Although some people think a cat’s scratching behavior is a reflection of her 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.
Why Do Cats Scratch?
Cats scratch for many reasons, including:
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To remove the dead outer layer of their claws.
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To mark their territory by leaving both a visual mark and a scent - they have scent glands on their paws.
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To stretch their bodies and flex their feet and claws.
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To work off energy
Because scratching is 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:
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Where are they located? Prominent objects, objects close to sleeping areas, and objects near the entrance to a room are often chosen.
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What texture do they have - are they soft or coarse?
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What shape fo they have - are they horizontal or vertical?
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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 mourned when she uses them.
Cover the inappropriate objects with something you 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 and aversive odor by a teaching cotton balls containing perfume, a muscle rub, or other safe yet unpleasant substances. 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 3 inches per day) to a location more suitable for 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 orders 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 cat your cat in the act of scratching unacceptable objects and have provided her with acceptable scratching objects. Punishment after the face won’t change the behavior, may cause her to be afraid of your 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 make in 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 the 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, and 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 tup 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 o 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. Declawing can also lead to litter box or aggression problems.