Scratching things for cats are a natural and enjoyable thing. For them, scratching serves several purposes. Punishing your cat will not eliminate the behavior. You can instead divert your feline's attention to other objects from the valuable things in your house that can get damaged.
Territorial Markings
Although a lot of people believe that cats scratch objects
for merely sharpening their claws, one of their reasons for doing this is to
mark their territory. If you will just observe them, cats usually scratch the
same area, cueing other cats that it is their territory. Aside from this, cats
have scent glands located in their paws that's why their scent is deposited on
the objects they scratch.
According to experts, the scent marking activity of cats is
the reason why they continue to scratch objects, even those cats that are
already de-clawed. Most domesticated cats do not repeat their markings; once is
enough for them. However, for wild cats, they mark their territories as often
as they can.
Removing Worn out Sheath
Another reason of the cat's scratching activities is to get
rid of the worn sheath or the outer layer of their claws. There are usually
layers of claws scattered on the area where cats scratch.
Stretching Muscles
Cats scratch because it is also their way of working and
stretching their muscles or it is a display of good mood. Try to notice the
cat's attitude after a nap; they usually have a good stretch and scratch
objects. It is actually a combination of release and exercise.
If people like punching bags, running, or swimming as
exercise and stress relieving activities, cats also do the same, by means of
scratching objects. Scratching tones the muscles of their front quadrant, at
the same time, providing them a way of releasing their tension.
A cat that doesn't scratch or seldom scratch objects will
become stressed and starts to turn to his own body as scratching surface.
Cats Experience Stress
It may seem unimportant to humans but cats do experience
stress. As a matter of fact, all animals experience the same. It doesn't mean
that when we cannot understand the animal's stress, we will just ignore them.
We always think that when a cat is silently curled in the
sofa and seem like looking at an object intently, he is alright, but we do not
actually know if there is something going on stressful in the cat's mind and
body. Just imagine yourself doing the same thing; staring closely at a
particular thing with something stressful in your mind. This goes the same with
animals, your cat included.
Provide your Cat with Scratching Post
There is no particular object that cats like to scratch;
therefore, if you won't provide them with appropriate surface, they will tend
to scratch any surface that is available.
Choose a sturdy
pole that will not tip over the moment you cat tries to scratch it. Most cats
like to scratch surface of vertical objects especially those tall enough that
allow them to stretch out fully while scratching.
Cats often scratch
after a sleep; therefore, it's a good idea to place a scratching surface on the
place where they often have their nap.
Regardless of the reason why cats scratch object, we must
take into consideration that they also experience getting stressed. They are
trying to relieve stress when they scratch.
What we need to do
is train the cat to just scratch the object you provided for his scratching
activity. If you are worried that your cat will scratch and damage your suede
couch, you must find a way to provide him with an object where he will be happy
and contented to do his scratching.
Working with your
cat in finding an appropriate solution for his scratching activity is the best
thing you can do to save your valuable furniture in your home while allowing
the pet to maintain his natural and regular scratching activity. You will need
to put on a little effort to make this habit become an acceptable one instead
of getting rid of his top claws. Declawing your cat is not actually the best
solution, aside from the fact that your cat does not like the idea.
When your cats scratch a valuable object in your house like
an expensive sofa, avoid punishing him. Loud noises and yelling can even cause
anxiety and stress to the cat and further encourage his destructive behavior.
Although it can
help the cat to avoid scratching, you must understand that he will not do his
particular habit in your presence, and will definitely continue his activity if
you're not around.
When you let your
cat scratch an old sofa because of the thinking that you have plans of buying a
new one anyway, there is a big possibility that he will also scratch the new
couch.
Your veterinarian is the best person to consult when the
scratching habit of your cat becomes uncontrollable. He will provide you with
an alternative solution that can possibly control this behavior. There are some
instances that cats are being surrendered to animal shelters because the pet
owner can no longer manage the destructive behavior of the cat.
Taking time in understanding your cat's needs and the
reasons why he does certain activities like scratching will make you realize
that animals are like humans with stress relieving actions. This habit of cat
will not go away because it is already in them by nature. What we need to do is
find a way that this habit will not be as damaging as possible.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7263520
Written by Penney Hoppe, Pictures taken from Warren Photographic
