Why do Cats Scratch?
One of the number one concerns of cat owners is cats "being destructive" and scratching their furniture. If you want to have cats in your life you need to understand that for a cat scratching is a normal, basic behavior that will never stop. In fact, it would be abnormal for a cat to not scratch.
Perhaps if you understand the reasons why cats scratch you will recognize how to change the cat's environment so they have appropriate scratching tools: 1. Most animals mark their territory and cats are no different. A cat has scent glands on their paws. Scratching an area says, "Stay away, this is mine." 2. As a cat's claw grows the outer sheath needs to detach. Scratching helps the cat to maintain their nails. 3. Scratching can be a defensive or aggressive behavior. Many times it is just to assist the cat with balance. A good example is when a cat jumps onto your lap. Sometimes they need their claws to gain balance.
Cat trees usually have several areas to appropriately scratch. Many have cardboard scratchers or sisal wrapped around them. Some are on angles to that the cat can stretch out. When you look for a cat condo, think the more scratching areas the better!
If your pet cat is scratching a lot when you are around, they may be trying to get your attention. Scratching can be their way of saying "play with me" or "I need a cuddle."
The bottom line is that if you are going to own a cat, you better prepare yourself for scratching. Think like your cat. If you were a cat you is just would probably like the texture of cardboard and sisal, plus you get a treat when you use those materials. This just reinforces to your cat that their cat tree is the appropriate place to scratch.
One of the number one concerns of cat owners is cats "being destructive" and scratching their furniture. If you want to have cats in your life you need to understand that for a cat scratching is a normal, basic behavior that will never stop. In fact, it would be abnormal for a cat to not scratch.
Perhaps if you understand the reasons why cats scratch you will recognize how to change the cat's environment so they have appropriate scratching tools: 1. Most animals mark their territory and cats are no different. A cat has scent glands on their paws. Scratching an area says, "Stay away, this is mine." 2. As a cat's claw grows the outer sheath needs to detach. Scratching helps the cat to maintain their nails. 3. Scratching can be a defensive or aggressive behavior. Many times it is just to assist the cat with balance. A good example is when a cat jumps onto your lap. Sometimes they need their claws to gain balance.
Cat trees usually have several areas to appropriately scratch. Many have cardboard scratchers or sisal wrapped around them. Some are on angles to that the cat can stretch out. When you look for a cat condo, think the more scratching areas the better!
If your pet cat is scratching a lot when you are around, they may be trying to get your attention. Scratching can be their way of saying "play with me" or "I need a cuddle."
The bottom line is that if you are going to own a cat, you better prepare yourself for scratching. Think like your cat. If you were a cat you is just would probably like the texture of cardboard and sisal, plus you get a treat when you use those materials. This just reinforces to your cat that their cat tree is the appropriate place to scratch.
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