Key Takeaways
- Natural instincts: Chewing, scratching, and digging are deeply rooted in evolutionary behaviours of cats and dogs. They are not signs of disobedience but essential outlets for physical and emotional needs.
- Purposeful actions: Pets chew to explore and relieve stress, scratch to mark territory and maintain claw health, and dig for cooling, hunting, or nesting instincts.
- Training redirection: Suppression through punishment often fails. Instead, redirection with positive reinforcement builds trust and channels behaviours productively.
- Tools and enrichment: Chew toys, scratching posts, puzzle feeders, and digging boxes are effective in meeting instinctual needs while protecting your home.
- Australian context: Urban living, climate, and wildlife considerations make enrichment and safe outlets particularly vital for Australian pet owners.
Introduction
For many Australian pet owners, few things are as frustrating as coming home to a chewed-up shoe, a shredded couch arm, or a freshly dug hole in the garden. At first glance, these behaviours can seem like deliberate acts of defiance. In reality, chewing, scratching, and digging are not signs of a “bad pet.” They are instinctual behaviours rooted in the evolutionary history of cats and dogs.
Understanding this truth is the first step toward addressing the problem. Pets are not trying to upset their owners; rather, they are following natural drives that once helped their ancestors survive in the wild. Dogs dig to create cool resting spots or to uncover prey. Cats scratch to keep their claws sharp and to leave territorial markers. Puppies chew as a form of exploration and pain relief during teething, while adult dogs may chew to relieve stress or boredom.
The challenge for pet owners is not to suppress these instincts but to redirect them into healthier, safer outlets. This article explores why pets chew, scratch, and dig; the science behind these behaviours; and practical strategies to manage them. It will also highlight products that support training and enrichment, offering solutions tailored to the Australian lifestyle and environment.
The Nature of Chewing, Scratching & Digging
Instinctual behaviours in pets often stem from needs that go beyond entertainment—they are linked to survival, comfort, and emotional regulation. To truly manage and redirect them, owners must first understand why they exist in the first place.
Why Pets Chew
Chewing is especially common in dogs but can also occur in cats, particularly kittens. The behaviour arises from several natural drivers:
- Teething relief: Puppies and kittens chew to soothe the discomfort of growing teeth. Just as human babies benefit from teething toys, pets instinctively bite and gnaw to ease gum irritation.
- Exploration: Dogs, in particular, use their mouths to investigate their environment. Shoes, furniture, and household objects often become “targets” simply because they carry the scent of their owner.
- Stress and anxiety management: Chewing produces endorphins, which help pets calm themselves when bored, lonely, or anxious. This is one reason dogs may chew excessively when left alone.
- Evolutionary purpose: In the wild, chewing bones and carcasses helped strengthen jaw muscles and provided vital nutrition. Domestic pets retain this instinct, even though their diet no longer requires it.
Why Pets Scratch
Scratching is primarily associated with cats, although dogs also engage in it, usually for digging or grooming. For cats, scratching is more than just a way to stretch—it serves multiple important purposes:
- Territory marking: Cats have scent glands in their paws. Scratching leaves both a visible mark and a chemical signal that declares ownership of space.
- Claw maintenance: Scratching sheds the outer layers of claws, keeping them sharp and healthy. Without outlets, claws can overgrow and cause discomfort.
- Exercise and stress release: The act of scratching stretches the entire body, engaging muscles and providing physical and emotional relief. Many cats scratch more when stressed, excited, or seeking attention.
Why Pets Dig
Dogs are natural diggers, and while cats may occasionally scratch or paw at the ground, digging is primarily a canine instinct. The reasons are diverse and often practical:
- Cooling and comfort: In Australia’s hot summers, dogs may dig into soil to create a cooler resting spot. This behaviour is especially common in breeds with thick coats.
- Hunting heritage: Terriers and similar breeds were historically bred to pursue burrowing animals. Digging satisfies this prey-driven instinct, even if no prey is present.
- Storing possessions: Just as their wild ancestors buried food to protect it from scavengers, domestic dogs may dig to hide toys, treats, or even bones.
- Stress and boredom: When left alone in a backyard with little stimulation, digging can become an outlet for pent-up energy and frustration.
