Dealing with Destructive Chewing and Scratching

Few things test a pet owner’s patience like coming home to shredded cushions, tore-up plants, or a pair of ruined shoes. Destructive chewing in dogs and scratching in cats are among the most common—and most frustrating—behaviors. The good news: most of these behaviors are normal animal responses and can be managed or redirected with a practical, step-by-step approach. This article gives you clear, compassionate strategies you can use today.

Why pets chew or scratch (and why it’s not “naughty”)

Before you take action, it helps to understand the cause. Chewing and scratching can have several roots:

• Developmental: Puppies and kittens explore the world with their mouths and claws. Teething is painful; chewing relieves the discomfort.
• Boredom and excess energy: If your pet lacks physical and mental stimulation, they’ll invent projects—often your furniture.
• Anxiety and stress: Separation anxiety, changes in routine, or new family members can lead to destructive behavior as a way to cope.
• Territory and marking (cats): Scratching removes the outer nail sheath and deposits scent from glands in their paws.
• Medical reasons: Dental pain, gastrointestinal upset, or neurological problems can change behavior. Pica (eating non-food items) may indicate a nutritional or medical issue.

Think of chewing and scratching as communication. Your pet is telling you something—sometimes “I’m bored,” sometimes “this hurts,” sometimes “I’m stressed.” Our job is to translate that into prevention and healthier outlets.

Immediate safety steps (what to do right now)

If your pet is actively chewing or has just swallowed something harmful, act quickly.

• Remove unsafe objects and put dangerous items out of reach (wires, medications, small toys).
• If you suspect ingestion of toxic or sharp objects, call your veterinarian or an emergency clinic immediately.
• Keep trash and plants secured—many common houseplants and human foods are toxic to pets.

For ongoing destructive behavior, follow the three-pronged approach below: manage the environment, provide alternatives, and teach new behaviors.

1) Manage the environment (reduce temptation)

You can make big progress simply by making the destructive choice harder and the right choice easier.

For dogs:

• Puppy-proof rooms: Put shoes, socks, children’s toys, remote controls, and small items out of reach.
• Use baby gates or exercise pens to limit access when you can’t supervise.
• Crate train for safety and comfort—many dogs learn to love their crate as a den if introduced gradually and positively.
• Secure trash and compost bins; hide wires with cord protectors.

For cats:

• Shut doors to rooms with valuable items or delicate furniture.
• Place houseplants out of reach (or remove toxic ones).
• Use double-sided tape, aluminum foil, or furniture covers temporarily on surfaces you want them to avoid—cats dislike sticky or crinkling textures.
• Keep breaking ornaments and fragile items away from windowsills and low shelves.

Environmental changes don’t solve behavior by themselves, but they stop mistakes while you teach better habits.

2) Provide better, enticing alternatives

Pets often choose your things because yours smell like you, and they’re readily available. Give them options that are more interesting.

For dogs (chewing):

• Offer durable chew toys that tolerate heavy gnawing—look for rubber or nylon designed for adult dogs. For teething puppies, softer rubber or frozen washcloths can soothe gums.
• Stuffable toys (e.g., a hollow toy filled with kibble or paste) provide a task and a tasty reward.
• Rotate toys to keep them novel—put a few away and swap weekly.
• Provide safe long-lasting chews occasionally (dried bully sticks, raw knuckle bones for larger dogs—check with your vet first for safety).

For cats (scratching):

• Provide multiple scratching posts with different textures—sisal, carpet, cardboard. Cats have preferences; offer one of each.
• Place posts near places they already scratch (e.g., beside a couch or by a doorway) and near windows where they like to lounge.
• Try horizontal and vertical options—some cats prefer to stretch fully while scratching.
• Use catnip or silver vine to attract them to new scratching furniture.
• Consider cardboard scratchers for quick replaceable options.

Real-world example: If your labrador loves shoes, stuff a sturdy toy with a bit of kibble and a little peanut butter, then hide one shoe-shaped toy and leave shoes out for a while swapped with the stuffed toy. The dog learns the toy is more rewarding.

3) Teach and reinforce alternative behavior

Redirecting and reinforcing is the training piece that makes the change stick.

Teach “leave it” and “drop it” for dogs:

• Start with low-value items. Present the item in your closed hand, say “leave it,” and reward with a treat when the dog backs away. Progress slowly to items on the floor.
• For “drop it,” trade for a higher-value treat. Praise calmly when they release the object.

Redirect cats by moving them to approved scratching objects:

• When you see a cat approaching the couch, pick them up gently and place them at the scratching post, then reward with a treat or petting when they use it.
• Consistent, patient redirection with rewards works better than punishment.

Positive reinforcement beats punishment:

• Reward desired behavior immediately with treats, praise, or play.
• Avoid yelling, rubbing your pet’s nose in the damage, or other punishments. These techniques often make anxiety worse and might increase destructive behavior.

