Inappropriate Scratching
Cat scratching is a normal and essential behavior for cats, but we can all agree that having a cat scratch up your favorite furniture is not desirable. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to redirect this behavior, save your furniture, and allow the cat to still perform the much needed exercise.
Cats scratch for a variety of reasons:
To shed the dead layers of their claws
To mark their territory using the scent glands on their paws
To exercise and stretch their body
What can you do if your cat is scratching items you don't want them to? Try some of the tips below.
Observe your cat’s preferences to scratching
What areas do they like to scratch (cats often scratch after waking up, so placing the scratching items near their sleeping areas may be beneficial)
What texture do they like
Do they like horizontal or vertical scratching items
Place the cat’s acceptable scratching items in areas of the home they prefer or near the place where they are scratching inappropriate items
Cover inappropriate scratching items with deterrents, such as low tack double sided stick tape (such as Sticky Paws) or plastic carpet runners
You can make appropriate scratching items more appealing with catnip (if your cat likes catnip), placing tasty treats nearby, or using toys to play around the scratching area
If the inappropriate scratching is suspected to be stress-related, you may try pheromone sprays/diffusers, such as Feliway, which provide a sense of comfort and security to cats
Declawing is not a humane option!
Claws are vital to a cat’s behavioral and physical health
Declawing can cause long-term physical complications and greatly increase the likelihood of long-term behavior problems
There are several alternatives, including training your cat to use appropriate scratching items around the house, pheromone spray, soft paws nail caps, and regular nail trimming
Visit this page for complete info on declawing and alternatives.