Case Study: Milo the Labrador in Suburban Sydney
Milo, a three-year-old Labrador living in Sydney’s Inner West, became infamous in his neighbourhood for digging up not only his owner’s garden but also sneaking under the fence to burrow in the neighbour’s flower beds. His owners initially believed he was being “naughty” or seeking attention. However, after consulting a local veterinary behaviourist, they discovered Milo’s digging was his way of coping with boredom during long workdays.
The solution wasn’t punishment—it was redirection. His owners introduced a designated digging pit in their backyard, filled with sand and hidden treats. Milo quickly learned that his digging needs could be satisfied there. By pairing the pit with daily walks and interactive toys, Milo’s destructive habits faded within weeks.
Case Study: Tilly the Apartment Cat in Melbourne
Tilly, a five-year-old rescue cat, lived in a high-rise apartment with her owner. Despite being well-fed and cared for, Tilly relentlessly scratched the side of the couch. Traditional deterrents like water sprays failed, and the scratching continued.
Her owner eventually placed multiple scratching posts with different textures—carpet, sisal rope, and cardboard—near the couch and window. By rubbing catnip on the posts and rewarding Tilly with treats every time she used them, the destructive scratching slowly shifted to acceptable outlets. Tilly now has her “scratching routine,” which keeps her claws healthy while preserving the furniture.
These examples highlight that pets aren’t trying to misbehave. Instead, they are expressing natural instincts in the only way they know how. The key lies in providing alternative outlets that align with these instincts while protecting homes and gardens.
The Behavioural Science Behind These Instincts
To manage chewing, scratching, and digging effectively, it helps to understand the behavioural science behind them. These actions are not random mischief but instinctual responses shaped by evolution, brain chemistry, and environment.
Evolutionary Roots
Cats and dogs carry behaviours inherited from their wild ancestors. Wolves, for example, dug dens to protect pups and regulate temperature. Wildcats scratched trees both to stretch and to leave territorial signals. These patterns remain hardwired into domestic pets, even though their modern environments no longer demand them for survival.
The Role of Brain Chemistry
Chewing, scratching, and digging trigger the release of feel-good neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin. These chemicals reinforce the behaviours, making them self-soothing and rewarding. This is why stressed or anxious pets may engage in these activities more intensely—they provide an immediate calming effect.
Communication Through Behaviour
Animal behaviourists often describe these actions as a form of communication. A cat scratching the side of a couch isn’t just destroying furniture; it’s signalling territory and possibly stress. A dog chewing the leg of a chair may be expressing frustration or trying to engage its owner. Recognising the “message” behind the act is key to correcting it.
Environmental Triggers
Research shows that a lack of stimulation or enrichment significantly increases destructive behaviours. Pets left alone for long hours, especially in confined or unstimulating environments, often turn to chewing, scratching, or digging as coping mechanisms. This highlights the importance of mental and physical enrichment in preventing destructive outlets.
Alright, let’s expand this section further with expert quotes and an Australian reference before moving on.
The Behavioural Science Behind These Instincts (Expanded)
Animal behaviourists and veterinarians consistently emphasise that chewing, scratching, and digging are not “bad” behaviours but instinctive needs. Understanding the underlying science gives owners the tools to redirect rather than punish.
Expert Insights
Dr. Kersti Seksel, a renowned Australian veterinary behaviourist, explains:
“When pets chew, scratch, or dig, they’re not misbehaving—they’re doing what comes naturally. The problem arises when we don’t provide them with acceptable ways to express these instincts.”
Similarly, the RSPCA Australia highlights that destructive behaviours are often a result of unmet environmental needs:
“Boredom, lack of stimulation, and insufficient outlets for natural behaviours are leading causes of destructive chewing, scratching, and digging in domestic pets.”
Australian Research Context
A 2023 survey conducted by the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) found that over 60% of dog owners reported digging as a recurring issue, while nearly 70% of cat owners listed scratching furniture as one of their biggest frustrations. Importantly, the study concluded that punishment did little to reduce the behaviour and often increased anxiety in pets, reinforcing the need for enrichment and redirection strategies.
These insights confirm what many pet owners discover through experience: managing instincts requires an understanding of science, patience, and proper training aids, rather than quick fixes or negative reinforcement.
The Problems for Pet Owners
While chewing, scratching, and digging are natural behaviours, they often create real challenges for pet owners trying to maintain harmony at home. Left unaddressed, these instincts can lead to property damage, safety concerns, and strain on the human–animal bond.
