Cats and Scratching

 

Scratching, to a cat, is a normal behavior, much like a dog's need to chew.  A cat will scratch for a variety or reasons, both physical and behavioral.  They scratch objects for exercise, play, and to remove the loose outer sheathing of the nail.  Cats' nails shed routinely much like a snake sheds its skin.  They also "mark" their territory with the scent glands located in the pads of their feet.  This scent is undetectable to humans, but cats may continue scratching to re-mark the area.  They also scratch for exercise, agility, and stretching.  When a cat stretches vertically to scratch, they are exercising their spine and other muscles to help keep fit and flexible.

 

Because cats are "perching" animals, they like and need to elevate themselves to higher places.  Their claws are used throughout the day to help them achieve these greater heights.  Without claws, their balance and mobility may be affected.

 

Furthermore, even though cats should always be indoors, if a cat gets outside by mistake, their claws may be vital for their defense.  If chased by another animal, cats will use their claws to protect themselves or climb to escape a threat.

 

 

Although scratching is a normal behavior, at times an owner may feel that his or her cat is scratching in inappropriate places.  The best way to ensure that both cat and owner are happy is to train the cat to scratch in “acceptable” places.

 

Begin by providing the cat with a good, sturdy scratching post, preferably one covered with a natural surface like rope, wood or sisal.  Some carpet covered posts may not always be the best choice; many cats may not use them.

 

Next, train your cat to use the post.  Don't assume that the cat will automatically know what to do—it’s your job to help him or her.  Put the post as close as possible to the area where the cat is already scratching.  Draw the cat to the post by cheerfully calling the cat’s name, and by using a toy on a string (always put string or yarn away from a cat when not playing to prevent swallowing and choking).  Pat the side of the post, pretending that you're scratching.  Never physically force the cat to use the post.  This may frighten the cat, and result in the cat not using the post at all.  You may want to sprinkle or spray cat nip on and around the post to make it more appealing.  Most importantly, whenever the cat scratches on the post - praise!  Even an occasional food reward may help to reinforce the training of your cat.

 

 
The scents left behind after scratching are one of the reasons why cats return to a scratch area. Stop a cat from scratching inappropriately with a clap of the hands, but do not scare the cat away.  At this very moment the cat needs to scratch, so seize the moment and redirect the cat to the scratching post immediately.  Don't forget to praise.  You need to make sure that the cat understands that it is alright to scratch, but only in the appropriate places.

 

You can also deter the cat from scratching those favorite (but inappropriate) areas by making them inaccessible or unattractive during the training period.  Cover the area with foil, plastic wrap, cheese cloth, or double-sided adhesive tape.  Mask the scent, on a non-stainable material, with a deterrent spray or a cologne.

 

Furthermore, a cat's nails should be trimmed regularly on all four feet to prevent injury or damage to people and furniture.  Cats' nails are retractable and pop out by pushing on the pad of the foot.  Each nail is transparent and resembles a hook.  The pink line inside the nail is a vein, or "quick".  Using a small nail trimmer, snip a blunt edge on each nail, being careful to avoid the "quick".  Incidentally, if the vein is ever cut by mistake, one way to stop the bleeding is by applying some flour.

 

For further information, you may contact The Anti-Cruelty Society at (312) 644-8338.