All About Cats� Scratching Needs

The article talks about how feline declawing could be declared (and should be) a criminal animal cruelty offense. It is already illegal in Australia and certain European countries as well a certain states in the US.

Then, it goes on to talk about cats’ scratching needs:

To Your Cat, Scratching Is as Automatic as Breathing

Your feline companion scratches and claws around the house for lots of good reasons, none of which have to do with a desire to destroy your expensive belongings!

Using their claws is a perfectly natural feline behavior and provides a number of positive benefits to the animal. Among them:

It helps cats stretch and tone their shoulders and legsIt sheds the older layers of nails and keeps the claws clean and smoothKitties use clawing to mark their territory both visually and with the scent of their paw padsIt reduces stress and just plain feels good!

It’s important to understand why your kitty scratches so you can direct her energies toward less destructive use of those sharp little claws. The following are some tips and tricks to help your feline family member learn proper clawing etiquette.

Step #1: Provide Kitty With Her Own Approved Scratching Surface

Observe your cat’s scratching behavior to determine what kind of scratcher(s) might appeal to her. Some kitties scratch horizontally. Some reach high overhead vertically for a good backstretch. Some lie on their backs and scratch a surface above them.

Also, observe what types of surface your cat prefers to scratch. Some cats go for soft fabric while others like wood flooring. If possible, buy or make cat scratchers that will satisfy both your kitty’s preferred scratching position and surface.

When you have your scratching surfaces ready to go, they need to be placed where they’ll be used. Remember that clawing is in part a marking behavior for your cat, so it’s likely she’s returning to the same place to scratch.

It’s doubtful your cat scratchers compliment the décor of your home, but unfortunately, they need to be located as close to that sofa corner or section of carpet as possible in order to entice kitty. You can also try locating one in front of the window she looks out of, her feeding area or her litterbox.

Sticking the scratchers in out-of-the-way spots your cat doesn’t frequent is unlikely to solve the problem. If you have more than one kitty, it’s also a good idea to have more than one scratcher, since many cats don’t like to share their scratching territory.

Encourage your cat to explore the scratcher using a lure like a feather toy or a toy with some catnip rubbed on it. Offer praise and treats each time she uses the post and especially when she digs her claws into it. Pet her while she’s using the post, and give her any other kinds of positive reinforcement she responds to. The idea is to make it an appealing experience each time she uses the new scratching surface.

Step #2: Discourage Illegal Scratching

While you’re training your cat to use appropriate scratching surfaces, you’ll also need to make any illegal surfaces he’s fond of as unattractive as possible to him.

Depending on what surfaces you want to protect, consider using scratching deterrents such as aluminum foil, double-sided tape, plastic sheeting, plastic carpet runners, car or chair mats with the spiky sides up, and/or inflated balloons. There are also herbal spray deterrents available that are designed to replace your pet’s paw pad scent markers on furniture, or other surfaces with an odor that will discourage him from returning to that spot.

Source: https://myanimalcare.org/2016/07/19/all-about-cats-scratchin..

Tweet

AnimalCare

AnimalCare is a registered society that promotes caregiving to street animals and helps in their neutering and medical needs. AnimalCare has a Medical Fund, Food Fund and Education Fund.

More Articles   |   Pets For Adoption   |   Website