Furniture and Home Damage
- Scratching destruction: Cats frequently target couches, chairs, and carpets, leaving visible marks and fabric tears that are costly to repair or replace.
- Chewing damage: Dogs may chew wooden furniture legs, shoes, or household items, sometimes rendering them unusable. This behaviour can also extend to doors or window frames when pets are anxious.
- Garden and yard damage: Digging dogs often uproot plants, destroy landscaping, or create unsightly holes in lawns. This is particularly frustrating for owners who invest time and money in outdoor spaces.
Safety Hazards
- Electrical cords: Chewing on cables poses a serious electrocution risk, especially for puppies and kittens.
- Toxic plants and objects: Pets exploring with their mouths may chew items harmful to them, such as lilies for cats or sago palms for dogs.
- Fence breaches: Digging under fences can lead to escapes, exposing dogs to dangers like traffic, theft, or interactions with native wildlife.
Emotional Toll on Owners
Beyond the physical damage, these behaviours can cause stress and frustration. Many owners mistakenly interpret them as disobedience or spite, which may damage the trust and relationship between human and pet. This often leads to feelings of helplessness or guilt, particularly when punishment seems to make the situation worse.
Strain on Human–Pet Relationships
When destructive behaviours persist, some owners may limit their pet’s freedom at home—restricting access to certain rooms, furniture, or the outdoors. In severe cases, it can even lead to rehoming or surrendering pets to shelters, highlighting just how important it is to address these behaviours constructively.
Training Principles: Redirection Over Suppression
One of the most important lessons in managing chewing, scratching, and digging is that punishment doesn’t solve the problem. These behaviours are instinctual, not intentional acts of disobedience. Effective training is built on understanding the need behind the behaviour and offering pets acceptable alternatives.
Why Punishment Fails
Punishment—whether yelling, spraying water, or using harsh deterrents—often backfires.
- It increases stress and anxiety, which can worsen destructive behaviours.
- It damages the trust between pet and owner, making pets fearful rather than cooperative.
- It fails to teach pets what to do instead—they only learn what not to do, leaving their needs unmet.
As Dr. Kate Mornement, an Australian animal behaviourist, explains:
“When we punish pets for normal behaviours like scratching or chewing, we’re not addressing the root cause. Training should be about guiding them towards better outlets, not shutting down their instincts.”
Positive Reinforcement Training
Redirection works best when paired with positive reinforcement—rewarding pets for choosing the right behaviour.
- For dogs: Offering treats when they chew a toy instead of a shoe.
- For cats: Giving praise or food when they scratch a post rather than the couch.
- For diggers: Rewarding dogs for using a designated digging area rather than the garden bed.
Consistency is crucial. Reinforcement must happen immediately after the correct behaviour, so pets make the connection.
Environmental Enrichment
Redirection is most effective when the environment is designed to encourage acceptable behaviour. This means providing pets with stimulating alternatives:
- Chewing outlets: Durable toys, dental chews, and safe bones.
- Scratching outlets: Multiple scratching posts in key household areas.
- Digging outlets: A sandpit or digging box filled with toys and hidden treats.
By creating opportunities for pets to express their instincts safely, owners prevent frustration while also protecting their homes and gardens.
Practical Training Techniques
Once pet owners understand the importance of redirection and positive reinforcement, the next step is to put strategies into practice. These techniques provide safe outlets for chewing, scratching, and digging while protecting homes and gardens.
Training Techniques for Chewing
- Introduce safe chew toys: Provide a variety of textures—rubber, rope, nylon, and edible dental chews—to satisfy different preferences. Rotating toys prevents boredom.
- Redirect immediately: If a dog begins chewing furniture or shoes, calmly replace the item with an appropriate chew toy. Praise or reward when they accept the swap.
- Use deterrents wisely: Pet-safe bitter sprays on dangerous items like electrical cords discourage chewing while alternatives remain accessible.
- Provide mental stimulation: Puzzle feeders and treat-dispensing toys give dogs a task to focus on, reducing stress chewing.
Training Techniques for Scratching
- Strategic placement of scratching posts: Place them near favourite resting spots, windows, or areas where cats already scratch (like couches). This increases the likelihood of use.
- Offer variety: Some cats prefer sisal rope, others carpet or cardboard. Providing multiple textures helps identify preferences.
