How to Stop a Cat From Clawing at a Door

Scratching is a natural behavior for cats---they do it to keep their claws in good shape and to mark territory via scent glands located in their paws. Cats also scratch to express emotion, especially excitement, which is why your cat may run and claw at something as soon as you arrive home. It is his way of saying he is happy to see you. Nevertheless, scratching can ruin a wooden door in a short time, due to excessive shredding by the cat's sharp claws. Fortunately, there is a solution to stopping your cat from clawing the door.

Things You'll Need

  • Scratching pad
  • Aluminum foil, studded plastic or double-sided tape
  • Citrus-scented spray or orange peels
  • Cat toy or piece of string
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Instructions

    • 1

      Choose a scratching post for the cat to use as an alternative to the door. Make sure the scratching post is stable---if it topples over even once, your cat may not use it. Find one that has a weighted bottom, or secure it into place yourself using bolts and screws or heavy bricks. The ideal post will be as long as your cat when she is stretched out full length, usually 28 to 30 inches long, and will have a rough texture that feels good for the cat when he's clawing it. Sisal textile material, rope and carpeting are all good choices.

    • 2

      Locate the scratching post near the door your cat is clawing. Since your cat is already in the habit of scratching in this area, the transition from using the door to using the scratching post should go smoothly. Attract the cat to the post by rubbing catnip on it and attaching toys to it. Play with your cat with a piece of string or other toy near the post, so he gets used to digging his claws into the post as he plays. Praise him when he claws it and he will soon come to associate the post with pleasure.

    • 3

      Deter your cat from clawing the door by making it unappealing for him to do so. Cover the door with material that has an unpleasant texture, such as studded plastic, double-sided tape or aluminum foil. Use a citrus-scented spray on the door or sprinkle orange peels on the floor near it; cats have a natural aversion to the scent of citrus. Don't hesitate to squirt your cat using a water gun or spray bottle or whistling loudly and clapping your hands if you see him scratching the door. The idea is to make the door as unpleasant to your cat as possible.