How to Get a Cat to Stop Clawing the Stairs

Clawing, also known as scratching, is an instinctive behavior in cats. When clawing, they leave a scent from the sweat glands in the pads on their paws, which marks the area as their territory. Cats also claw during play, while stretching and to remove dead outer claws, exposing new, sharp claws. You can get your cat to stop clawing the stairs by employing a few simple tactics.

Things You'll Need

  • Scratch post
  • Enzyme cleaner
  • Sticky tape
  • Sandpaper
  • Cologne
  • Citrus spray
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Instructions

    • 1

      Provide an alternative, such as a scratch post; place it next to the stairs. Make sure the post is sturdy and tall enough to allow the cat to stretch fully when clawing. Cats have preferences for what they like to scratch, so experiment with different posts. They come in a variety of materials including rope, cardboard, carpeting, wood and upholstery. Some cats like horizontal posts, others vertical or slanted.

    • 2

      Remove the cat's scent from your stairs. Your cat comes back to replenish its scent in order to mark its territory. Spray the stairs with an enzyme cleaner to clear the cat's scent and discourage it from returning.

    • 3

      Attach a deterrent material to your stairs, such as sticky tape or sandpaper. Your cat won't like the texture, so it is likely to avoid the area. Place a carpet runner on the stairs, nubby side up, as another alternative.

    • 4

      Spray the stairs with smells that are unpleasant to cats, such as cologne or citrus. Test the spray on a hidden area first to avoid damaging the stairs.