Scratch That ~ Strategies for Channeling Your Cat's Natural Urge to Claw
Mar 31, 2022 09:31AM ● By Jorelle Baker
One of the biggest challenges with owning a cat is
managing their desire to scratch. When that urge isn’t channeled properly, cats
can cause considerable damage to furniture, clothes and walls. However, it is
the owner’s responsibility to provide their cat with an outlet for scratching
and avoid unnecessary procedures like declawing to keep their home and family
safe.
Why do
cats scratch?
Cats have a biological and physical need to scratch.
Scratching helps them remove old nail sheaths, allowing their nails to continue
growing without impediment. Scratching is also a way to mark their territory
from other animals, stretch their long bodies and provide them better grip when
climbing and running.
How to
keep cats from scratching furniture
1. Scratching posts:
Having a variety of stable scratching posts around the house offers the cat
different options for focusing its instincts. Posts made of various materials,
like cardboard and sisal rope, are readily available at pet stores. Avoid posts
wrapped in fabrics that feel similar to furniture, to reduce confusion about
what’s OK to scratch.
2. Pet-safe tape: This
product will prevent your cats from clawing furniture without doing any harm to
your cat or your furniture.
3. Nail clipping:
Introduce your cat to getting its nails clipped at an early age. This will not
remove its need to scratch, but clipped nails won’t damage furniture as much as
sharp nails will.
4. Nail caps:
Cat-specific nail caps cover sharp nails, providing a soft and smooth edge so
the cat can scratch any surface without damaging it.
5. Positive reinforcement:
Leaving scented treats or sprinkling catnip on a scratching post will teach the
cat to scratch that specific surface.
The
problem with declawing
As a holistic
practice, we are highly against declawing, a surgical procedure where the
veterinarian removes the third bone in the cat’s front paws. It’s unnecessary,
only benefitting the owner while harming the pet. It also comes with a variety
of post-surgical risks:
Acute/chronic pain: The cat’s body will inform it that it’s missing
bones and there’s a problem.
Improper posture: The bone structure has changed, so the cat will
be forced to walk differently, which can cause spinal problems and improper
posture.
Nerve damage: Improper posture can damage the nerves over
time, as they are forced to engage with the body differently.
Aggressive
behavior: Cats can be vindictive.
If they are constantly in pain, they may lash out at the owner.
It is our
responsibility to care for our pets and provide them with everything they need
for a safe, comfortable and healthy life. Cats have a need to scratch, and it
is the cat owner’s job to provide an outlet for them. If you’re having trouble
keeping your cat from clawing, speak to a veterinary professional to find out
what else can be done.
Jorelle
Baker is the social media manager, content creator and webmaster for Holistic Pet Care, located at 125 Paterson Ave., Little Falls, NJ. For
appointments or information, visit HolisticPetCareNJ.com.