It is a familiar scene for many cat owners: you settle down to watch your favorite show, and suddenly, your cat is up on the entertainment center, pawing or scratching at the screen.
It can be annoying, and it puts your expensive electronics at risk. But to stop this behavior, you first need to understand why it’s happening. Cats rarely do things without a reason.
Here is a breakdown of why your cat scratches the TV and simple ways to stop it.
Reason 1: The Hunter Instinct
Even though your cat is well-fed, they are still a predator at heart. Their eyes are designed to detect movement.
- Fast Motion: High-definition TVs display birds, mice, or even football players moving quickly across the screen. To a cat, these look like prey.
- Swatting Response: When your cat “scratches” the screen during a show, they are usually trying to catch the moving object. They aren’t trying to destroy the TV; they are trying to hunt.
Reason 2: Attention Seeking
Cats are smart. They observe what you pay attention to. If you stare at the “big glowing box” for hours, your cat notices.
- Jealousy: If they feel ignored, they will put themselves directly in your line of sight.
- The Reaction: If you yell, laugh, or get up to move them every time they touch the TV, you have taught them a lesson: Touching the TV gets your attention. Even negative attention is better than no attention to a bored cat.
Reason 3: Reflections
When the TV is turned off, the dark screen acts like a black mirror.
- The “Other” Cat: Your cat might see their own reflection and think it is an intruder.
- Territory: They may scratch or paw at the reflection to test the “stranger” or defend their territory.
Reason 4: Curiosity and Height
Cats love high vantage points. If your TV stands on a console or hangs on a wall, it is often in a prime location.
- The View: The top of a TV (or the stand) often gives a great view of the room.
- The Investigation: If they hear sounds coming from the speakers, they may scratch around the sides or front trying to find the source of the noise.
How to Stop Your Cat From Scratching the TV
Once you know the cause, you can fix the problem. You don’t need expensive tools, just consistency.
1. Provide Better Alternatives
If your cat is scratching to sharpen their claws, they need a better place to do it.
- Place a tall scratching post right next to the TV stand.
- Rub catnip on the post to make it more appealing than the television.
- Reward them with treats when they use the post instead of the TV.
2. Remove the “Prey”
If your cat attacks the screen while you are watching nature documentaries or sports:
- Distract them: Keep a laser pointer or wand toy nearby. If they look ready to pounce on the TV, engage them with the toy immediately.
- Tire them out: Play with your cat for 15 minutes before you sit down to watch TV. A tired cat will sleep rather than hunt pixels.
3. Make the TV Unappealing
You can use harmless deterrents to make the TV area a “no-go” zone.
- Double-Sided Tape: Cats hate sticky surfaces. Place double-sided tape (specifically made for pets) on the TV stand or the bezel of the TV (not the screen itself).
- Scent Deterrents: Use a citrus-scented spray on the TV stand. Cats generally dislike the smell of lemon or orange.
4. Ignored Behavior Extinction
If your cat does it for attention:
- Stop reacting. Do not yell or look at them.
- Calmly pick them up and place them on the floor without saying a word.
- Eventually, they will learn that the TV does not result in interaction.
Important Safety Note: Secure Your TV
If your cat is jumping on or batting at your TV, there is a serious risk of the TV tipping over. This can injure your cat and destroy your appliance.
Safety Tip: Always use anti-tip straps or wall mounts to anchor your TV securely. This is essential for any home with pets or children.
Summary
Your cat isn’t scratching the TV to be bad. They are either hunting moving images, asking for your attention, or reacting to a reflection. By providing scratching posts, playing with them more often, and securing your TV, you can protect your screen and keep your cat happy.
