Why does my cat scratch the bed?

If your cat keeps scratching the bed, this post will show you likely reasons why and what you can do about it.

So, why does my cat scratch the bed? Likely reasons why your cat scratches the bed are to sharpen its claws, to spread its scent, stretching, or because it likes the feeling.

There are a number of possible reasons why your cat scratches the bed and it might be due to a combination of them. 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.

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Why does my cat scratch the bed?

Below are likely reasons why your cat scratches the bed and what would make each of them more likely.

To sharpen its claws

Cats’ claws are growing all the time. The old parts of the claws become dull over time and are usually worn away when the cat scratches at hard or rough surfaces. The reason why your cat scratches the bed and other hard or rough surfaces is likely to be that it is maintaining its claws. This would be more likely if your cat scratches the side of the bed that is rough.

To spread its scent

There are sweat glands on cats’ paws. Another possible reason why your cat scratches at on the bed could be that it is marking its territory. This would be more likely if your cat paws at the wall more than it scratches it and if it tends to do it more when other animals have been around.

Stretching

Another possible reason why your cat does it is that it is stretching. This would be more likely if your cat does it more with a stretching motion and it extends its paws and claws.

To get attention

It might also be the case that your cat does it because it knows that it will result in you giving it attention. This would be more likely if your cat tends to do it at a specific time such as before you have given it food in the morning.

It likes the feeling

It could also be the case that your cat does it because it simply likes the feeling. This would be more likely if your cat scratches the bed at random times and it does things such as purr when doing it. It is likely that this is a secondary reason to scratching the bed in order to maintain its claws.

Things to consider

Below are some things to consider to help figure out the main reason why your cat has been doing it.

If your cat has always scratched the bed

If your cat did not alway scratch the bed, it would help to consider what else happened when your cat first started doing it. For example, if it started doing it since losing access to a scratch post, it would be likely that your cat is doing it to clean its paws and because the side of the bed is the best location for your cat to do it.

What is different when your cat scratches the bed

It would also help to consider if there is a certain time that your cat tends to scratch the bed. 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.

Cats naturally scratch things

Cats love to scratch because it’s good for their bodies and minds. The sharp claws help to trim their claws, stretch their muscles, and mark their territory. In addition, the scratching action, along with the kneading, allows them to deposit their scent on their favorite places. With this being the case, it is important to give your cat alternative things to scratch but not to get annoyed with the behavior.

What to do about your cat scratching the bed

Below are options you have to prevent your cat from scratching the bed.

Give it a scratch post

Cats are very good at keeping themselves clean. But they can’t do it if their claws get too long, which can happen if they don’t have something to sharpen their claws on. If they don’t have anything to scratch on, they are going to keep scratching anyway – maybe your furniture or even you. Giving your cat something to scratch on is one of the most important things you can do to keep them happy and healthy.

Redirect its focus

Another thing to do would be to redirect your cat’s focus towards something else when it seems likely to start scratching the bed. Ways to redirect its focus could include showing it a toy or putting it near another hard surface that you don’t mind it scratching.

Trim its claws

Since your cat is probably doing it to maintain its claws, one option would be to help maintain them yourself. By doing so, your cat will not have as much need to scratch the bed.

Why does my cat scratch the bed at night?

Cats tend to be more lively at night. The reason why your cat tends to scratch the bed at night is likely to be that it has more energy at that time and it is sharpening its claws to help it hunt.

Why does my cat scratch the bed sheets?

If your cat scratches at the bed sheets, it could be the case that your cat is kneading which would be more likely if it does it as more of a clawing motion and it also does things such as purr. It might also be the case that it does it to sharpen its claws or because it likes the feeling.