Humans to Cats: Scratch This — Not That!
Editor’s note: Have you seen the new Catster print magazine in stores? Or in the waiting area of your vet’s office? This article appeared in our September/October 2016 issue. Click here to subscribe to Catster and get the bimonthly magazine delivered to your home.
One of the most common distress calls I receive at my office is from cat parents upset about their cat’s destructive claws. While we humans may feel like our cats must secretly hate us (why else would they ruin our brand-new designer sofa?), they’re really just following their natural instincts when they do a little redecorating with their claws.
Ways to redirect scratching
Tip one: Offer appealing scratching items to help redirect your cat’s need to scratch. There are many types of scratching pads available, and observing how your cat uses his claws will help you choose the right style. (Click here for our story about different items you can offer cats to scratch.)
Photo by Gina Cioli/Lumina Media
If your cat is a rug scratcher, a flat vertical scratching pad or box works best. Cats who like to claw on sofas tend to prefer a horizontal scratching post. Offer your cat a variety of types and textures, so he won’t get bored with just one. Scratchers let your cat flex his paws and keep his nails filed, while keeping him away from your rug and furniture.
Tip two: Put scratching pads around your home where your cat likes to hang out. A place central to the household’s action is ideal, especially if it’s a place where you tend to be. If you tuck scratching pads away from everyone, your cat won’t go out of his way to find and use it.
Tip three: Put catnip on the scratcher, and lead him toward it with toys and goodies. When he chooses the scratching post over your sofa, give him praise and a yummy treat to make it a memorable, positive experience. Should you find him scratching your sofa or carpet, gently guide him to the “good” scratching spots and give him a treat. Bribery works, and he’ll soon get the idea that he gets a reward when he uses the pads and posts instead of the sofa.
Tip four: Give your cat lots of love and playtime. Boredom can cause your cat to create his own excitement by attacking your furniture, enabling him to release his pent-up energy at the expense of your decor. Play with your cat daily to tire him out, so he won’t redecorate your house with his claws.
A cat plays with a fishing-pole toy by Shutterstock
Why cats scratch
Scratching is a necessary part of every cat’s life. Using those claws helps your cat strengthen the muscles in his paws; at the same time, it hastens the shedding of the outer layers of the nails to keep them clean and new. It’s the feline version of going to the nail salon.
Cats also scratch to claim territory. Using the scent glands in his paws, your cat leaves his mark on the places he likes best to let other felines know to stay away. It’s part of his natural hunting instincts, done to keep his claws at the ready for the next big pursuit.
Simply put, cats must scratch to maintain good paw and nail health. In nature, this would be necessary so they can hunt for their dinner. Plus, it just feels good. You’ll never be able to stop your cat from scratching, but you can redirect those urges to more acceptable places.
No-scratch zone
Let your cat know that certain places in your home are off-limits to his paws of destruction. Protect sofas and chairs by making them unpleasant for your cat to touch. Cover sofas and chairs temporarily with plastic to make it impossible for claws to take hold. Use double-sided sticky tape on furniture, as cats don’t like the sticky feel. You can also spray furniture and carpets with an orange-scented spray, as most cats don’t like the smell of citrus.
If you do find your cat clawing the no-no places, clap your hands or throw a soft toy for him to chase so he’s distracted. Because your cat must scratch somewhere, have appropriate scratching alternatives available, so you can guide him to those “good” scratching places and away from the no-no spots.
Trim those nails
Photo by Shutterstock
Trimming the nails regularly renders them relatively harmless. You can take your cat to a groomer or learn to do it yourself at home. If you’ve never trimmed a cat’s nails before, ask your veterinarian to show you exactly where to cut.
You can also put nail caps over your cat’s front claws to make them harmless to the objects in your home. You can put them on your cat at home or have your veterinarian or groomer do it for you.
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