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Let’s face it—seeing your cat unleash their inner Wolverine on your window pane isn’t exactly a sight for sore eyes. But it isn’t personal. Cats are known for being curious and playful, and scratching is one of their typical behaviors. While scratching has many purposes for cats, one of their favorite targets is the window. In this blog, you will learn why your cat keeps scratching at the window.
The rhythmic tap-tap-tap sound of claws against the windowpane is not exactly music to your ears, but rather, it leaves you scratching your head. But why does my cat scratch the window, you ask? Allow us to unravel the mystery behind this phenomenon.
Have you ever seen your furry friend fixated on a fluttering bird or any other wildlife beyond the glass, swishing its tail while glued to the window? It’s their inner hunter kicking in. For cats, a glimpse of feathered prey can spark their primal instinct to pounce and stalk. And that windowpane becomes a (frustratingly ineffective) platform for their imaginary attack. And the scratching they do? It’s their way of saying, “Mmm… Look at that tasty snack. If only I could reach it.”
Sometimes, the scratching frenzy isn’t about birds at all. Your whisker buddy may be yearning for the great outdoors or, if they’re already outside, desperately want to come back in. With their inviting views, windows serve as portals to their forbidden worlds, and those nimble paws can’t resist the urge to claw their way to freedom. It’s the equivalent of knocking on the door—disruptive, loud, and undoubtedly attention-grabbing.
Have you ever caught your cat staring intently at their reflection in the window with its tail held high and whiskers quivering? Well, some cats can get confused by the appearance of their doppelgangers. Apart from hissing and swatting, your cat may scratch at the window as a way to assert dominance. It’s pretty funny for us humans, but for them? It’s a serious territorial battle.
Another reason why your cat is scratching at the window is they’re marking their territory. Through scratching, they leave behind traces of their scent, essentially claiming the window and the view outside as their own. It’s their way of saying, “This is my turf, buddy. Move along!”
Life can be rough even for our fuzzy house panthers. From loud noises to introducing new pets, plenty of factors can stress our beloved feline out. Much like humans reach for a good book or comfort food, cats start scratching as their way to release stress. So, if your fur kid becomes a window warrior overnight, it could be a sign they need some TLC and stress-busting activities.
The golden rays of warm sunshine streaming upon your floor through the windowpane is a paradise for cats. They like the warmth, and your window allows them to soak up the sun. So, when the sun shifts, it could lead to your cat scratching your window to return the sunshine to their favorite spot. It’s all about their comfort and happiness, one sun ray at a time.
Cats are quick learners; they can easily pick up on what gets our attention. If they’ve learned that a few scratches on the window can get an immediate (and perhaps a bit annoyed) reaction from their masters, they might keep doing it to get your attention. Besides, negative attention is still attention, much like bad publicity is still publicity.
Have you ever seen your kitty’s ears twitching at the slightest sound, no matter how far it is? Cats are keen observers with a great sense of hearing. When they hear sounds like leaves rustling or a car driving by, they get all tense and ready to defend their area. So, if you find your cat scratching at the window, it’s their way of saying, “Hey, there’s something out there!” It’s their version of a neighbor watch, complete with claws and curiosity.
Scratching isn’t just a hobby; it’s their way to keep their claws trim and healthy. Scratching sheds the outer layer of their nail coat to keep their tiny daggers sharp and ready for action. Unfortunately, your window frame might be rough enough to be their nail salon.
If your fluffy floof is in heat, they might become restless when indoors. Whether your purring queen is looking for its Romeo or a tomcat on the prowl, their hormones urge your cat from scratching at the window or door in an attempt to get out and search for a mate.
Domestic cats, in general, are safe from all troubles—be it car accidents, pesky illnesses, or getting lost. But for unspayed and unneutered felines, keeping them inside the house will avoid unexpected bundles of joy and reduce the chances of your whiskered pal from joining the stray gang.
Knowing the answer to “Why does my cat scratch the window?” is one thing, but making them stop permanently is another. Don’t worry—we’re about to give you tips for turning your window warrior into a peaceful purring pouncer:
To discourage your cat from scratching the window, give them scratching posts that are more enticing than your precious window panes. You can also provide your cat with cardboard pads or repurposed furniture if it also likes to scratch couches. Sprinkle a bit of catnip on the surface, and watch your fluffy warrior’s little daggers redirect their attention to their rightful place.
Boredom can ignite unwanted scratching. Stimulate your cat’s body and mind with regular playtime sessions, interactive toys, and cat trees. You can also buy window perches or feeders to satisfy their curiosity about the outdoors.
If you see your cat eyeing the window with mischief in their eyes, distract them with a yarnball, a feather wand, or their favorite treat. The goal is to break their focus and offer an engaging activity to steer them out of the window.
Several pet-friendly gadgets can shoo your little warrior away from undesired areas. Some of these include an air spray, a sprinkler, and a noise maker. Strategically place any of these devices near the windowpane to keep your cat from scratching the window.
Most cats hate the smell of citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes. Soak cotton balls in citrus juice and place them by the window. You can also lightly mist the area with a diluted citrus spray to create an invisible barrier between the cat and the window.
If safety permits, let your kitty have an outdoor adventure. Use a catio (an enclosed outdoor cat patio), a screen-in enclosure, or a supervised stroll using a leash and a harness can improve their mood and behavior.
If you’ve done everything you could but still couldn’t keep your cat from scratching the window, the best thing to do is to make windows less appealing. Apply double-sided tape to areas where your kitty frequently scratches, or cover them with a curtain or film. Changing the texture or blocking the view might deter them from making a mess.
Remember, understanding and patience are key. Addressing the cause of your cat scratching the window and providing them with positive enforcement can transform your windowpane from a battleground into a peaceful perch for your fluffy friend. Who knows? You might see your cat gazing contentedly out the window, free from the urge to scratch. Now, that’s something to purr about!
