Why do they do it?
This is normal cat behaviour. Marking their territory by scratching is a visual signal to other cats that they preside in another cats territory. When cats scratch they also deposit scent from glands in their feet, providing information to other animals about who they are and how recently they were in the area. In the wild this would happen on trees or logs, but when they live in houses, they tend to do this on a sofa, wall or perhaps your lovely curtains or drapes. Cats learn quickly that they tend to get your attention more effectively scratching on a door to be let in than say meowing outside the door all night.
What can be done?
*Provide your cat with a scratch post and encourage them to use it, perhaps with catnip spray. If at all possible train them when you first bring them into your home. Put the scratch post in areas where they like to sleep because they often wake up stretch, then scratch.
*Where possible you might try putting double sided sticky tape over where your cat scratches. Cats hate the sticky sensation, and will quickly be discouraged.
*Allow only supervised access to areas where they tend to scratch. When you see your cat about to scratch on a forbidden surface, use a spray bottle or water pistol to interrupt their behaviour and then shut them out of the room.
*Soak a cloth or foam with oil of citronella and stuff it in pillowcases. Push these underneath sofas that are being scratched.
*Ensure your cat has easy access to outdoors so it does not learn to use scratching as a strategy to control your behaviour.
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