How To Stop Cats From Scratching Carpet On Stairs

Cats scratch. It’s a natural part of what they do. Unfortunately, sometimes this means your carpets, furniture, or walls take a hit. Don’t get mad at them. They’re just following their instincts. Scratching helps them shed old claw layers and stretch their muscles, keeping them in prime hunting shape.

This guide will show why cats scratch. More importantly, we’ll tell you how to get them to stop scratching your stair carpet.

Why do cats scratch?

Cats scratch for several reasons. If you understand these, you can help them stop tearing up your home.

• Claw Care: They scratch to get rid of the old outer layer of their claws. This reveals a new, sharp claw underneath. For a hunter like a cat, healthy claws are a must.
• Exercise: Scratching also works their muscles. They stretch out, exercising their front legs and spine. It keeps them fit and ready to pounce.
• Scent Marking: Cats release pheromones when they scratch. Other cats can pick up these scents. It marks their territory and also tells the cat, “Hey, this is a good spot to scratch.”
• Boredom: Sometimes, cats scratch because they’re bored. If they have little to do or feel ignored, they might turn to scratching. Try to play with your cat every day. Make sure they have plenty of things to keep them busy.
• Play: Claws can come out during playtime. If they’re playing on the floor, your carpet might get damaged by accident.
• Anxiety: Cats might scratch if they feel uneasy. Maybe you have many pets, and they feel a bit insecure. Even building work can upset them. If anxiety causes the scratching, you’ll probably see other behavior changes. In that case, talk to a vet to get them the right support.

Why do cats scratch the carpet on the stairs?

Cats often love to sit on the stairs. It’s a high spot, giving them a good view of the house, like a busy hallway. Many cats spend hours there; some even make it their top spot. We already know scratching is natural for them.

There isn’t a special reason cats scratch the stair carpet. They just find it a convenient place to do something that comes naturally.

How to stop cats scratching the carpet on your stairs

Once you know why they scratch, you can act. There’s no single fix, so you might need to try a few ideas. This helps stop your cat completely.

• Provide scratching posts. These are easy to find at pet stores or online. They come in many shapes and sizes. Put a few around your home for variety. Place them where your cat spends a lot of time. Or, put them near spots they’ve scratched before, like at the top and bottom of your stairs. They might not use them right away. But with time, they should switch to the posts and leave your carpet alone.
• If your cat keeps scratching the same step, they’re likely drawn to past pheromone scents. Clean the area well to remove any lingering smell. You can also get sprays to mask the scent. Just be careful; some of these smells can be too strong for people too.
• Thick tape works as a good deterrent. If your cat scratches near the step’s base, not the edge, just place tape over that area. Cats don’t like how it feels on their claws. They will look for a different spot to scratch.
• If they scratch the wall next to the step, put a sheet of Perspex or plastic against it. This will stop them.

These actions should help move your cat to new scratching spots. The goal is to get your cat to scratch elsewhere, ideally on the scratching posts you put near the problem area. A great way to encourage this is to reward your cat when you see them using their scratching post.

Over time, your cat will slowly stop scratching the stairs. Then, you can remove any protective measures you put in place.