Management of Undesirable Scratching Behaviour in a Male Cat Living in a Multi-Cat Household

Abstract This case presents an approximately 5-year-old neutered male domestic shorthair (DSH) cat with persistent undesirable scratching and recurrent attacks toward the other household cat. Originally feral in Illinois, USA, the cat was later relocated to Türkiye, where he now lives in an apartment with a 20-year-old female spayed cat. Both share a single caregiver who travels frequently. The male cat exhibited repeated, intensive scratching, mainly targeting sofas and carpets. The caregiver had attempted various interventions, including increasing the type and number of scratching posts, providing additional toys, and using positive punishment (yelling at the cat). Behavioural evaluation indicated that the undesired scratching occurred in a context of high arousal, with frustration identified as the primary emotional motivation. Attention-seeking scratching was also considered a possible motivating component, while emotional conflict was recognised as a secondary contributing factor. The senior cat’s pain and anxiety were noted as the potential exacerbating factors contributing to social tension and conflict. A behavioural modification plan was conducted, incorporating indirect caregiver intervention, environmental enrichment (providing an additional hiding space and hidden toys to encourage hunting-like activity), and use of a synthetic feline facial pheromone product. Following the interventions, both the intensity of the undesirable behaviours and the number of scratching locations significantly decreased. This case study indicates that integrating pheromone therapy with environmental management can effectively reduce stress-related scratching and improve social harmony within multi-cat households. Information © The Author 2026