Build routines and rituals:

• Teach calm settling behaviors—“place” or “mat” where the pet relaxes on a bed for a short period. Reward calmness.
• Use structured play sessions to burn energy before you leave or before bedtime.

Energy, exercise, and mental stimulation

A tired pet is a good pet. Both physical activity and mental work curb destructive urges.

For dogs:

• Daily walks, fetch sessions, or runs suited to the dog’s age and breed.
• Short training sessions (5–10 minutes, multiple times daily) that challenge the brain—basic obedience, scent games, or trick training.
• Puzzle feeders and food-dispensing toys extend mealtime into a job.

For cats:

• Interactive wand toys mimic prey and let them pounce and chase.
• Short play sessions 2–3 times daily (5–10 minutes each) are often more effective than one long session.
• Food puzzles and treat-dispensing toys encourage hunting behaviors.

Example daily plan for a dog:

• Morning: 20–30 minute walk + 10-minute training session.
• Midday: 5–10 minute play or puzzle feeder.
• Evening: 30–45 minute play/walk and calming wind-down with a chew toy.

Example daily plan for a cat:

• Morning: 5–10 minute active play near a window.
• Afternoon: treat puzzle.
• Evening: 10–15 minute play session before bed and access to a variety of scratching surfaces.

Nail care, grooming, and physical fixes

Sometimes small, practical steps reduce damage.

For cats:

• Regular nail trimming reduces the impact of scratching. Use proper cat nail clippers, trim small amounts frequently, and reward the cat.
• Nail caps (soft vinyl covers) can be glued onto nails by a vet or groomer for temporary protection.
• Keep claws blunted with regular scratching on rough surfaces.

For dogs:

• Regular nail trims prevent snagging and may reduce certain chewing triggered by discomfort.
• Check teeth and gums—pain can cause chewing on inappropriate items.

Avoid the common mistakes

• Don’t punish after the fact. Because pets don’t connect punishment with past behavior, the only result is fear and confusion.
• Don’t give attention (even negative attention) for destructive behavior—scolding can be reinforcing because attention itself is rewarding.
• Don’t rely on deterrents alone (e.g., bitter sprays) without offering alternatives. They work best when paired with positive training.

When to seek professional help

If you’ve tried consistent management, training, and enrichment for several weeks with little improvement, get professional help.

See your veterinarian if:

• The behavior started suddenly or changed dramatically.
• There are signs of pain, nausea, or other medical issues.
• Your pet is ingesting dangerous objects or has weight loss or changes in appetite.

Consider a certified animal behaviorist or professional trainer if:

• The behavior is severe (walls torn up, continuous destructive episodes).
• There are signs of anxiety or compulsive behaviors (repetitive, fixated chewing or scratching).
• You need an individualized behavior modification plan.

Medication or behavior therapy can help in cases of severe anxiety or compulsive disorders, but these are decisions best made with a vet or behavior specialist.

Troubleshooting: common scenarios and fixes

• Puppy chewing everything in the house: Increase supervised play, rotate chew toys, crate when unsupervised, and teach “drop it.”
• Dog destroys things when left alone: Gradually train to be comfortable alone with short departures and safe enrichment (puzzle toys). Seek help for separation anxiety.
• Cat scratches new couch: Place a vertical sisal post beside the couch. Make the post more appealing with catnip and treats. Block access to the couch temporarily if possible.
• Kitty shredding window blinds: Provide elevated perches and horizontal cardboard scratchers on windowsills. Consider cordless blinds for safety.

Patience, consistency, and realistic expectations

Behavior change takes time—often weeks to months. Be patient and consistent. Small daily wins compound: a 5–10 minute training session today, a toy swap, and a short walk will add up to meaningful improvement.

Think of behavior change like building a new habit for a human: you wouldn’t expect someone to stop a lifetime habit overnight. Your pet is learning a new way to cope and get rewarded.

Final checklist: a 2-week action plan

Week 1

• Pet-proof key rooms and remove hazards.
• Introduce multiple, attractive alternatives (chew toys, scratching posts).
• Begin a daily exercise and play schedule.
• Start short training sessions (leave it, drop it, place/mat).
• Trim nails as needed.

Week 2

• Increase interactive and mental stimulation; rotate toys.
• Reinforce substitute behaviors with treats and praise.
• Use management strategies: crate or confined area when unsupervised.
• Monitor progress and any signs of stress or medical issues.

If after two weeks you see some improvement—great, keep going. If not, consult your veterinarian or a behaviorist for next steps.

You’re not alone

Dealing with destructive chewing and scratching is one of the most common issues pet owners face. It can be frustrating, but understand that your pet isn’t “acting out” to spite you. They’re responding to natural needs. With empathy, consistent management, and rewarding alternatives, you can protect your home and help your pet feel secure and satisfied.

If you want, tell me a little about your pet—age, species, what they’re destroying, and when it happens—and I’ll suggest a tailored plan you can start this week.