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 Why Do Cats Scratch?
Although some people think a cat's scratching behavior is a reflection of
his distaste for a couch's upholstery, a not-so-subtle hint to open the
drapes, or a poorly conceived Zorro impersonation, the fact is that cats
scratch objects in their environment for many perfectly normal reasons. For
instance, cats scratch:
Because scratching is a normal behavior, and one that cats are highly
motivated to display, it's unrealistic to try to prevent them from
scratching. Instead, the goal in resolving scratching problems is to
redirect the scratching onto acceptable objects.
Training Your Cat to Scratch Acceptable Objects
You must provide objects for scratching that are appealing,
attractive, and convenient from your cat's point of view. Start by
observing the physical features of the objects your cat is scratching. The
answers to the following questions will help you understand your cat's
scratching preferences:
Where are they located? Prominent objects, objects close to sleeping
areas, and objects near the entrance to a room are often chosen.
What texture do they have—are they soft or coarse?
What shape do they have—are they horizontal or vertical?
How tall are they? At what height does your cat scratch?
Now, considering your cat's demonstrated preferences, substitute similar
objects for her to scratch (rope-wrapped posts, corrugated cardboard, or
even a log). Place the acceptable object(s) near the inappropriate object(s)
that she's already using. Make sure the objects are stable and won't fall
over or move around when she uses them.
Cover the inappropriate objects with something your cat will find
unappealing, such as double-sided sticky tape, aluminum foil, sheets of
sandpaper, or a plastic carpet runner with the pointy side up. Or you may
give the objects an aversive odor by attaching cotton balls containing
perfume, a muscle rub, or other safe yet unpleasant substance. Be careful
with odors, though, because you don't want the nearby acceptable objects to
also smell unpleasant.
When your cat is consistently using the appropriate object, it can be
moved very gradually (no more than three inches each day) to a
location more suitable to you. It's best, however, to keep the appropriate
scratching objects as close to your cat's preferred scratching locations as
possible.
Don't remove the unappealing coverings or odors from the inappropriate
objects until your cat is consistently using the appropriate objects in
their permanent locations for several weeks, or even a month. They should
then be removed gradually, not all at once.
Should I Punish My Cat for Scratching?
No! Punishment is effective only if you catch your cat in the act of
scratching unacceptable objects and have provided her with acceptable
scratching objects. Punishment after the fact won't change the behavior, may
cause her to be afraid of you or the environment, and may elicit defensive
aggression. Used by itself, punishment won't resolve scratching problems
because it doesn't teach your cat where to scratch instead. If you do catch
your cat in the act of scratching inappropriate objects, punish her in a way
that prevents her from associating the punishment with you. Try making a
loud noise (using a whistle, shaking a soda can filled with rocks, or
slapping the wall) or using a water-filled squirt bottle. If you use other,
more interactive techniques, she'll learn to refrain from scratching in your
presence but will continue to scratch when you're not around.
How Do I Trim My Cat's Claws?
To help keep them sharp, cats keep their claws retracted until they're
needed. As the claws grow too long and become curved, they can't be
retracted completely. You should clip off the sharp tips of your cat's claws
on her front feet every two weeks or so. Clipping your cat's claws will also
help prevent them from becoming snagged in carpets and fabrics, not to
mention your skin!
Before trimming your cat's claws, help her get accustomed to having her
paws handled and squeezed. You can do this by gently petting her legs and
paws while giving her a treat. This will help to make it a more pleasant
experience. Gradually increase the pressure so that petting becomes gentle
squeezing, as you'll need to do this to extend the claw. Continue with the
treats until your cat tolerates this kind of touching and restraint. It may
take a little longer if she's not used to having her legs or paws handled.
Apply a small amount of pressure to her paw—with your thumb on top of her
paw and your index finger underneath—until a claw is extended. You should be
able to see the pink or "quick," which is a small blood vessel. Don't cut
into this pink portion, as it will bleed and be painful for your cat. If you
cut off just the sharp tip of the claw, the "hook," it will dull the claw
and prevent extensive damage to household objects and to your skin.
There are several types of claw trimmers designed especially for pets.
These are better than your own nail clipper because they won't crush the
claw. Until you and your cat have become accustomed to the routine, one claw
or foot a day is enough of a challenge. Don't push to do all of them at
once, or you'll both have only negative memories of claw clippers!
Should I Declaw My Cat?
Declawing is a procedure whereby a veterinarian amputates the end digit
and claw of a cat's paws—similar in scope to cutting off a person's finger
at the last joint. The Humane Society of the United States opposes declawing
when done solely for the convenience of the owner. Scratching is a natural
behavior for cats and can be directed to appropriate items.
However, if you feel that you must either declaw your cat or give her up,
we would rather see your cat stay in her home and be your lifelong
companion. If you do decide to have your cat declawed, we suggest that you
have the surgery done at the same time she's spayed (or neutered, if your
cat is a male). Never have rear paws declawed, and be sure to always
keep your cat indoors; without claws to defend herself or climb to escape,
your cat is in much greater danger outdoors—and the great outdoors is a very
unsafe place for cats to begin with.
Where Can I Find an Effective Scratching Post?
Several companies manufacture scratching posts and other products that
appeal to cats. Some companies and organizations have developed similar
plans for do-it-yourselfers. Here's a sampling of some of the products that
are out there:
Felix Katnip Tree Company
206-547-0042
www.felixkatniptreecompany.com
Homemade Cat Ladder
www.caws.org
How to Build a Scratching Post
www.catsinternational.org
Other Resources
Sticky Paws
1-888-697-2873
www.stickypaws.com
Soft Paws
1-800-989-2542
www.softpaws.com
© 2002. Adapted from material originally developed by
applied animal behaviorists at the Dumb Friends League, Denver, Colorado.
All rights reserved
Up
Aggression Between Family Cats
Aggression Towards People
Caring for Your Cat
Cat Toys You Need Them
Common Cat Hazards
Common Poisonous Plants
Declawing Cats
Destructive Scratching
Discouraging Free-Roaming Cats
Eating Strange Objects (Such as Feces)
Fearful Cats
Introducing Pets to a New Cat
Kitten Behavior Basics
Kitten's Rough Play
Noisy Cats
Training Your Cat with Treats and Praise
Preventing Litter Box Problems
Removing Pet Stains and Odors
Solving Litter Box Problems
Urine-Marking Behavior
Using Aversives to Modify Your Cat's Behavior
Your Cat—Indoors or Out
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