- Encourage interest: Rub catnip or spray pheromone attractants on posts. Engage cats with toys to lure them onto the posts, then reward with treats.
- Protect furniture: While retraining, cover furniture with protective pads, slipcovers, or double-sided tape, which cats dislike.
Training Techniques for Digging
- Designated digging zones: Build a sandpit or allocate a section of the yard as a “dig box.” Encourage dogs to dig there by burying toys or treats.
- Increase exercise: Many dogs dig from excess energy. Long walks, games of fetch, and agility training reduce the urge to dig.
- Address climate needs: In hot Australian summers, dogs may dig for cooler ground. Providing shaded areas, cooling mats, or paddling pools can reduce this motivation.
- Supervised training: If a dog begins digging in the wrong spot, redirect them to the designated zone and reward compliance.
Consistency and Patience
Training takes time. Most pets won’t change behaviour overnight, especially if habits have already formed. Owners should set realistic expectations and commit to regular, patient training sessions. Over time, pets learn that their instincts are welcome—just in the right place.
Related Products to Support Training
Practical training is most effective when paired with the right tools. Providing pets with safe, engaging, and durable products ensures their natural instincts are satisfied without damage to homes or gardens. Below are categories of products that can make a real difference for Australian pet owners.
Chew Toys & Dental Aids
- Durable rubber chew toys: Designed for strong jaws, these toys withstand repeated gnawing. Popular options include textured toys that clean teeth as pets chew.
- Edible dental chews: Help reduce tartar and plaque while meeting chewing needs. They double as a treat, offering oral health benefits.
- Rope toys: Safe for moderate chewers, these also support interactive play like tug-of-war.
PetCareShed Tip: Rotate chew toys weekly to prevent boredom and keep your dog interested in the alternatives you provide.
Scratching Posts & Cat Trees
- Sisal rope posts: Most cats prefer rough textures like sisal, which mimic tree bark.
- Cardboard scratchers: Affordable and replaceable, perfect for variety.
- Multi-level cat trees: Combine scratching, climbing, and resting, making them ideal enrichment tools for indoor cats.
PetCareShed Tip: Position scratching posts near couches, doorways, or windows where cats naturally gravitate, ensuring they use the posts instead of your furniture.
Digging Boxes & Outdoor Enrichment
- Sand or soil digging pits: Encourage dogs to dig in one designated area. These can be shallow boxes or a set space in your yard.
- Buried toys and treats: Burying items within a pit turns digging into a rewarding game.
- Cooling mats and shaded shelters: For dogs that dig to cool down, alternative cooling solutions reduce destructive yard digging.
PetCareShed Tip: For high-energy dogs, combine digging boxes with puzzle feeders to meet both physical and mental enrichment needs.
Interactive Feeders & Puzzle Toys
- Slow feeders: Turn mealtime into a mentally stimulating activity that reduces boredom.
- Treat-dispensing balls: Keep dogs and cats occupied as they work to release food.
- Puzzle boards: Challenge problem-solving skills, ideal for intelligent breeds prone to destructive behaviour when understimulated.
By investing in these products, owners give their pets healthy outlets for instinctual behaviours, reducing frustration for both sides.
Australian Context: Indoor vs Outdoor Pets
Pet ownership in Australia brings unique challenges and considerations. With diverse climates, strict council regulations, and an abundance of native wildlife, how pets express their instincts—and how owners manage them—differs from other parts of the world.
Indoor Living in Urban Australia
Many Australian pet owners live in apartments or smaller suburban homes, particularly in major cities such as Sydney and Melbourne. For indoor pets, especially cats, scratching and chewing are amplified because they have fewer natural outlets. Providing cat trees, scratching posts, and puzzle feeders is essential to avoid frustration.
Dogs in apartments face similar challenges. Without sufficient daily walks and stimulation, behaviours like destructive chewing or digging at carpets may emerge. Indoor enrichment, such as interactive toys and regular exercise, becomes critical.
Outdoor Pets and Climate Considerations
Australia’s climate directly influences instinctual behaviours.
- Hot summers: Dogs dig to find cool earth when outdoor temperatures rise. Providing shaded areas, cooling mats, or paddling pools helps reduce this need.
- Seasonal changes: During colder months, pets may scratch or dig at bedding to create a comfortable nest, a behaviour linked to ancestral den-making.
