It’s a question that many cat owners have when they see their beloved pet scratching away at their walls.
Cats are curious creatures and love to scratch surfaces, furniture, and even walls to explore their surrounding. It is a natural behavior and an instinctual instinct for them.
However, this can become a problem for cat owners when it damages their homes. This situation leaves many pet owners wondering, “How to stop my cat from scratching the walls?”
Keep reading to learn why cats scratch walls and what you can do to stop this destructive scratching behavior!
Why Does A Cat Scratch The Wall?
Before we discuss how to stop cats from scratching the walls, we must know why they do that. Here are a few reasons why cats tend to scratch objects and walls:
Instinct
As we mentioned, cats scratch walls and surfaces as part of their natural behavior. It helps them to mark their territory and also to stretch their muscles.
To Remove Worn Or Frayed Claws
Cats also scratch surfaces to remove the worn-out or frayed claws. It is a part of their grooming process and helps them to keep their claws healthy and sharp.
In the wild, cats need sharp claws for hunting, fighting, and climbing trees to escape predators. They scratch at trees to remove the outer layers to sharpen and smooth their claws.
Boredom Or Frustration
In some cases, cats may start scratching the walls due to boredom or frustration. If boredom cats do not have anything else to do, they may scratch surfaces as a way to release their energy.
Marking Territory
Cats have a strong smell, so they often scratch surfaces to mark their territory.
They have scent glands in their paws, so when they scratch something, they leave behind a bit of their scent on the object.
It can help cats feel more comfortable and relaxed in their environment and let other cats know that this is their territory.
Expressing Emotions
Many cat experts believe that cats also scratch surfaces to express their emotions. They can scratch when they are feeling happy, playful, or excited.
They may also scratch surfaces and corners when they are feeling angry, frustrated, or even anxious.
Household Pests
Cats have a strong sense of hearing and hunt small prey instinctively. So, if they see any bugs or insects on the wall, they may start scratching it to catch them.
If cats hear mice in your walls, they may scratch unexpectedly, as their prey drive triggers them to try to find the source of the sounds.
7 Simple And Proven Tips To Stop Your Cat From Scratching The Walls
Here are some simple yet effective tips that you can use to stop your cat from scratching walls:
Provide Alternative Scratching Surfaces
One of the best ways to stop your cat from scratching walls is to provide your cat with alternative scratching surfaces like scratching posts or cardboard scratchers.
Cats love cardboard, carpeting, wood, and upholstery scratching posts. Some cats prefer horizontal posts, while others may prefer vertical posts or slanted posts.
Place these objects near the areas where your cat typically scratches the wall.
Trim Your Cat’s Nails Regularly
Another way to stop your cat from scratching the walls is to trim their nails regularly. You can do this at home or take your cat to a professional groomer.
When trimming your cat’s nails, cut the sharp tips and avoid the quick, which is the pink part of the nail. If you cut it short, it will bleed and be painful for your cat.
Use Double-Sided Sticky Tape
If your cat is persistent in scratching the wall, you can try using double-sided tape or sticky paws.
Place the double-sided tape or sticky paws on the areas of the wall where your cat typically scratches. The feel of the sticky surface will deter your cat from scratching.
Also, you can cover your cat’s claws with plastic caps so that he won’t damage anything in your house when it scratches.
Apply A Deterrent Spray
There are many commercial deterrent sprays available that can help to stop your cat from scratching the wall. These sprays usually contain citrus or mint, which cats dislike.
Spray the deterrent on the areas of the wall where your cat scratches.
Give Your Cat More Attention
In some cases, cats may start scratching the wall due to boredom or lack of attention. So, one of the best ways to stop your cat from scratching the wall is to give them more attention.
Spend more time playing with your cat and provide them with toys that will keep them occupied. If possible, create a safe indoor play area for your cat.
Install New Climbing Spots
Cats are natural climbers, even indoor cats love to climb, and their instinct is to scratch while they’re up high. So, installing a wall-mounted cat scratcher or climbing spots can stop your cat from scratching the wall.
It could be a cat tree, climbing shelves, or even a cat Condo. You’ll help satisfy their natural scratching urges by giving your cat places to climb.
Use Positive Reinforcement
Whenever you notice your cat scratching a wall, give them a firm ‘no’ and immediately redirect their attention to a scratching post or cardboard scratcher.
Praise them and give them a treat whenever they scratch the designated object. With time and patience, your cat will learn that scratching the wall is not allowed, but scratching their post is rewarded.
With these simple tips, you can quickly stop your cat from scratching the walls and save your home from further damage.
Why Does A Cat Scratch The Wall After Eating?
Your cat may scratch the wall after eating for a few different reasons. One possibility is that your cat is trying to hide its food, especially if it has eaten a lot.
In the wild, cats scratch around their leftover food to save it for later when prey becomes scarce. It is a natural behavior for wild cats.
Although domestic cats do not have to hide their food (except for greedy cats or pets), they still have these survival instincts.
Another reason your cat scratches the wall after eating is that your cat is trying to clean their paws because they dislike the smell of the meal.
Your cat may also scratch the wall to stretch its stomach and digest food more efficiently. Cats benefit from a good stomach massage, which they can give themselves by scratching the wall.
If your cat has been scratching the wall more frequently or aggressively after meals, it may indicate an underlying health condition such as gastrointestinal problems.
If this is the case, you’ll need to take your cat to the vet for a check-up.
Why Does My Cat Scratch The Wall At Night?
Cats are naturally most active and alert at night, so it’s not surprising that they may scratch the wall more at night than during the day.
Nighttime is when most people are home from work and available to spend time with their cats. Your cat may want to explore, eat, play, or enjoy your attention.
Some cats are also very lazy during the day. Since they didn’t waste so much energy during the day, they may burn it at night.
If your cat scratches the wall at night because it’s boring, try spending more time with them before going to sleep.
You can also try providing them with toys or puzzle feeders to keep them occupied at night.
Final Thought
Above, we’ve discussed the seven best ways to stop cats from scratching walls. First, we advise you to combine these tips to achieve the best results.
Remember, your cat may scratch walls or surfaces like floors and corners for various reasons.
If your cat is scratching the wall and you suspect it may be due to anxiety or stress, try creating a calming environment for your kitty.
It could involve using a pheromone diffuser, playing soft music, or providing a hiding spot and litter box.
If you’re still struggling to stop your furry friend from scratching objects, we recommend you consult a veterinarian.
They will help you pinpoint the root cause of the problem and give you tailored advice.
