Scratching is an inherent and perfectly normal behavior for cats. If you’re a cat owner, you’ve likely witnessed your feline friend scratching various surfaces, sometimes to your dismay. Understanding why cats scratch is the first step in managing this behavior effectively and protecting your furniture. This article delves into the reasons behind cat scratching and provides practical solutions to redirect this natural instinct towards more appropriate outlets.
Cats scratch for a multitude of reasons, all rooted in their natural instincts and needs. It’s not simply about being destructive; scratching serves several vital purposes for your feline companion.
One key reason is emotional expression. Cats scratch when they are excited, happy, or even stressed. Think of it as a physical outlet for their feelings. You might observe your cat scratching after a playful session or when you return home, demonstrating their enthusiasm.
Scratching also serves as a form of communication through scent marking. Cats have scent glands located in their paws. When they scratch, they deposit their scent onto the object, marking their territory. This scent marking is invisible to humans but is a clear message to other cats, signaling ownership and security.
Nail maintenance is another critical reason behind scratching. Scratching helps cats remove the dead outer layer of their claws, keeping them sharp and healthy. This is essential for hunting, climbing, and self-defense. Without scratching, these dead layers can become uncomfortable and hinder their natural abilities.
Finally, scratching is often simply about stretching and exercising. The act of scratching allows cats to stretch their muscles and tendons in their paws, legs, and back. It’s a way for them to keep limber and physically fit. Observe a cat scratching, and you’ll see them fully extend their body in a satisfying stretch.
It’s crucial to remember that cats don’t think in terms of “right” or “wrong” in the human sense. They operate based on their instincts and needs. When a cat feels the urge to scratch, their primary consideration is not whether it’s an acceptable place to scratch according to human standards, but rather where best satisfies their scratching needs at that moment. Their question is “Where do I prefer to scratch?”, not “Where should I scratch according to my owner?”.
As responsible cat owners, our goal is to bridge this gap by offering appealing and appropriate scratching alternatives that cater to your cat’s natural instincts. This involves providing options that are more attractive to your cat than your valuable furniture.
Cats are naturally drawn to scratch surfaces that are tall and sturdy, allowing them to fully extend and dig their claws in for a satisfying scratching experience. This explains why furniture often becomes a target. To divert their scratching behavior, offer scratching posts that meet these criteria.
Ideally, a scratching post should be at least 32 inches tall to allow for a full stretch. Sturdiness is also key; a wobbly post will be less appealing and potentially unsafe. The material of the scratching post also matters. Many cats are particularly fond of sisal rope due to its texture.
Some cats prefer to scratch horizontally. In such cases, you can either lay a vertical scratching post on its side or provide a dedicated horizontal scratcher covered in sisal or corrugated cardboard. Corrugated cardboard scratchers are another popular and affordable option for many cats. Wood is also a naturally appealing scratching surface, so if you’re handy, you can create your own wooden scratching posts or pads.
Location is just as important as the type of scratching post. Observe where your cat currently prefers to scratch. If they favor the couch, place the scratching post near the couch. If they scratch the wall by the front door when you arrive home, position a scratching post near the front door. Placing scratching posts in areas where your cat already exhibits scratching behavior significantly increases the likelihood of them using the provided alternatives.
By understanding why cats scratch and providing them with appealing and strategically placed scratching posts, you can effectively redirect their natural behavior and create a harmonious living environment for both you and your feline companion.
