If you’ve ever caught your cat scratching the couch while locking eyes with you, you’re not imagining it! Sometimes, cats do scratch to get your attention. While scratching is a natural behavior, it can also become a form of communication when your cat wants something from you.
Once you really get why your cat scratches, you'll have the power to respond in just the right way. This helps you find the secrets to a home where both your satisfied cat and your unharmed furniture can live together beautifully.
4 Signs Your Cat Is Scratching for Attention
How can you tell when your cat’s scratching is less about instinct and more about communication? Here are the four common signs:
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They scratch when you walk away: If your cat starts clawing the couch right after you leave the room or stop playing, it’s often their way of saying “come back”.
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They look directly at you while scratching: Eye contact during scratching is a classic sign that it’s a message, not just a habit.
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They only scratch when you’re around: If the behavior stops when you’re not home, it’s likely an attention-seeking behavior.
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They meow or follow up with another demand: Scratching that’s paired with meowing, pacing, or rubbing against you often means they want interaction, food, or playtime.
What Your Cat Might Be Trying to Tell You
Don't mistake attention-seeking scratching for bad behavior; it's actually communication.
Your cat might be asking for one of 4 key things, including:
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Playtime: Indoor cats, especially younger ones, need mental and physical stimulation. If they’re scratching furniture, they might be bored.
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Social interaction: Some cats scratch to prompt you to talk or pet them; consider it their version of tapping you on the shoulder.
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Food or treats: Cats quickly learn which actions get a response, so if scratching gets them fed once, they may very well try it again.
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Comfort or reassurance: Changes in your home, such as new pets or guests, can make cats anxious, and scratching near you can be their way of seeking security and comfort.
How to Respond to Attention-Seeking Scratching
If your cat is scratching for attention, punishment isn't the way to go. The trick is to understand what they're trying to say and then redirect their energy. Let's look at how to manage this together:
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Provide acceptable cat scratchers: Give your cat at least one cat scratcher or mat in each main area of your home. Choose materials they like, such as sisal, cardboard, or carpet.
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Reward positive scratching: Reward your cat when they use the right scratching surface. Cats respond well to consistent positive reinforcement.
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Ignore the unwanted behavior: If you respond to scratching by yelling or immediately giving attention, your cat learns that it works. Instead, walk away or redirect calmly.
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Schedule regular play sessions: Engage your cat with toys that mimic hunting, like wand teasers or small rolling balls. A mentally and physically tired cat is less likely to scratch for attention.
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Use deterrents when necessary: If a particular spot, like a couch corner, keeps being targeted, consider using a furniture-side scratcher designed to blend with your decor, like the Cat-e-Corner, which helps redirect scratching while preserving your home’s look.
When Scratching Becomes a Sign of Stress
What sometimes appears to be attention-seeking scratching is actually a sign of stress, as anxious cats often scratch more frequently or in new spots due to environmental changes. Common triggers for this kind of stress are:
- Moving to a new home
- A new baby, pet, or guest
- Changes in routine or feeding time
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Boredom or lack of stimulation
Once you've determined it's not about attention and your cat is still scratching a lot, then it's time to create a calm, predictable home. Incorporating vertical spaces, such as shelves or window perches, can make your cat feel much safer and more secure.
Redirecting Cat Scratching
Rather than trying to stop scratching entirely, focus on redirecting your cat to healthier ways to express their needs. This involves offering consistent positive attention through short play sessions, grooming, or gentle petting throughout the day, ultimately teaching them that calm communication works much better than scratching the furniture.
To make redirection easier, provide scratching options that feel rewarding and natural. Furniture-friendly designs, like the Cat-e-Corner, which combines a dedicated scratching surface with functional living-room furniture, can help your cat satisfy their instincts while protecting your home.
Over time, your cat will rely less on destructive scratching to get your attention and more on behaviors that strengthen your bond.
Learn More About the Cat-e-Corner
