The need to scratch

Source: author

Unfortunately many cats are rehomed due to their scratching behaviour if their owners find it unacceptable.  It can lead to damage of property and furnishings and is likely a main reason why so many property owners will not allow pets at rented properties. This post will explore why cats need to perform scratching behaviour and how we can provide suitable facilities for them. 

Cats have an innate (inbuilt) need to perform scratching behaviour for two reasons:

• Maintain healthy sharp claws - scratching aids shedding of claw sheaths
• Communication 
• cats have scent glands between their toes and scratching allows cats use their pheromones to mark their territory
• the scratching also leaves vertical marks for visual communication of territory

Cats definitely do not scratch to be naughty and it is important not to tell them off for this behaviour.  This can lead to the cat becoming anxious and may develop into other unwanted behaviours. 

There are many different options for scratching facilities to suit individual cats.  It is important to consider ideal scratching post:

• Tall scratch posts allow cats to fully stretch.  Still have the post you bought your cat as a kitten? It may be time to upgrade!
• Posts should be sturdy with a heavy base so they are stable when being used - a wobbly post could put some cats off using them
• As already mentioned, cats scratch vertically so a vertical thread would be the most appropriate

Other things to consider include:

Source: author

Small kittens and older cats with arthritis may prefer to scratch on horizontal surfaces - there are scratch boxes and mats available for this.  

There should be one scratching post available per cat in a multicat household, in different areas of the house to avoid conflict and competition. 

Cover any targeted furniture such as sofas, table legs or door frames with shiny or plastic material such as a bin bag or foil to deter the cat from scratching there and place the post or scratch mat near to the area.  Cats can also like their scratching items near to where they sleep. 

Using catnip on the post and base can attract the cat's attention and use fishing rod toys to play around the post will make it a positive item for the cat to interact with. 

Source: author

Feliscratch is a great product from CEVA who make Feliway.  It is designed into liquid pipettes that are applied to a scratch post or mat in order to mimic the physical scratch marks left by the cat whilst artificially representing cat marking pheromones.  

Source: feliway.com/uk

There are detailed instructions to follow that should lead to the scratching behaviour being redirected onto the appropriate scratching facility! All the info can be found on the CEVA website and the video below shows how to use the product.