![]() However, this should only be undertaken if your cat is kept exclusively indoors, as it may need those sharp claws for defence against attack and to get out of trouble.Ĭlaw trimming, however, won’t be the whole answer – if a particular surface or object is being damaged it is important to provide an acceptable alternative that offers a similar experience when used. If a cat becomes used to claw trimming as a kitten then this will be well tolerated as an adult and will prevent damage to furniture. If you have owned your cat from a kitten it is important that it is accustomed to handling and restraint at an early age. Even if the level of scratching is normal for your cat, if attractive scratching posts or areas are not provided indoors it is likely that damage will occur to furniture, wallpaper or carpet! What can I do to stop my cat scratching my furniture and carpets? Whether the scratching represents claw maintenance, marking or both depends on the dynamics of your cat household, the pattern of locations and various other factors. If the scratched locations are widespread throughout the home, particularly around doorways and windows, then it is likely that your cat is signalling a general sense of insecurity. ![]() How do I know if the amount of scratching my cat does is normal? Popular locations include door frames, furniture and stairs.Ĭats will often scratch vigorously in the presence of their owners or other cats as a sign of territorial confidence. Popular substrates indoors include softwoods (eg, pine), fabrics, textured wallpaper and carpet. Scratching can also be used as a precursor for play or even as an attention-seeking tool if they have learnt this behaviour is positively reinforced. There are also those that choose to spend more time in the comfort and safety of the home and just feel more relaxed about maintaining their claws in a secure environment! Many cats nowadays have limited or no access to outdoors. Unvarnished woods and tree bark are the most natural surfaces to scratch as they provide a perfect level of resistance to the action and show a strong visual cue when used regularly. Similar surfaces outside will also be utilised for claw maintenance. When claws are scraped down a surface, the scent is deposited and the combination of the mark, discarded claw husks and the smell provides a strong visual and scent message to other cats.Įvidence of scratching outdoors can often be found on trees, fence posts, sheds and wooden gates, for example, all strategically important locations in a cat populated area. Scent and sweat glands in between the pads of the feet mix to produce a unique smell. Scratching is also used as a form of territorial communication or marking behaviour. The surfaces chosen are usually fixed and non-yielding to resist the force exerted by the cat. Some cats will scratch by lying down and pulling their bodyweight along the floor. It also exercises the muscles of the forelimbs and spine to keep the cat in tip-top condition for hunting. Cats scratch with their front claws by dragging them downward, either on a horizontal or vertical surface – this action, referred to as stropping, loosens and removes the outer husk of the claw revealing a sharp new surface underneath.
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