If your cat has been scratching the bathtub a lot, this post will show you likely reasons why and what you can do about them.
So, why does my cat scratch the bathtub? Likely reasons why your cat scratches the bathtub are that it simply likes the feeling or that it wants to poop.
There are a number of possible reasons why your cat has been doing it. However, there are some things you can consider to help figure out the main cause and there are some things you can do about it.
Why does my cat scratch the bathtub?
Below are likely reasons why your cat scratches the bathtub and what would make each of them more likely.
To sharpen its claws
Cats’ claws are constantly growing. The old parts of the claws become dull over time and are usually worn away when the cat scratches at hard surfaces. The reason why your cat scratches the bathtub and other hard surfaces could be that it is maintaining its claws. This would be more likely if your bathtub has a pattern on its surface that your cat’s claws can scratch on.
It finds it comfortable
The surface of the bathtub will be smooth and cool. The reason why your cat has been scratching it could also be that your cat simply likes the way that it feels on its paws. This would be more likely if your cat does not scratch with its claws and it mainly rubs its paws up and down.
There is a problem with the litterbox
Another possibility is that there is a problem with the litterbox that has been causing your cat to go elsewhere when it wants to poop. This would be more likely if your cat has also been pooping in the bathtub. The issue could be that the litterbox is too dirty or it is in a location your cat does not like.
Things to consider
Below are some things to consider to help figure out the main cause.
If your cat has always scratched at the bathtub
If your cat has not always scratched at the bathtub, it would help to consider what else happened when it first started doing it. If it started doing it suddenly, it could be due to things such as not having access to a litterbox or discovering that it feels nice.
The timing of when your cat scratches the bathtub
If there is a certain time that your cat tends to do it, it would also help to consider what is different about the timing. For example, if your cat tends to do it after eating, it is more likely to be because it has an innate urge to scratch after eating in order to hide its food. Whereas, if it seems to do it at random times, it would be more likely that your cat is doing it in order to maintain its claws or because it likes the feeling.
What to do about my cat scratching the bathtub?
Below are some options you have when dealing with the behavior.
Give it a scratch post
If your cat does not currently have access to a scratch post, it could help to try getting a scratch post and encouraging your cat to use it.
Limit its access to the bathroom
Another option would be to limit your cat’s access to the bathroom by keeping the door shut.
Ensure it has access to the litterbox
It would also help to ensure that your cat has access to a litterbox throughout the day, the litterbox is in an ideal location and that the litterbox is clean.
Get help
If your cat has been doing it constantly and it has been behaving unusually in other ways, another option would be to take it for a checkup. By doing so, you should be able to get expert advice tailored towards your particular cat and to rule out medical causes.
Why does my cat scratch the sink?
The most likely reason why your cat scratches the sink is that it likes the way it feels on your cat’s paws. It might also be doing it because it wants to poop.