Cats are full of quirky and sometimes weird behavior. Then again, that is one of the reasons why we love them. Some of their strange behaviors can entertain us and some can be annoying and leave us wondering why they engage in such habits.
If your cat scratches the mirror, it is possible they are just curious about it and finds it intriguing. While this is one explanation, there are other reasons why your cat may continue to scratch the mirror even after you have attempted to stop the behavior, such as viewing the reflection as a threat and seeking attention.
Your feline friend may intentionally knock things over or bring home “gifts” such as dead birds. However, one cat behavior that baffles cat parents is why they scratch mirrors. Some cats compulsively scratch mirrors even at night that they wake their owners up. We know how mirror scratching is a big concern, especially if your cat makes it a habit. Continue reading this insightful article to help you figure out why your cat may be scratching the mirror and ways to stop it.
Reasons your cat scratches the mirror
There are different reasons why cats scratch mirrors. Below are the possible reasons why your cat may engage in this habit frequently.
Curiosity
Cats are very curious animals naturally and the only reliable way to know what an object is and how it works is by scratching it. When they see movements in the mirror every time they walk past it, they probably will check it out and scratch. So, between the mirror’s unique properties due to the reflection, and your cat’s inborn curiosity, it is no surprise that the cat will try to scratch the mirror to understand more about it and how it works.
A threatening reflection
Some cats have no visual self-awareness and may not recognize their reflection. They think that the cat in the reflection is another cat and they may begin to feel threatened. By viewing their reflection as an intruder, they start scratching the mirror in an attempt to scratch the trespasser.
Scratching the mirror can also be a way of marking their territory to keep the stranger away. Cats have scent glands in their paws and they may scratch the mirror to leave their scents there and mark their territory. However, when the cat learns that the “intruder” does not pose any threat they quickly become uninterested and may stop scratching the mirror.
Seeking attention
Cats are very intelligent and they can quickly learn that their behavior is drawing attention to them. Their simple curiosity could quickly turn into a fun game to play with their owner. When given attention every time they scratch the mirror; they soon learn that scratching the mirror can be a good source of attention. All the cat has to do is scratch the mirror and receive full attention when you talk to it or go lift it from the mirror.
If your cat is scratching the mirror to seek attention, it can become a tough situation as it is taking the habit as a game. Nevertheless, you may need to spend more time with your cat as it is possible it could be feeling neglected.
Summary of why cats scratches the mirror
Reason |
Explanation |
Curiosity |
Cat is simply curious about the mirror |
A threat reflection |
Cat views the reflection as a threat or intruder |
Seeking attention |
Cat wants to have some time with its owner |
Is it dangerous for my feline to scratch mirrors?
In most situations, the habit does not pose any danger to your cat. Most cats outgrow mirror scratching when they get used to their reflection. That said, there are some safety concerns too. The cat may knock the mirror over causing injury. Cat nails are also not designed to cut glass and they could crack or break if the scratching is aggressive and excessive.
Additionally, mirrors can turn out to be a source of aggression and anxiety, especially if the cat continues to view the reflection as a threat. Seek medical help to ensure your cat does not develop behavioral problems, such as compulsive disorder and aggressive behavior.
How do I stop my cat from scratching the mirror?
There are several ways to stop cats from scratching mirrors, as discussed below.
Covering Mirrors
The most obvious thing to do is to cover the mirror or if it is portable, keep it away from the cat’s reach. This way the cat will not get scared by it or be tempted to scratch it, and it is a win-win situation for both parties.
Give your cat a scratch post and toys
Cats love scratching and they may be scratching the mirror since they do not have anything to scratch on. A scratch post will limit how much the cat scratches the mirror and other items. Getting cats toys will ensure they use their energy playing. You can also stimulate and divert their curiosity using cat trees, food dispensing toys, and interactive toys.
Give your cat attention
Your cat may be scratching the mirror to get attention. Give your fur baby attention by playing together so it does not feel neglected.
Deterring the behavior
You can manually try to teach your cat that scratching mirrors is bad behavior. It can be done by using a disapproving tone every time it tries to scratch the mirror, and hopefully, the cat will learn with time.
You can also spray water on the cat whenever it starts scratching the mirror. Pretty quickly, the cat will associate the behavior with being sprayed and will move on to others things to play with.
Using cat tape
Cats hate sticky things and placing double-sided tape in front of the mirror where the cat stands to scratch will discourage it from going near the mirror.
Seek Medical Attention
Unfortunately, your cat may develop anxiety as it continues to perceive the reflection as a threat. If the behavior persists, you should contact the vet to ensure your cat gets anti-anxiety medication or an animal behaviorist to help with the problem.
Conclusion
Cats can engage in strange behaviors from time to time, which actually have solid reasons behind them. It becomes important to educate yourself as a cat parent about the different reasons why your cat is engaging in certain habits, and then act timely to fix the undesirable behavior.
FAQs
Is it dangerous for my cat to scratch the mirror?
The behavior is not dangerous; however, the cat may knock the mirror over and hurt itself.
Will my cat outgrow the habit of scratching mirrors?
Mostly, cats stop scratching mirrors after they realize the reflection is not an intruder. However, if the behavior continues you may need to seek medical help to ensure your cat does not develop anxiety by continuing to perceive the reflection as a threat.