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There is absolutely no mistaking that cats are the most precious companions for humans today.
Despite this however, they can occasionally be the providers of some frustration for cat owners!
Seeing your feline friend exercising their clothes is a site that is incredibly common and nothing to worry about, but when you see them scratching the wall it can often lead you scratching your head wondering why?
With so many different cat trees and scratching posts available and toys for your cat to play with, seeing them scratching your wall we may think could be one of the less attractive places where they can sharpen their talons.
If you do find it your cat is frequently scratching your wall then one possible explanation may be that they are simply bored. Or, it may be advisable to check the clothes to see if they are overgrown.
No matter how many different possible explanations that may be tackling the root cause of this undesirable scratching behaviour may well be much easier than you had imagined.
Why cats scratch walls and corners
As discussed briefly above there may be several explanations as to why they are scratching the wall and determining the cause might require you to get the magnifying glass out and start doing some detective work!
We have however compiled a list of some of the most common explanations as to why cats scratch walls and corners to give you a head-start in the investigation!
Long nails
Most cats keep their talons maintained through rigorous scratching normally via a cat tree.
Furthermore, conscious cat owners may also decide to trim the cats nails to ensure that they stay at the healthy length and perfectly maintained.
If this does not happen then cats may scratch on various surfaces in their own attempt to give themselves a manicure and file their nails to a length which they feel is more appropriate.
Instinct
Whilst it is not normal for humans to scratch against various surfaces this behaviour is perfectly normal and instinctive for cats. Whilst it is much more common the cats prefer to scratch on a rough surface such as sisal rope.
Some cats may prefer to scratch against a smooth surface such as a wall if nothing else is available to them.
Boredom:
It is fairly common knowledge now that cats are very playful animals and they do have a very instinctive strong catch and release prey drive.
If there is not sufficient mental stimulation for cats to be able to exert some of this mental and physical energy, they may result to behaviour which might be undesirable for cat owners which may include amongst many other things, scratching walls.
Marking territory
Cats are very territorial animals and they can mark their territory in many ways such as rubbing their glands, urination and also scratching.
When cats scratch surfaces they do naturally leave a scent as they do it along side the visible damage they may cause.
This scent can act as a warning to other cats within the vicinity.
Household pests
This may be the least likely reason why your cats will be scratching the wall, but what is interesting to note it’s just how sensitive cats hearing really is.
Cats can be easily triggered by sounds and they may be listening to my so other pets that are running around behind the wall cavity.
Due to the instinctive prey drive this can well lead them to scratching the wall in order to get to the prey.
How to stop a cat scratching at the walls
One of the primary ways of preventing your cat from scratching the wall is to ensure that your cats nails regularly manicured to ensure that they are in good condition.
Regular nail trimming using specifically designed tools for cats can certainly help with this.
From our experience, purchasing a cat tree is normally the best way for cats to be able to keep their nails perfectly trimmed.
Not only does this ensure that your cats nails are maintained at the correct length but also it’s a pleasurable experience for cats as well.
There are many different types of surfaces and materials that cats will enjoy scratching.
Sisal rope, cardboard and carpet are considered to be the most common scratching materials that provide a safe and useful amount of resistance to your cats claws.
If you find that your cat is scratching the wall then this may be an indication that they prefer a more vertical scratching experience and therefore we would advise on a scratching post.
Purchasing a larger scratching post that gives cats the ability to stretch their backs in the meantime would also be a good recommendation from us as well.
If you are lucky enough to have the ability to add a wall mounted scratching post into your home as well then this will provide an even greater level of excitement for your cat and will be a fantastic replacement from the wall or the wall paper!
Ensuring that your cat has plenty of mental stimulation as well as a fantastic way of stopping your cat scratching various surfaces including your walls as well!
There are plenty of toys available online which we can recommend that may include, laser pens, gloves toys and stuffed animals!
Anything that contains catnip is highly recommended as well as cat simply love it.