- Storm season: In regions prone to thunderstorms, dogs may dig or chew excessively due to noise-related anxiety.
Council and Community Regulations
Many Australian councils enforce rules designed to protect both pets and the community.
- Cats: Some councils, such as those in Victoria and South Australia, have cat curfew laws requiring cats to remain indoors at night. This increases the need for indoor enrichment and scratching alternatives.
- Dogs: Excessive digging that leads to fence breaches can result in complaints from neighbours and council warnings. Secure fencing and supervised outdoor play help mitigate these risks.
Protecting Native Wildlife
Australia’s native wildlife is highly vulnerable to domestic pets. Digging dogs may disturb nesting sites, while outdoor cats can threaten birds, reptiles, and small mammals. Responsible pet ownership means redirecting instincts in ways that protect the environment, such as providing digging boxes and indoor climbing spaces.
By tailoring training and enrichment to Australia’s climate, laws, and environment, owners can better manage instinctual behaviours while keeping pets happy and wildlife safe.
Expert Opinions & Research Insights
Expert input and scientific research provide valuable context for understanding and managing chewing, scratching, and digging. Australian veterinarians, behaviourists, and welfare organisations emphasise that these are instinct-driven behaviours, and their management requires patience, consistency, and enrichment.
Veterinary Behaviourists’ Perspective
Dr. Kersti Seksel, a leading Australian veterinary behaviourist, notes:
“Destructive behaviours like chewing, digging, and scratching are normal. They only become a problem when they’re expressed in the wrong place. The solution isn’t to stop the behaviour, but to give the pet the right outlet.”
This perspective reinforces the need for redirection rather than suppression.
RSPCA Guidelines
The RSPCA Australia provides clear advice on enrichment as a way to reduce destructive behaviours:
“Pets that are bored or under-stimulated will often chew, scratch or dig to entertain themselves. Providing them with environmental enrichment is essential to meeting their behavioural needs.”
(Source: RSPCA Knowledgebase)
Australian Research Findings
A recent survey by the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA, 2023) reported:
- 70% of cat owners cited scratching furniture as a recurring issue.
- 60% of dog owners experienced problems with digging.
- Over 50% of both groups said chewing was a top frustration, especially with younger pets.
The same survey found that positive reinforcement and environmental enrichment were far more effective than punishment in managing these behaviours. Owners who combined training with tools like chew toys, scratchers, and digging pits saw long-term improvements.
Case Study Insight
In a study conducted at the University of Sydney’s Faculty of Veterinary Science, dogs provided with structured enrichment—such as daily puzzle feeders and supervised digging zones—displayed 40% fewer destructive behaviours over a three-month period compared to dogs without enrichment.
Together, these insights highlight the consensus: pets need outlets for their instincts, not suppression of them. Owners who respect these natural drives see stronger bonds and fewer frustrations.
Common Mistakes Owners Make
Even with the best intentions, many pet owners unintentionally make mistakes when trying to address chewing, scratching, and digging. Recognising these pitfalls is key to avoiding frustration and ensuring training success.
Mistaking Instinct for Disobedience
One of the most common errors is interpreting natural behaviours as “bad” or “naughty.” Pets don’t chew shoes, scratch couches, or dig holes to annoy their owners—they do it because their instincts drive them to. Viewing the behaviour as intentional mischief often leads to punishment instead of redirection.
Inconsistent Training Responses
Consistency is vital in pet training. If a dog is sometimes allowed to chew an old slipper but scolded for chewing a new shoe, the mixed message confuses them. Similarly, cats will continue scratching furniture if posts aren’t always available and reinforced. Inconsistent rules delay learning and reinforce the wrong habits.
Overreliance on Punishment
Yelling, spraying water, or using physical deterrents might stop a behaviour in the moment but often increases anxiety. This heightened stress can make destructive behaviours worse. Pets learn what not to do but never learn what to do instead.
Insufficient Enrichment
A lack of stimulation is a major driver of destructive behaviour. Many pets, particularly those in urban Australian settings, don’t get enough mental or physical exercise. Without toys, scratching posts, or designated digging areas, they’ll turn to household items or gardens as outlets.
Choosing the Wrong Products
Not all enrichment tools are created equal.
- A power-chewing dog can destroy a flimsy toy in minutes, posing a choking hazard.
- Cats may ignore a scratching post if it’s too short, unstable, or made from the wrong material.
