Even though the fluffiest of felines might offer the friendship you can’t get from others, she might also wreak havoc on everything she touches. Of course, the mayhem we’re talking about can take different forms, but we’re mainly referring to the worst one – the scratching. Do Ragdoll cats scratch furniture, fur real?
We know the troubles you’ve probably been going through with your fluffy companion. One minute you’re cuddling and whispering sweet nothings to each other.
But the next, she’s digging her claws wherever she deems appropriate – the sofa you’re lounging on, the blanket you’re using, and your hands. Sure, you’re aware that there’s nothing invincible to wear and tear.
However, you’re desperate because you would like to keep both your Dakota Johnson, midcentury modern home intact and your Ragdoll happy and healthy. Now, the scratching behavior’s an innate thing for your cat. But, that’s not to say that there’s nothing you can do to deal with the situation.
Therefore, the whole “do Ragdoll cats scratch furniture” thing shouldn’t stop you from living your best life. Trust me, you’re about to beam with happiness knowing there are ways to appreciate your cat’s company without sacrificing your Urban Outfitters sofa. We’re bringing you everything you need to know!
Do Ragdoll cats scratch furniture?
First off, Ragdolls are the sweetest of pets. They’re “gentle giants of the feline world” for a reason – they’re affectionate, appreciative, and adorable for the most part. They have a fondness for hanging out with humans (and little humans) and they’re the happiest when they’re cuddling and snuggling with you.
Truth be told, everything you need to know about Ragdoll cats lies within the name. Ragdoll cats carry that name because they become completely floppy when you pick them up – like ragdolls.
And, to make things even more appropriate, they love when you hold them, carry them around, and baby them. Hence, you can’t do anything other than assume you’re going to have the best time of your life when you get your hands on a Ragdoll.
But, you have to wonder whether Ragdoll cats scratch furniture because you don’t want to wake up one day regretting your decisions. Not to mention that all cats have a reputation for destroying everything around them.
However, Ragdoll cats are famous for being undemanding, nonchalant, and chill. While they might resort to scratching your furniture under certain circumstances (more on that later), they’re not that likely to repeat the behavior more than other cats.
Why do Ragdoll cats scratch furniture?
1. They’re sharpening their claws
Repeat after me: “Ragdoll cats don’t scratch furniture because they’re bad or naughty!” Scratching and pawing at different surfaces serve a purpose most humans don’t understand.
Cats often scratch your floors, rugs, or sofas because they’re sharpening their claws. And, that’s an essential part of their daily routine). But, when your Ragdoll resorts to repeating that behavior, she’s communicating that you’re not offering her other options.
When cats don’t have scratching posts or don’t go outside (where they can claw at the concrete or the trees), they have to do that someplace else. A cat’s claws grow continuously. And, cats need to groom their claws (a.k.a. scratch things) to ensure they keep ingrown claws, inflammation, and infection at bay.
2. They’re marking their territory
Oh, territory marking’s a huge deal among cats (Ragdoll or otherwise). So, when you’re wondering whether Ragdoll cats scratch furniture, don’t forget to check whether they’re going through the heat cycle, fighting with other cats, or marking their territory for other reasons.
First things first, she’s got sweat glands on her paws and she’s not afraid to use them! That’s right, cats (Ragdoll or otherwise) have little pockets of scent hidden underneath that fluff. When they scratch the furniture, they’re leaving some of that scent behind and sending a message to other cats.
On the other hand, when they scratch your sofa or your rug, they’re also leaving tears behind. When other cats see those tears, they take the message as “You’re not welcome here!” or “That’s about to be your face!”
3. They’re not scratching, they’re stretching
“Do Ragdoll cats scratch furniture?” more like “Do Ragdoll cats stretch on your furniture?” And, the answer’s always yes.
When your Ragdoll cat stretches her back legs, she’s making sure her muscles and ligaments are strengthened and supple. And, when you observe your cat while she’s digging at your Urban Outfitters sofa, you might notice that’s one of the poses she assumes.
Though that might sound strange, sometimes scratching occurs as the aftermath of stretching. She probably wasn’t even planning on destroying your favorite piece of furniture, but she couldn’t help herself.
She started stretching and her claws appeared out of nowhere – the damage was done before she could even meow.
4. They’re bored, stressed out, or overwhelmed
There are a few things that Ragdoll cats do as a response to being bored, stressed out, and overwhelmed. They might start urinating on every area they deem appropriate (the floor, the stove, or even a nook they normally run to when they’re afraid of something).
They might start pawing at smooth surfaces, the sofa, or the bed (or even your legs). And, as you might have guessed by now, they might start scratching the furniture.
Observe your cat and make sure she’s not dealing with something she doesn’t know how to deal with. Whether she’s meeting your friends for the first thing. Whether she’s getting to know your friend’s dog. Give her some time to adapt before you start pointing fingers.
How to stop Ragdoll cats from scratching furniture?
1. Scratching posts aplenty
“Argh, why do Ragdoll cats scratch furniture?!” First and foremost, Ragdolls aren’t the only breed that does that. As a matter of fact, most cats, regardless of the breed, scratch a thing or two when they’re trying to sharpen their claws or mark their territory.
Make sure your Ragdoll’s got enough scratching posts and you won’t have to worry about your sofa getting tarnished.
Cats, Ragdolls or otherwise, need a bunch of surfaces to claw at. When they don’t spend much time outside, they don’t get the opportunity to groom themselves (at least not to the extent they would want to).
Scatter a couple of climbing trees, scratching posts, and small rugs around the areas your cat loves the most, and voilà.
2. Cat repellents and other gadgets and gizmos cats despise
Worry not, there are ways to keep your cat from “being a cat.” We’re kidding about that comment. But, we’re not kidding about the fact that you can use cat repellents and similar tricks to keep your Ragdoll away from your furniture.
Now, you can get commercially available repellents and spray them on surfaces you don’t want your cat to touch. Or, you can get your hands on homemade remedies.
Other than that, you can use get creative and use double-sided tape (to make the area sticky). And, you can use aluminum foil (to make the area unappealing).
3. Distractions galore
Ragdoll cats might scratch your furniture every now and then, and that’s the reality. But, when they decide to do that because they’re bored – you might have a way to eradicate such behavior.
More times than not, they’re communicating the fact that you’re not providing them with proper entertainment. Now, Ragdoll cats aren’t as demanding as other breeds. However, that’s not to say that they don’t need any stimulation when we’re talking about toys, activities, and things to do on a Sunday afternoon.
Sure, she might watch an episode or two of Bridgerton with you. On the other hand, she’s better off playing with a plush mouse, running around the backyard, and chasing after butterflies. So, make sure to order some toys for your Ragdoll cat so you keep her entertained.
4. Regular grooming and trimming
Out of everything we talked about, one thing stands out. Ragdoll cats scratch furniture because they’re trying to groom themselves. A cat’s claws need attention from time to time.
And, when you’re not the one giving them the attention, they have to resort to clawing at your sofas, rugs, and blankets. For that reason, your Ragdoll cat might need you to help her with trimming. Ragdoll cats require claw trimming every 4 to 6 weeks.
Needless to say, you can do that yourself or you can ask your veterinarian for help. When you make sure your cat’s claws are trimmed, she won’t feel the need to scratch at different surfaces as much.
Find out more about Ragdolls: 9 Bad Things About Ragdolls: A Not-So-Purrfect Feline Buddy
