Animals Researchers investigate the scratching behavior of domestic cats

A research team has investigated the scratching behavior of domestic cats. According to the study, play routines and the position of scratching posts have just as much of an influence as the cat's personality.

In the study presented in the journal "Frontiers in Veterinary Science", the researchers came to the conclusion that personality, play behavior, night-time activity, lack of routines and, last but not least, children in the household have an influence on the scratching behavior of the four-legged friends. The stress level is particularly important here, as a stressed cat is more likely to scratch than a relaxed one.

The right place for the scratching post

It is not surprising that scratching posts for cats reduce the risk of unwanted furniture scratching. However, the researchers also found that it could make a difference where such scratching posts are placed. The most sensible places in the home are where the cat regularly passes by on its territorial rounds anyway. A prominent place in the living room or near their favorite sleeping spot could therefore be more suitable than a hidden corner.

"Providing safe retreats, elevated observation areas and plenty of play opportunities can also help to reduce stress and encourage the cat to engage in more constructive activities," says first author Yasemin Salgirli Demirbas from Ankara University.

Play routines are better than letting off steam

The researchers do emphasize how important play is for domestic cats as a substitute for hunting and for acting out their curiosity. However, particularly intensive play - especially at night - may also cause more stress. Furniture scratching could be a consequence. The same applies if there is not too much play, but too little. If the cat has few opportunities to let off steam, this can lead to frustration and scratching.

The experts therefore suggest that cat owners should try to establish routines for their pets as to when they play with them.

The length of the play sessions is also important: if they are too long, they could even increase stress levels due to the constant stimulation. "Regular and short, interactive play sessions and a suitable selection of toys can reduce stress and thus reduce unwanted scratching behavior," the study states. These sessions should feel as much like successful hunting scenes for the cats as possible.

Not everything can be influenced

However, the researchers also found that how much a cat scratches also depends to a large extent on its personality - and this is of course difficult to influence. If a cat is very playful or has a tendency to be destructive anyway, there is a high probability that it will also take it out on furniture. Even if children live in the household, this presumably increases the stress level and thus the risk of scratching.

In the study, 1,200 cat owners in France were asked about their cats and their unwanted scratching behavior. The findings are therefore primarily based on the information provided by the respondents and not on observations made by the researchers.