Cat scratching behaviour: a natural behaviour or a problem one?
Understanding Cat Scratching Problems: Summary
- Cats have claws and need to use them. Scratching sharpens claws and also puts your cat’s scent over the scratched area making the cat feel secure.
- Management of the cat anxiety issue involves redirecting the cats scratching on to appropriate scratching areas – scratching posts and placing these where the cat likes to scratch.
- Long term solutions involve encouraging the cat to scratch and also reducing any anxieties within the home.
Why Cats Scratch
Cats scratching behaviours around the home are one of the most common problems for cat owners. Yet, cat scratching behaviour is natural and cats need to do it. It may help to understand this behaviour and how to stop your cat scratching furniture.
Although most of us think that cats scratch to sharpen their claws, this is not the only reason. Cats tend to scratch where their scent will linger. Scratching deposits scent from the scent glands on their paws onto objects that have other scents.
So, objects near doorways or corridors or where your guests sit. This is where you need to place your scratching post.
Reasons why cats scratch
There are several reasons why cats scratch:
- to maintain the health & sharpness of their claws
- placing their scent on objects surrounding them
- to stretch & burn off energy
- to defend themselves
- because they enjoy it
Where does your cat scratch?
So, your cat likes to scratch! You may have to watch your the cat scratching behaviour of your family feline, to look for clues as to where, when and how the behaviour happens.
What does your cat scratch? Your furniture? The arms of your sofa? Your carpets or curtains? More importantly, ask where does your cat like to scratch? Is it in the corner of the room or, more likely, in a prominent position like the edge of your sofa?
You want your cat to use a cat scratching post rather than scratch your furniture? Think about where you have located the cat scratching post. Best place is where your cat wants to scratch.
If it is inconvenient to have the scratching post in the entrance to your lounge room or in your hallway, you can look at placing a smaller version here or gradually move the scratching post to your preferred location, little by little. Your cat, however, may continue to scratch in the position that they wish to.
Types of cat scratching post
The best scratching post is one that your cat enjoys using for their cat scratching behaviour. You may need to experiment with several types until you find your cats favourite or your may find that having different types is more stimulating for your cat.
Here are the main types of cat scratching posts:
1. Tree trunk cat scratching posts
While this might be the real deal, often it is a little inconvenient to bring a tree trunk into your home. If you have a cat enclosure, however, this might be a good option. Beware of bringing in all the bugs too!
2. Carpet cat scratching posts
Carpet is often wrapped around a central trunk and also used as a sleeping spot for your cat.
3. Sissal cat scratching posts
Rope may be wound around a central post
4. Cardboard cat scratching posts
Often recycled cardboard is enjoyed by cats due to its shreddable nature which can be messy.
(Note by Dr Jo: This is the type my cats love!)
Tips for scratching post use
- Take your cat to their scratching post at times they are likely to need to scratch – on waking, after a meal, after a play session or every hour or so.
- Wait for your cat to use the post and reward them with your attention “Good cat!” or a treat when they do. You can place treats on the post to encourage them to go there when you are absent.
- Some owners like to place their cat’s paws on the scratching post. This needs to be done very gently.
- Close doors: If you have precious areas of your home or pieces of furniture that you do not wish your cat to scratch and you cannot be there to supervise your cat, close the door.
Most of all, be patient! Cat scratching behaviour may take time to change.
Scratching with style
Cheap scratching posts may be effective for your cat. Buy several, place them in areas of your home that your cat likes to scratch. Be prepared to replace them often.
Stylish scratching posts may be so elegant, that they become a statement piece in your home!