- Dogs given hard bones that splinter can risk dental injuries.
Owners often waste money on unsuitable products, leading to frustration and persistence of the destructive behaviour.
By avoiding these mistakes and focusing on patience, positive reinforcement, and tailored enrichment, pet owners set their pets up for success while preserving their homes and gardens.
Long-Term Management
Managing chewing, scratching, and digging is not about quick fixes—it requires long-term strategies that evolve with a pet’s age, environment, and health. Consistency and adaptability are the foundation of keeping these instinctual behaviours under control while ensuring pets remain happy and fulfilled.
Ongoing Enrichment Plans
Just as humans need mental and physical stimulation daily, so do pets. Establishing an enrichment routine helps prevent destructive outlets.
- Daily exercise: Walks, play sessions, and training drills reduce boredom-driven behaviour.
- Toy rotation: Regularly swapping toys keeps them novel and engaging.
- Interactive feeding: Using puzzle feeders ensures mealtimes stimulate the mind as well as the body.
Integrating Training into Daily Life
Training isn’t limited to structured sessions; it should be part of everyday interactions.
- Rewarding dogs for chewing the right toy while watching TV.
- Redirecting cats to a scratching post during playtime.
- Encouraging digging in a designated pit during outdoor time.
Embedding redirection naturally throughout the day ensures that correct behaviours are reinforced consistently.
Monitoring Behavioural Changes with Age
Behavioural needs shift as pets age.
- Puppies and kittens: Chewing and scratching may peak due to teething and energy.
- Adults: Boredom-driven behaviours emerge if daily enrichment isn’t sustained.
- Seniors: Joint issues or cognitive decline can alter behaviour. A senior dog may dig less but chew more to relieve anxiety. Cats may scratch differently due to arthritis or reduced mobility.
Owners should adjust training and enrichment strategies to match these life stages.
When to Seek Professional Help
Some cases require outside expertise.
- Persistent, destructive behaviours despite redirection may indicate deeper issues such as separation anxiety or medical conditions.
- Veterinary behaviourists can identify underlying causes and create tailored plans.
- Professional trainers can assist with behaviour modification, particularly for high-energy or working breeds prone to strong instinctual drives.
Long-term management is about balance—allowing pets to express natural instincts in healthy ways while protecting homes, gardens, and relationships. With patience and consistency, owners can transform frustration into a stronger bond with their pets.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I stop my puppy from chewing furniture?
The key is redirection rather than punishment. Provide durable chew toys, redirect your puppy immediately when they chew the wrong item, and reward them for using the toy. Bitter sprays on furniture can act as a short-term deterrent, but enrichment and supervision are the long-term solution.
2. What is the best scratching post material for cats?
Most cats prefer sisal rope because its rough texture mimics tree bark. However, some cats enjoy carpet or corrugated cardboard. Offering multiple textures allows you to find what your cat likes best. Posts should also be tall and stable enough to allow a full-body stretch.
3. Why does my dog dig only when I’m not home?
This often indicates separation anxiety or boredom. Dogs dig as a self-soothing activity when left alone. Increasing exercise before you leave, providing puzzle feeders, and creating a designated digging pit can help. In severe cases, consult a behaviourist for separation-related issues.
4. Can older pets still be trained out of destructive habits?
Yes. While younger pets learn faster, older cats and dogs can still adapt with patience and consistency. Using positive reinforcement, paired with environmental adjustments (like easier-to-access scratching posts for senior cats), ensures older pets also benefit from redirection training.
5. Are there safe natural deterrents for chewing and scratching?
Yes, some natural deterrents can be effective. For chewing, citrus-based sprays (safe for pets) are often disliked by dogs. For scratching, double-sided tape or citrus scents near furniture may discourage cats. However, deterrents work best when paired with attractive alternatives such as chew toys or scratching posts.
6. How do I stop my dog from digging under the fence?
Secure fencing is crucial, but redirection helps too. Provide a designated digging pit filled with toys and supervise outdoor play. If digging is driven by attempts to escape, ensure your dog receives enough exercise, stimulation, and companionship to reduce the motivation.
7. My indoor cat scratches more at night. Why?
Cats are crepuscular, meaning they’re most active at dawn and dusk. Night scratching often relates to natural activity cycles. Offering late-evening play sessions, interactive feeders, and accessible scratching posts can help manage the behaviour.
