A new study has revealed why cats scratch and hide under furniture. Veterinary researcher Yasemin Sargiri Demirbas from Ankara University said factors such as whether there are children in the home, the cat's personality and activity level play a big role in how much a cat scratches.
Scratching is a natural behavior for cats, but it can become problematic when it leads to damage to furniture. Demirbas and her team of researchers from Portugal, Canada, and France found that stress plays a major role in increasing this behavior. When owners get angry at their cats, it can increase social tensions in the household, leading cats to scratch even more frequently.
Research findings
The study surveyed more than 1,200 cat owners and found a strong link between stress and increased scratching behavior. “Cats who live with children and are active when playing or at night are more likely to scratch,” Demirvas explained. Cats that exhibited aggressive or destructive behavior also scratched more.
How to deal with scratches
To manage this behavior, experts recommend using positive strategies rather than punishing your cat. Placing a scratching post near your cat's favorite scratching spot can be effective; cats often scratch in meaningful places to express how they're feeling. It's also important to play with your cat in a way that doesn't overstimulate them, as overexcitement will lead to more scratching.
“By understanding this behavior, owners can train their pets to scratch in the right places, making home life more peaceful,” Demirbas concluded.
The study was published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science.
(With input from relevant agencies)
