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Cats have an instinct to scratch, but when your pet cat uses you as a scratching post, it can become a little bit concerning. After all, having a cat scratching on you is distracting and can be painful. All cats scratch, as this is an important part of their natural behavior and shouldn’t be discouraged as such, but let’s get to the bottom of why your cat thinks you’re their scratching post and how to redirect this behavior to an actual one.
There are several reasons why cats scratch people. Here are some of the most common reasons for this behavior:
The 5 Vet-Reviewed Reasons Why Your Cat Uses You as a Scratching Post
1. They’re Claiming You as Their Own and Seeking Attention
Your cat may be using you as a scratching post to mark their territory and claim you as their property, or simply to seek attention. Many people are surprised to learn that cats have scent glands in their paws, which allow them to leave their scent behind after kneading and scratching on things. Cats are territorial animals that use their scent glands to tell other animals where their boundaries are as a way to survive.
If your cat doesn’t normally use you as a scratching post and has just started this behavior, they may be feeling stressed or anxious. Maybe something has changed in your home to make your cat feel uneasy, like a new family pet or baby. Your cat could also start scratching on you to feel safer and reassured. Again, this typical behavior for territory marking is perfectly normal cat behavior.
Some cats will scratch as they want your attention, or maybe they want something from you, such as food or to be let out.
How to Remedy the Behavior
To get your cat to stop using you as a scratching post, identify the cause of their stress and do your best to minimize it as much as possible. Use pheromone diffusers and ensure your cat has plenty of safe space and privacy to hide if there is a new pet or a baby in the home.
If they continue trying to scratch you, turn around and ignore them or walk away. Do not give the undesirable behavior any attention, as much as it’s possible. Never punish your cat and do not raise your voice, as even negative attention is attention. Instead, reward your cat using treats and reassurance when they just brush against your leg without scratching.
If your cat has very sharp or long claws, get yourself a pair of nail clippers so you can trim their claws, well away from the quick, but only do this if you have been shown by your vet how to safely trim them. While this won’t stop your cat from scratching you, it will help save your legs and clothes.
2. They’re Maintaining Their Claws in Perfect Shape
A cat’s nails grow similar to an onion—adding layer upon layer of new growth. Scratching is necessary to shed the outer sheaths of the nails. Maybe you’ve noticed bits of nail sheath on your clothing or the floor after your cat has dug their nails into a scratching post. This indicates that they were successful in helping their nails develop and grow properly while staying sharp.
How to Remedy the Behavior
If you suspect that your cat is using you as a scratching post because they’re doing some routine nail maintenance, jump in and play the role of your cat’s nail tech. Inspect your cat’s nails often and trim them down now and then if required. Ensure your cat has a sufficient number of cat scratchers that they can use to file their nails down on their own. A scratcher needs to be enticing for the cat, fun, and placed in a location where they feel safe and comfortable using it.
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3. They’re Doing a Bit of Kitty Yoga
Your cat may be using you as a scratching post because they are trying to stretch their muscles. When cats dig their claws into something and arch their backs, this flexes their spine while stretching various muscles in the body. It’s like getting in a kitty-style yoga session. This behavior is entirely natural and something cats often do. They’re only trying to use you as their prop.
How to Remedy the Behavior
One way to curb this behavior is to enrich their environment. Consider getting a cat tree, lots of perches and scratchers, with textures that cats enjoy stretching on and scratching in the process. If your cat has a place to scratch and stretch, they will be less likely to do it on you. You can find all types of cat trees available, so look for one that suits your cat’s activity level and age.
If your cat continues to use you as a scratching post or a place to stretch, ignore their behavior by walking away and not giving them any attention. When they do it elsewhere or use their scratcher, reward this behavior with tasty treats and plenty of attention.
4. They’re Bored
A bored cat is an animal that lacks proper mental stimulation. Maybe your cat is using you as a scratching post because they’re bored to death. They may approach you when feeling bored and dig their claws into your leg as a way to quell the boredom. Cats need mental stimulation just like people do.
While most cat owners provide their cats with food, water, and shelter, some don’t ensure that their cats are mentally stimulated. Cats have a natural desire to explore and enjoy being challenged. Maybe you’re guilty of not caring for your cat’s mental health, even if you do a great job of caring for them physically.
How to Remedy the Behavior
Pay more attention to your furry friend if you think your cat may be scratching you because of boredom. Enrich their environment by providing sufficient cat scratchers, cat trees, vertical perches, appropriate window sill observation spots, and more. Consider building a secure outdoor catio for your kitty, so they can enjoy the outdoors safely. On top of playing more, get them a challenging cat toy, like a treat-dispensing puzzle toy, that will get those gears working inside their head. If you get this type of toy, fill it with your cat’s favorite treats to encourage them to play with it.
5. They’re Marking Over Another Animal’s Scent
Your cat might be scratching you as a way to match another animal’s scent through the scent glands on their paws. If you do have another cat or a dog, your cat could be trying to establish dominance over the other pet by placing their scent on top of the existing one.
Your cat could also be trying to mask the scent of something they smell on your clothes that makes them feel uneasy. For example, if you regularly stop and pet the neighbor’s dog when you’re out walking, the dog’s scent is likely on your body and clothes. Your cat may be scratching you simply because they want to cover the dog’s scent with their own. This makes them safer and more comfortable while making your smell again more familiar.
How to Remedy the Behavior
If you have another pet other than your cat, spend more personal time with your cat to see if they are using you as a scratching post for this reason. If you suspect you’re bringing in threatening scents from outside, there’s not much you can do other than change your clothes when you get home. Another more practical idea is to get your cat a new scratching post and place it near your favorite chair. With any luck, your cat will head to their new scratching post instead of your leg when they get the desire to scratch.
How to Get Your Cat to Use a Scratching Post
If you discover that your cat won’t use their new scratching post, there are some ways to encourage them to use it. First, think about where the scratching post is placed. Your cat probably won’t use it if it’s tucked away in a dark, dusty basement or a spare bedroom. Cats like to scratch and leave their scent on things in parts of the home that are populated by people and other pets.
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With its 3-position setup, textured cardboard, and sturdy frame, it encourages their natural scratching behavior, steering them away from clawing at items like furniture, walls, carpets, curtains, and people. The Hi-Lo is a reliable solution to safeguard your home and create a more enjoyable environment for your cat, all while looking modern and stylish.
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Another way to get your cat to use a scratching post is to make it more fun. Sometimes, all it takes is attaching a fun and exciting cat toy to the post or sprinkling some catnip. You can also place a few treats on the base of the scratching post. Another idea is to put your cat’s food bowl near the scratching post so they know the area is theirs if they like to use it right after their breakfast. Don’t forget to reward your cat with praise and a tasty treat when you see them use the post.
Conclusion
There are several reasons why cats may use their humans as scratching posts. Just remember that your cat has an instinct for scratching. They aren’t scratching you to anger or hurt you. They’re only doing what comes naturally to them.
Hopefully, you’ll figure out what is causing your cat to use you as a scratching post so you can take action to stop the behavior and save your poor legs!
See Also:
- Why Does My Cat Cross Their Front Paws? (5 Typical Reasons)
- How to Treat a Cat Scratch: Our Vet Provides 4 Important Steps
Featured Image Credit: Jaromir Chalabala, Shutterstock
