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DESTRUCTIVE
SCRATCHING IN CATS
Why
Do Cats Scratch?
It's normal for cats to scratch objects in their environment for many
reasons.
- To remove
the dead outer layer of their claws.
- To mark
their territory by leaving both a visual mark and a scent - they have
scent glands on their paws.
- To stretch
their bodies and flex their feet and claws.
- To work
off energy.
Scratching
is a normal behavior, and one that cats are highly motivated to display.
It is unrealistic to try to prevent them from scratching. Instead, the
goal in resolving scratching problems is to redirect scratching onto
acceptable objects.
Train
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:
- Where
are they located? Prominent objects, objects close to sleeping areas
and areas near the entrance to a room are often chosen.
- What
texture do they have - are they soft or coarse?
- What
shape do they have - are they horizontal or vertical?
- 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 around when she uses them.
Cover the
inappropriate objects with something your 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 an aversive odor by attaching cotton balls containing perfume,
a muscle rub or other unpleasant odor. 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 three inches each day) to a location
more suitable to 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 odors 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 catch your cat in the
act of scratching unacceptable objects and have provided her with acceptable
scratching objects. Punishment after the fact won't change the behavior,
may cause her to be afraid of you 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 her in the act of scratching inappropriate objects,
remote punishment is best, in which you do not directly interact with
her. Ideas for remote punishment include making a loud noise (using
a whistle, shaking a pop can filled with rocks or slapping the wall),
throwing a pillow at her or using a water-filled squirt bottle. If punishment
is interactive, 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 except when
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 all four feet every week or so. Clipping your cat's claws
will also help prevent them from becoming snagged in carpets, fabrics
and skin. Before trimming your cat's claws, accustom her 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, as 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
tip 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 foot a day
is enough of a challenge. Don't push to do all four at once or you'll
both have only negative memories of claw clippers!
Should
I Declaw My Cat?
We strongly discourage cat owners from having their cats declawed. Scratching
is a natural behavior for cats and can be directed to appropriate items.
In addition to the above tips, you should know you can purchase commercial
products to cover your cat's claws. Check with your veterinary clinic
and they will instruct you on the proper application.
If you
feel you need additional information or consultation about your cat
and declawing, we recommend you speak with your veterinarian. If it
becomes a decision to either declaw or give up your cat, you need to
have all the facts. It is important you understand the severity of the
surgery, that you only declaw the front paws and that you always
keep your cat indoors.
Reprinted
with permission from the Denver Dumb Friends League.
