ᐅ My pet constantly scratches at the Kallax doors – any solutions?

Hello everyone,

I have a small but annoying problem with my pet, more specifically with my cat. For some time now, she has been constantly scratching at the doors of my Kallax shelving unit, as if she is trying to find something inside or gain access. The scratching happens almost daily and is quite loud and disruptive—not only for me but also for other household members.

I understand that cats often scratch when they want to play, mark territory, or relieve stress, but this behavior seems to go beyond the normal. The doors are made of wood, and I notice that the scratching is damaging the surfaces and the furniture.

Does anyone here have tips or experience on how to reduce or redirect this persistent scratching on the Kallax doors? What might be the reason for this particular focus on this piece of furniture? Would it make sense to install special coverings or encourage other behaviors? I look forward to your constructive suggestions and possibly some explanations of why my cat is focused on these doors.

Thanks in advance!

Hey blase57,

that really sounds frustrating, but hey – these little challenges are actually one of the best parts of living with our furry friends! 🙂

I had a similar issue with my cat, who used to scratch my cabinet doors all the time. What helped a lot for me was redirecting her scratching behavior with toys and specially designed scratching boards placed right next to the doors. It sounds simple, but trust me, if you put one of these right on or next to the Kallax doors, the cat will soon forget about the door.

Also: a slight scent of catnip on the scratching board can work wonders to shift attention away from your furniture and onto the toys! Additionally, you could try putting some double-sided tape on the doors – many cats dislike the sticky feeling and then leave it alone.

Don’t get discouraged, you can definitely manage this! I’m keeping my fingers crossed that you’ll soon have peace from the scratching 🙂

bauku schrieb:
If you place something like that right next to or beside the Kallax doors, the cat will soon forget about the door.

A really good approach! Additionally, I would like to point out that scratching on furniture often has several causes. It could be that your cat either needs stimulation, is marking certain spots, or is simply bored.

In my experience, it’s worthwhile to analyze the cat’s environment and create an engaging setting. This includes not only scratching boards but also climbing opportunities, hiding places, and regular playtime.

I also recommend protecting the furniture with an unsuitable material, for example, plastic sheeting or a pleasant but unwanted scent for the cat. It is also important to rule out possible stress factors in the household: changes, new housemates, or animals can promote this behavior.

Do you know if your cat shows any other unusual behaviors? That could indicate stress or health issues. A regular health check by a veterinarian is also advisable if it hasn’t already taken place.

I hope this helps you!

blase57 schrieb:
The doors are made of wood, and I notice that the scratching on the surfaces is also damaging the furniture.

I completely understand how that can be frustrating. It also shows how often pets and people can misunderstand each other in daily life. I had a similar situation with my cat a while ago – the scratching was more a sign of restlessness because we had changed our routine, and she didn’t quite recognize her area anymore.

What helped us was patience and a deliberate search for alternatives to the furniture. A spot with a large scratching post and soft resting areas reserved just for her often distracted and calmed her down.

Maybe this is the key: your cat wants to express itself on the furniture or mark that space as especially important. If that’s the case, you might try redirecting her attention while still respecting her need for security or control.

My experience has taught me not to respond with frustration but to try to see things from the animal’s perspective. Try observing your own behavior and daily routines – if you notice when the scratching happens most often, you can respond more specifically.

I wish you lots of success and patience!