This post will answer the question “why does my cat scratch at the bedroom door?” and show you what you can do about it.
So, why does my cat scratch the bedroom door? Likely reasons why your cat scratches the bedroom door are that it wants something from you, separation anxiety, or that it is sharpening its claws.
There are a number of possible reasons why your cat scratches the bedroom door and it might be due to a combination of reasons. 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 my bedroom door?
Below are likely causes and what would make them more likely.
Separation anxiety
The cause could be that it has some separation anxiety. This would be more likely if your cat scratches the door when the door is closed, you are in your bedroom and your cat is outside and if your cat stops scratching and enters your room when you open the door. In this case, it would help to consider what might cause it to be anxious and to deal with it. Alternatively, it would be an option to let it stay in your room with you.
It wants something from you
Another possible cause is that your cat wants something from you. This would be more likely if it scratches the door before you have given it something such as food in the morning. In this case, it could help to try and feed it at around the same time each day.
An issue with the room it stays in
There might also be an issue with the room it stays in that is causing it to try to enter your bedroom. This would be more likely if it does it more when other pets are around or when there are loud noises in the house.
It is sharpening 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 surfaces. The reason why your cat scratches the door and other hard surfaces is likely to be that it is maintaining its claws.
Things to consider
Below are some things to consider to help figure out the main cause.
If your cat has always scratched your door
If your cat did not always scratch your door, it would help to consider what else happened when your cat first started doing it. If it started doing it suddenly, it might be the case that there was an event that caused it to start. For example, if it started doing it since you started closing your door, it would be more likely to be because it likes sleeping in your room or because of separation anxiety if it does it when you are in there.
What is different when your cat does not scratch your door
If your cat does not always scratch your door, it would also help to consider what is different when it does not scratch at your door. For example, if it only does it when you are in there yourself, it would be more likely that your cat either wants something from you or that it has some separation anxiety.
What to do about your cat scratching the door
Below are some things you can do about your cat scratching the door.
Limit reasons why it might be anxious
It could also help to try to limit reasons why your cat might get anxious when you are not around. Ways to do so could include giving it a safe spot it can go to without you and to feed it before leaving it and to give it access to water and a litter box when you are not around.
Let it stay with you
Another option would be to let your cat stay in your room with you when you are in your room and to encourage it to sleep elsewhere when you are not in your room.
Give it a scratch post
Another thing to do would be to give your cat access to a scratch post and to take your cat there whenever it starts scratching the wall. By doing so, you should be able to encourage your cat to scratch the scratch post instead of the wall.