Scratching in cats
Scratching in cats
The fact that cats scratch objects part of their environment is normal, and they do it for several reasons such as:
- To get rid of the dead outer layers of their claws
- To mark their territory with a visual mark and a scent- after all, they have scent glands on their paws.
- As a stretching exercise and to work off energy
Considering this behavior is native to them, it's wrong to prevent them from doing it. Instead, you could make them scratch objects after considering the following:
He could scratch those objects that are near his bedding or near the entrance of certain rooms. The texture, shape and height of objects in his room will determine which ones he will scratch against.
Once you know the kind of objects he likes to scratch, look for substitutes and place them near the objects he likes to scratch. Cover the objects he is already scratching and which you don't want him to continue scratching with sticky tape or sheets of sandpaper so that these will him turn him off from scratching them.
As your cat begins to choose the objects you have placed in his path, move the original covered objects a little out of his way, while moving the new scratchable objects nearer him. Keep the original objects covered until your cat has learnt which objects alone he may use as a scratching post. This may take several weeks.
Punishment for scratching: Do not punish your cat for scratching unless you catch him red-handed. Punishment will not get him out of the habit nor will it teach him where else he may safely scratch but will certainly make him aggressive. The only way you can punish him is to not interact with him directly for some time, so he gets the idea of not using certain objects for scratching. For instance, you could make a loud noise or throw a soft pillow at him whenever he scratches undesirable objects.
Preventing your cat from scratching: Scratching helps cats keep their claws sharp. When they grow far too long and curve in, clip off the tips each week. By clipping his claws, they won't get stuck in carpets or fabric.
Give your cat the habit of having her paws handled and squeezed by petting her paws and legs while giving her a tasty treat. With time, increase the pressure so that the petting turns into a gentle squeeze- which you will need to do when stretching out the claw. You'll know you've put the right amount of pressure on her paw when you see the pink or "quick" or small blood vessel on her paw.
Declaw or not? Never declaw your cat as you will be depriving him of his natural behavior of scratching. If he loses this basic ability, he will develop behavioral problems that you perhaps never imagined.
Love your cat and keep him indoors but do not keep him away from his basic and trademark behavior or it will make him depressed and sad.