessive vocalizations, dilated pupils, restlessness, excessive grooming, and hypervigilance.
Cats who have experienced trauma or were not properly socialized from a young age are at greater risk of developing anxiety, as are sick cats. Some cats suffer from separation anxiety, which means they are incredibly stressed when you are not around. Consult a veterinarian if you suspect anxiety.
6. Pests in the wall
If your cat hears pests like mice in the walls of your home, he may scratch in an attempt to capture whatever is moving there. If your cat seems determined to eat its way through certain areas of the wall, it may be time to look for a parasitic problem.
How to Stop Scratching the Walls
To combat destructive scratching, try placing a scratching post in front of your cat’s targeted area. If they still try to launch a claw attack on the wall, gently redirect them towards the post. Do this regularly until they understand the clue. Scratching posts and scratching boards come in different shapes, sizes, and textures, so choose the type you think will appeal to your cat the most.
Other tips:
- Trim your cat’s claws regularly.
- Provide different types of scratching posts around your home for variety.
- Never force your cat’s paws onto a scratching post or drag its claws across it, this will only frighten it and make it not want to use it.
- Make sure your cat gets plenty of mental and physical exercise.
- Pay attention to your cat when they are calm rather than when they act out.
- Schedule play sessions so your cat learns to expect them. This can reduce attention-seeking behaviors.
- Avoid yelling at or punishing your cat, this will only make things worse.
- Cats don’t scratch out of spite.
- If necessary, place your cat in another room for a few minutes while he is scratching the wall to get him out of the situation.
- Cover the area with something unattractive, such as a plastic tarp.
- Consult your veterinarian if you think your cat is suffering from anxiety or another health problem.
Is declawing a good idea?
No! Declawing is a bad idea because can lead to a number of health problems including back and leg pain, tissue death, lameness, nerve damage, bone spurs and infections. Additionally, the healing process can be difficult and painful. It is also cruel in the sense that it is emotionally damaging to your cat because declawing prevents him from performing essential natural behavior.
Declawing is not simply have your nails cut at all – the procedure actually involves cutting tendons and sensory and motor nerves. To put things in perspective, declawing a cat is like a human having their fingertips cut off at the joint.
Conclusion
If your cat has made a scratch board out of your wall, don’t despair: a solution is certainly at hand. Work to identify the cause to find out if a cleverly placed scratch post might be the answer or if a more detailed analysis by your veterinarian might be necessary.
Featured image credit: Yuliya Gallimore, Shutterstock
About the Author
Mom cat to Ivy – a feisty little rescue kitten who is her one and only child. For the moment! Throughout her life, she was introduced to the special love found in the bond with a cat. Having owned several felines, she is more than certain that their love is unmatched, unconditional and unlike any other. Passionate about educating the public about everything there is to know about felines, their behavior and their unique personalities, Crystal is dedicated to ensuring that all cats and their owners know the importance of mindful living – and to love!