Many cat owners experience frustration when their feline companion scratches doors—whether it’s a bedroom door at night, the front door when they want to go outside, or a closet door out of curiosity. While scratching is a natural behavior for cats, this habit can cause damage and noise.
In this guide, we’ll explore why cats scratch doors and how to train them to stop.
Why Do Cats Scratch Doors?
Cats may scratch doors for several reasons:
✔ Seeking Attention – They want to be let in or out.
✔ Territory Marking – Scratching leaves scent and visual marks.
✔ Curiosity – They want to explore the space behind the door.
✔ Boredom or Lack of Stimulation – Scratching provides entertainment.
✔ Separation Anxiety – They feel stressed when separated from their owner.
Now, let’s go over how to stop this behavior effectively.
Step 1: Identify the Cause of Scratching
Before training your cat, determine why they’re scratching.
✔ If they want to enter a room, consider leaving the door open when possible.
✔ If they want to go outside, provide indoor stimulation to reduce frustration.
✔ If they scratch due to anxiety, address the root cause of their stress.
✔ Understanding the motivation helps you choose the best solution.
Step 2: Use Deterrents to Make Doors Unappealing
Cats avoid certain textures and scents.
✔ Apply double-sided tape—cats dislike sticky surfaces.
✔ Place aluminum foil or plastic sheets on the door.
✔ Use a citrus-scented deterrent spray, as cats dislike citrus smells.
✔ If the door is unappealing, they’ll stop scratching it.
Step 3: Provide an Alternative Scratching Surface
Since scratching is natural, give them a better option.
✔ Place a scratching post or board near the door they scratch.
✔ Rub catnip on the scratching post to attract them.
✔ Reward them when they use the post instead of the door.
✔ Redirecting behavior is more effective than punishment.
Step 4: Ignore Attention-Seeking Scratching
If your cat scratches to get attention, don’t reward them.
✔ If they scratch at night, do not open the door or react.
✔ Avoid scolding, as even negative attention reinforces the behavior.
✔ Instead, wait until they stop scratching, then reward calm behavior.
✔ Cats learn that scratching doesn’t get them what they want.
Step 5: Use Soft Nail Caps as a Temporary Solution
If scratching is excessive, consider using soft nail caps.
✔ Apply vinyl nail caps (like Soft Paws) to dull their claws.
✔ Replace every 4-6 weeks as their nails grow.
✔ Ensure they are comfortable with the application process.
✔ This prevents damage while training them to stop.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
1. Giving In to Demands
❌ Mistake: Opening the door when they scratch.
✅ Solution: Ignore them until they stop.
2. Using Harsh Punishment
❌ Mistake: Yelling or spraying water.
✅ Solution: Use deterrents and redirection instead.
3. Not Providing an Alternative
❌ Mistake: Expecting them to stop scratching without another option.
✅ Solution: Give them a scratching post near the door.
When to Seek Professional Help
If scratching persists despite training, consult a:
✔ Veterinarian – To rule out anxiety-related behaviors.
✔ Feline Behaviorist – For additional training strategies.
Conclusion
Stopping your cat from scratching doors requires patience, redirection, and deterrents. By providing an appropriate scratching surface, ignoring attention-seeking behavior, and making doors unappealing, you can train them to develop better habits.
With consistency, your cat will learn to stop scratching doors while still feeling comfortable in their environment!