How to Get a Cat to Stop Scratching Wood Frames

Cats naturally scratch surfaces to mark them with the scent glands in the bottoms of their feet or groom their claws and stretch, according to the American Animal Hospital Association website. In some instances, cats will scratch inappropriate surfaces, including furniture, carpeting and wood surfaces. To discourage your cat from scratching wooden door frames or other wood surfaces in your home, provide it with appealing alternatives. Modify your cat's behavior so it can scratch approved surfaces in your home to satisfy its natural instincts.

Things You'll Need

  • Double sided tape
  • Scratching post
  • Hanging scratching post
  • Citrus essential oil
  • Spray bottle
  • Catnip
  • Catnip spray
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Instructions

    • 1

      Apply double-sided tape to the wooden door frames or other wooden surfaces your cat has been scratching. Cats do not like sticky surfaces and the tape will discourage them from coming back to the area to scratch.

    • 2

      Provide a scratching post for your cat right next to the area or areas it has been scratching. Make sure the scratching post is at least as tall as the height the cat has been scratching on the door frame. Cats like to stretch while scratching, so a tall post at least as high as the length of your cat will attract it more than a short one. Look for a sturdy scratching post covered in sisal so your cat cannot easily shred its covering.

    • 3

      Play with your cat for 15 to 30 minutes per day using interactive toys to tire it out and prevent its destructive behavior. If the cat scratches at the wooden frame of your door because you close your cat out, it may just want to spend more time with you. Interacting and bonding with your cat will help eliminate this behavior.

    • 4

      Hang a scratching post from the doorknob of the door your cat is scratching the frame of. This will give your cat a more appealing alternative in the same area it is already scratching in. Attract your cat to the scratching post by sprinkling catnip on it or spraying it with a catnip spray.

    • 5

      Spray the wooden door frame or other wood surface with a citrus spray to deter your cat from scratching the area. Cats do not like the smell of citrus and will avoid the area. You can purchase a natural citrus-based cat deterrent spray in a specialty pet store or make your own with a combination of 20 drops orange or lemon essential oil and one cup water. Place the homemade solution in an empty spray bottle and shake it before spraying the wood.