You step into the living room and suddenly notice that the bottom of your brand-new couch has been ripped to shreds. Kitty has done it yet again. Instead of losing your cool, relax. Here’s some information to help you better understand why cats scratch, and the different humane measures you can take to correct this behavior, such as strategically placing scratching posts in your home.
When cats attach their claws to an object and pull and scratch at it—whether it’s a couch, a bed, or the floor—they’re doing it to stretch their back and sharpen their nails. In some cases, cats scratch to shed an old nail sheath that may be hanging off. You might even see these nail remnants laying around on the floor.
However, we humans can’t tolerate a cat that constantly scratches our things, especially expensive items. We often can’t relate to the fact that cats are animals, and will sometimes do what animals do. They don’t understand why an object is of increased value to us, which is why training is necessary. Many people believe that cats can’t be trained, but that’s false. Effective cat training has been achieved in many households; patience, information, and a lot of treats are required.
Humane Ways to Redirect Scratching Behavior
So, how do you allow a cat to perform its regular stretching and nail-sharpening rituals while protecting your valuables? Some people put aluminum foil and double-sided tape on their couch or bed to discourage scratching, while others spray orange solutions and other repulsive-smelling products on areas they want their cats to avoid. Still, others participate in the inhumane act of declawing their cats, rendering them defenseless against other animals. That is not right. Instead of being cruel to kitty, another option is to buy a scratching post for them to use.
These posts come in various forms. Most major pet stores carry several sizes. You’ll find options ranging from small ones you can hang on a door, to larger posts with twists and turns for the cat to navigate, giving them multiple ways to satisfy their scratching needs.
Hanging scratching boards are ideal because they are held in place by the closed door they’re hung from. This provides an optimal opportunity for the cat to stretch properly. Some retailers sell scratching boards that have catnip built in and bells attached that ring while the cat scratches. Cats love the sound of a gently ringing bell.
The taller the post, the better. A post that stands at least two feet will allow the cat to get a full body stretch for its back and shoulder muscles.
Sisal posts are preferred by cats because they’re made from sisal fabric. Sisal is a woven material that is irresistible to cats, offering the ultimate scratching and shredding experience.
Certain cats prefer a more natural feel when it comes to the material they scratch. Natural wood scratching boards are available and made of real wood to entice outdoor-loving cats. There are also wood posts designed to imitate the grooves (or bark) of a log.
Some cats even prefer plain old cardboard to dig their claws into. Try leaving a piece of a box lying around and inspect it for claw marks to see if that does the trick. Alpine scratching boards, made of cardboard, come with catnip and are grooved to allow cats to really sink their claws in.
It can sometimes be challenging to get an older cat to use scratching boards instead of your nice $1,000 couch. Hanging catnip on the board will usually attract the cat to it. When the cat reaches out for the catnip, they’ll likely snag a nail on the scratching board and realize that it feels good. Temporarily placing the post directly near or on the place where your kitty loves to scratch may also encourage them to use it instead of the furniture.
Posts should be placed in areas of the house that see high traffic. They should not be placed in back corners or closets. Often, cats scratch to mark their territory on something that occupies an important space in the household. So be sure to put the post in a room that’s significant to the family, such as the living or dining room.
Another way to encourage the use of the post is to give your cat positive reinforcement whenever it goes near the post or actually uses it. This is where cat training comes into play. While the cat is using the post—even if it’s just pawing at it—coo and say, “Good girl!” to show them that this is good behavior. Before leaving the area, give the cat a treat to encourage them to do it again.
Do anything but declaw your cat. Declawing is equivalent to cutting off their hands and feet. Their claws—and to a lesser degree, their teeth—are their only defense mechanisms in times of distress. If you declaw your cat, you can never allow it to see the light of day. God forbid it escapes your home and gets lost in the wilderness, the chances of your cat returning home intact are slim to none. If it encounters any wild animal or aggressive cat, it will be defenseless without its claws. Declawing has also been shown to make cats less passionate about life, unhappy, and lazy.
If your cat is scratching up your furniture, now you understand why. It helps to develop an understanding of why your cats engage in certain behaviors. It’s usually not because they are bad—it’s because they are operating on instinct. So, don’t pull out your hair; just get the proper tools and education you need—such as a good scratching post—to stop your cat’s destructive scratching behavior.
