Furniture scratching is a huge thorn in the side of cat parents everywhere. If you’re thinking of getting a Ragdoll and are wondering whether they might use your furniture as a scratch post, the answer is yes, this could happen if they have nowhere else to direct their scratching urges.
Let’s take a look at why a Ragdoll might scratch furniture and how to prevent this from happening.
Why Does My Ragdoll Scratch Furniture?
Ragdoll cats are better known for their chilled-out temperaments and love of cuddling than they are for causing trouble in the house, but that doesn’t mean they won’t ever get up to mischief! Don’t get us wrong, though—scratching is a natural urge for cats, something they do purely out of instinct, not out of spite or naughtiness.
Cats scratch as a way of depositing their scent on things, shedding off their claw husks, and sharpening their claws. It’s also their preferred way of having a stretch, and some cats do it to release pent-up energy when they’re excited, nervous, or bored.
One of the most common reasons cats with a scratching urge target your furniture is simply that they don’t understand that it’s out of bounds. This might happen because they don’t have “appropriate” scratching areas like scratch posts around or they don’t like the scratch post on offer.
For example, perhaps you’ve provided a scratch post but when your cat tries to use it, it topples over or wobbles from side to side, preventing them from being able to get all those scratching urges fully out. Another reason your Ragdoll might be scratching your furniture is that they’re bored and need more mental stimulation.
Image Credit: Ria Peene, Shutterstock
How To Stop a Ragdoll from Scratching Furniture
Now that you have a clearer idea of why your Ragdoll might be taking their urges out on your furniture, what can you do to stop it? Here are some things to try:
1. Provide Solid Scratch Posts
What your Ragdoll needs is a nice, sturdy scratch post that won’t wobble or fall over while they’re scratching it. Even better, go for a cat tree with scratch posts, condos, hammocks, and platforms to make it more appealing to your Ragdoll.
Image Credit: Nils Jacobi, Shutterstock
2. Redirect the Scratching
When your Ragdoll sinks their claws into something they’re not supposed to, either lure them over to the scratch post with a treat or pick them up and take them to it so they know exactly where they’re supposed to scratch. You can even give it a scratch yourself to make sure they know what it’s for!
If your Ragdoll continues scratching your furniture, you could try putting the scratch post next to or in front of the area to encourage them to scratch it instead of the furniture.
3. Keep the Claws Trimmed
Though this may not prevent your Ragdoll from scratching your furniture, it’s an important part of damage control. Cat claws should be trimmed regularly anyway to prevent overgrowth, so it’s a win-win situation.
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4. Exercise Your Ragdoll
If boredom is causing your Ragdoll to scratch furniture, try working a few play sessions into your day. You can use chaser wands, lasers, balls, puzzle feeders, and treat dispensers—anything safe and that they enjoy playing with. If you’re out of the house for most of the day, make sure they have plenty of toys, climbing spots, and a window to look out of to keep them entertained.
Image Credit: cath5, Shutterstock
Conclusion
Any cat can develop the habit of scratching furniture no matter what breed they are. The key to curbing this behavior is making sure they have appropriate spots to scratch and get plenty of physical and mental stimulation. On a final note, please never consider declawing your cat—it’s painful, cruel, and can have serious consequences for your cat’s health and quality of life.
Kit Copson is a freelance writer and lifelong animal lover with a strong interest in animal welfare. She has parented various furry beings over the years and is currently a proud cat mom of two—one very chilled (unless hungry) Siamese and a skittish but adorable Domestic Shorthair—and dog mom of one—an adopted Bichon Poodle cross. When not writing about or spending time with animals, Kit can be found doodling in her sketchpad, reading, or more often than not, drinking tea.
