When Cats Scratch Excessively – Are They Stressed?

The Cat – A Hunter That’s Also Hunted

Cats are unique in many ways. They are skilled hunters, yet they are also prey to larger predators. This dual role means that cats have developed a wide range of behaviors and defensive strategies. Independence and the ability to avoid danger are essential for them.

Because they live as both predator and prey, cats must be able to switch quickly between different protective behaviors to adapt to their environment. Understanding this helps explain why cats are so keen on having control and frequently explore their territory to check for potential threats.

Cats communicate using four primary senses: touch, scent, sight, and vocalization. These forms of communication are especially important for avoiding conflict.

Cats Want Control Over Their Territory

Cats divide their territory into different zones — some they share with other cats, others they prefer to keep to themselves. Scratching can be a way for a cat to say “I want to be alone here.”

Even more important than the physical boundaries is scent marking. For cats, chemical communication is key to creating a sense of safety and to setting boundaries — especially in multi-cat households or cat-dense neighborhoods.

Scent Is a Key Form of Communication

Cats have scent glands in their paws, and when they scratch, they release pheromones — invisible chemical messages picked up by other cats (but usually undetectable to humans). These signals let others know: “This territory is taken.”

So scratching is both a visual and olfactory signal, something many cat owners may not realize. This can lead to misunderstandings when cats leave their "secret messages" in areas important to them but off-limits in their owner’s eyes — like the couch or a favorite rug.

Scent Marks Create a Sense of Security

As we’ve said, cats are independent and like to feel in control. They regularly inspect their territory for threats, and they leave scent markers as a way to feel safe.

There are different types of scent marking:

• Territorial marks (such as urine spraying, feces, or scratching pheromones) send a clear “Keep out!” message to other cats.

• Familiarity pheromones, released when a cat rubs its face on objects or people, help the cat feel more secure in its surroundings. These aren’t meant for other cats — they’re for the cat’s own reassurance.

Real-Life Example: Felix and Kajsa

The photo shows a neighborhood cat named Felix leaving scratch marks to claim his territory. All the nearby cats know exactly where Felix’s boundaries are — and they respect them. It’s clear: “This far, and no further.”

Another cat, Kajsa, a lovely little tortoiseshell, has almost moved in with the author’s family. She’s often seen lounging at the invisible border of Felix’s domain, keeping an eye out for the big tom. Kajsa follows the same routes through the neighborhood each day, rubbing her face on familiar objects to deposit calming pheromones and feel more secure.

Felix, Kajsa, and the other neighborhood cats have established a kind of “scent-based cold war”, where they avoid open conflict by communicating through markings.

Scratching Is a Natural Behavior

Let’s be clear: your cat is not scratching your furniture to destroy your home or take over the world 😸. Cats scratch because it’s natural and beneficial.

Scratching helps:

• Maintain healthy claws

• Exercise and stretch front-leg muscles

• Leave visual and scent-based territory markers

For cats, scratching is a way to avoid conflict, not provoke it. It allows them to send signals from a safe distance — “This is my space.” It's also believed to be a form of light physical exercise.

Excessive Scratching – A Sign of Stress?

While scratching is normal, excessive or out-of-place scratching can be a sign that something’s wrong.

It could indicate:

• Stress due to other cats (indoors or outdoors)

• Uncertainty about territorial boundaries

• Inadequate scratching outlets or not enough places to feel secure

Even dominant or confident cats can become stressed when another cat invades their space. Similarly, in households with multiple cats — especially if new ones are introduced — inappropriate scratching may result from competition or insecurity.

Address the Root Cause

Increased scratching usually means a cat is feeling anxious. The best way to help is by addressing the source of the stress. Some tips:

Ensure all basic needs are met:

• Food and water: Place bowls in multiple locations, especially if you have shy or lower-ranking cats, so everyone can eat and drink peacefully.

• Hiding spots: Cats like to rest in elevated places with good views of their surroundings. Cat trees or shelves work well.

• Litter boxes: Each cat should have its own litter box. Shy cats may prefer boxes where they can see out. Try offering one covered box and one open one to find your cat’s preference. Avoid placing litter boxes in hard-to-reach places like inside a bathroom if the cat is timid.

• Scratching posts: Provide sturdy, vertical posts or trees — ideally placed in areas where your cat already tends to scratch.

• Playtime: Play helps relieve stress. Make sure even timid or lower-ranking cats get one-on-one playtime. If necessary, schedule separate sessions so everyone gets a chance.

Product Tips:

• Feliway Optimum can help reduce tension between cats in multi-cat households and can reduce scratching.

• Feliway Classic Spray is useful when a cat is reacting to a change in the home environment.

Additional Tips to Redirect Scratching

• Place scratchers strategically: Put scratching posts near high-traffic areas, sleeping spots, and current “problem zones” like the sofa corner. Cats love to scratch after waking up — placing a post near their favorite nap spot can help.

• Use different materials: Some cats prefer carpet, others sisal, cardboard, or wood. Try a few types to see what your cat prefers.

• Vertical vs. horizontal: Some cats love upright posts, others prefer to scratch flat. Offering both styles helps meet their needs.

❌ What Not to Do

• Never punish your cat for scratching. It doesn’t address the cause and can increase stress, making the behavior worse.

• Avoid spraying with water or yelling — it damages your relationship and teaches the cat nothing about where to scratch instead.

Mental Stimulation Helps Too

A bored cat is more likely to over-scratch. Enrich the environment with:

• Puzzle feeders

• Window perches for bird-watching

• Interactive toys

• Daily play sessions

When to Consult a Vet or Behaviorist

If your cat:

• Suddenly starts excessive scratching,

• Shows signs of anxiety (hiding, aggression, overgrooming),

• Or the scratching is accompanied by other behavioral changes...

…it’s a good idea to consult a veterinarian or feline behaviorist. There could be underlying stress, illness, or behavioral issues that need professional attention.

Final Thoughts

Scratching is more than just a quirky habit — it’s a vital form of communication and stress management for your cat. By understanding the reasons behind the behavior and ensuring your cat feels secure, you can reduce unwanted scratching and promote a more peaceful home for both you and your feline companions.

Foto nader saremi