How Do You Stop a Cat From Scratching Rugs and Carpet?

Has your cat turned your carpet into their personal scratching post? You’re not alone, and you’re probably wondering why (or more accurately, WHYYYYYY?). Simply put, your cat sees that plush flooring as their personal playground, stress reliever, and manicure station all rolled into one.

But don’t worry — you don’t have to live with frayed carpets or replace your rugs every year. With a little understanding of why cats scratch and a few strategic tweaks, you can protect your flooring and keep your feline companion happy. Here’s what you need to know. 

Why cats scratch carpet

Before you try to put an end to your cat’s carpet-clawing habits, it helps to understand what’s driving the behavior in the first place. Spoiler: They’re not purposely trying to ruin your décor or spite you for feeding them slightly less canned food yesterday — they’re just being a cat. 

According to Stephen Quandt, a certified cat behaviorist and founder of Stephen Quandt Feline Behavior Associates, the following are common reasons why cats like to scratch up our carpets. 

To keep their claws healthy

Scratching helps cats remove the outer sheath of their claws, keeping them sharp and in good condition. It’s part of their normal grooming routine. 

To stretch and strengthen

When a cat stretches, they’re activating their muscles, tendons, and joints, improving circulation, and waking up their body and nervous system. It’s a full-body reset that keeps them flexible, alert, and ready to move.

To mark their territory

Cats have scent glands between their paw pads, so each scratch leaves behind a subtle scent only other cats can detect. It’s their way of saying, “This spot belongs to me.” By marking areas this way, cats feel more secure in their environment and less anxious about potential intruders (real or imagined). 

To relieve stress or boredom

Scratching can be a way for cats to release pent-up energy or tension. If your cat is feeling anxious or bored, they may scratch your carpet or other areas more often. 

Because it feels good

Scratching feels good to cats. The texture beneath their claws, the sound it makes, and the stretch it provides all create a deeply satisfying experience — one that keeps them coming back for more.

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How to stop a cat from scratching the carpet

Once you understand why your cat scratches, you can steer that behavior toward a more desirable one. The goal isn’t to stop scratching altogether — it’s to offer appropriate outlets that protect your carpet (and furniture) while still meeting your cat’s natural needs. To stop a cat from scratching carpet, you’ll need to provide alternative objects for them to scratch that are just as appealing as the carpet. Here’s how to approach this.

Find alternative scratching options

Cats need to scratch, so Quandt says the first step is to provide them with acceptable alternatives. Offer a variety of scratching posts and pads in different materials and orientations. 

Some cats prefer tall, vertical posts for stretching, while others like horizontal or angled scratchers that mimic the feel of carpet. Try sisal, cardboard, and carpet scratchers to see what your cat naturally gravitates toward. 

Place scratchers strategically

If your cat always goes after particular areas of carpet, put a scratching post or pad right on those spots. Cats tend to repeat behaviors in the same location, so offering a better, more convenient option is key. 

Make the new scratchers irresistible

If your cat isn’t using the new scratchers, Quandt suggests sprinkling or rubbing catnip onto them to encourage use. He says you can also engage your cat in play around the pad, such as dragging a feather wand across it. This helps them associate the scratchers with something positive and fun.

Use safe deterrents 

For high-traffic scratching zones, consider using gentle deterrents to make the carpet less appealing to scratch. Double-sided tape, clear plastic runners (textured side up), or anti-scratch mats can discourage the behavior without harming your cat. As your cat gets used to their new scratchers, you can slowly remove the deterrents.

Trim their claws regularly

Keeping your cat’s claws trimmed helps reduce the damage they cause when they scratch. Quandt notes that trimming also helps cats shed the small, quarter-moon sheaths that build up on their nails. This keeps their nails healthy and lessens the urge to scratch.

Aim to trim every two to four weeks, depending on how fast their claws grow. If your cat resists nail trims, take it slow. Start with one paw at a time, and pair each session with treats and gentle praise to create a calm, positive experience.

Use positive reinforcement

Cats learn best when they’re rewarded for good behavior. Whenever you see your cat using a scratching post or pad instead of the carpet, Quandt suggests giving them a treat and verbal praise right away. With consistent positive reinforcement, they’ll learn that using their scratchers earns them something good.

“Once you’ve taught your cat to scratch for rewards, then it’s time to mix it up by sometimes rewarding and sometimes not rewarding,” Quandt says. He explains that this intermittent reward schedule often motivates cats to scratch their posts even more to try to get a reward.

Avoid yelling, scolding, or spraying your cat — this can make your cat anxious and may lead to even more scratching as a stress response, Quandt adds. 

Address stress or boredom

Sometimes excessive scratching is a sign your cat is feeling tense or bored. Make time for at least two 10-minute play sessions each day to keep them active and mentally stimulated.

Rotate toys, provide climbing shelves or window perches, and set aside time for interactive play with feather wands or laser pointers. An engaged cat is far less likely to turn to your carpet for their scratching needs. 

Redirect their behavior

If your cat heads straight for the carpet, gently interrupt them and guide them towards an appropriate scratching spot instead. You can do this by calling their name, tossing a toy near the scratcher, or using a treat to get their attention. Once they start scratching the right surface, reward them immediately with praise or a small treat.

Commonly asked questions

Can certain types of carpets or flooring deter my cat from scratching?

Yes, certain types of carpets or flooring can deter cats from scratching. Cats are drawn to soft, looped, or shag carpets that they can easily dig their claws into. Low-pile or tightly woven rugs are usually less appealing, and hard surfaces like wood or tile rarely attract scratching.

What if my cat has suddenly started clawing up the carpet?

Sudden scratching often points to stress, boredom, or long claws. Try trimming nails, adding new scratchers, and offering more playtime. If the behavior continues, check with your veterinarian to rule out medical or anxiety-related causes.

Are there ways to discourage a cat from scratching the couch?

Yes, you can discourage couch scratching. Offer scratchers near the couch. Cover furniture corners with tape or guards. And use deterrents. Reward your cat right away with treats and praise when they use their scratcher to reinforce the right behavior.

Should I rehome my cat because of carpet scratching? 

Rehoming a cat for scratching your carpet or other household items is not recommended and should be a last resort. Scratching is a normal, fixable behavior. With the right outlets and training, most cats can be redirected away from furniture or carpets successfully.

Should I declaw my cat? 

No, you should not declaw your cat. Declawing is a painful, inhumane, and unnecessary surgery that removes part of a cat’s toes, not just the nails. It can lead to lifelong pain, behavior issues, and mobility problems. Instead, regularly trim your cat’s nails, provide scratching posts, and use positive training to manage scratching.

Resources 

Cisneros, Alissa, et al. “Unwanted Scratching Behavior in Cats: Influence of Management Strategies and Cat and Owner Characteristics.” Animals, vol. 12, no. 19, 24 Sept. 2022, p. 2551, doi.org/10.3390/ani12192551.

Cornell Feline Health Center. “Feline Behavior Problems: Destructive Behavior.” Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, 9 Oct. 2017, www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/feline-behavior-problems-destructive-behavior.

Youngerman, by Claire, and 2019 April 10. “Inappropriate Scratching in Cats.” UC Davis Veterinary Medicine Animal Health Topics, 10 Apr. 2019, healthtopics.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/health-topics/feline/inappropriate-scratching-cats.