# Why Is My Cat Scratching Furniture UK? — Quick answer

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/why-is-my-cat-scratching-furniture-uk): Why Is My Cat Scratching Furniture UK? — Quick answer. Scratching is normal cat behaviour — not spite. Cats scratch to maintain claws, stretch, and mark territory. Provide tall, stable scratching posts near favoured furniture, and never punish. Declawing is illegal in the UK. Excessive scratching with hair loss needs a vet check for fleas or allergies.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/why-is-my-cat-scratching-furniture-uk): Why Is My Cat Scratching Furniture UK? — Why cats scratch. Scratching serves essential functions: - Claw maintenance — removes old claw sheath layers - Stretching — works shoulder and back muscles - Scent marking — paw glands deposit scent on surfaces - Stress relief — scratching increases in anxious cats Vertical surfaces like sofa arms mimic tree trunks — natural scratching targets.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/why-is-my-cat-scratching-furniture-uk): Why Is My Cat Scratching Furniture UK? — What works (and what does not). Effective: - Multiple scratching posts — sisal, cardboard, and carpet textures; tall enough for a full stretch - Placement — next to furniture currently being scratched - Catnip or treats — reward post use - Feliway diffusers — may reduce stress-related scratching - Regular nail trims — blunts claws without removing them Ineffective or harmful: - Punishment — increases anxiety and hiding - Declawing — illegal in the UK - Squirting water — damages trust

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/why-is-my-cat-scratching-furniture-uk): Why Is My Cat Scratching Furniture UK? — When scratching suggests a problem. Book a vet appointment if scratching is: - Intense and localised — one body area repeatedly - Paired with hair loss, redness, or broken skin - Suddenly increased alongside behaviour change Fleas, flea allergy, and skin infections are common medical causes.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/why-is-my-cat-scratching-furniture-uk): Why Is My Cat Scratching Furniture UK? — Protecting furniture meanwhile. - Use throws or double-sided tape on favoured spots temporarily - Trim nails every few weeks - Rotate toys and enrichment to reduce boredom scratching

Source: https://pethealth.org.uk/health/why-is-my-cat-scratching-furniture-uk