Cat care guide

Clawing and Scratching

Clawing and scratching can be a problem for many cat owners. Sometimes, they choose to do this on the sofa, dining table or other expensive household items. Cats are predators and therefore have the instinct and the need to sharpen their claws but this behaviour is also done to leave scent markers, because of habit, boredom or even pure fun. If you intervene soon enough, it is relatively easy to stop the behaviour but the longer it is allowed to continue, the harder it will become to prevent.

It is best not to blame the cat for the scratching. It is not being done on purpose or with the intention of causing damage. Also, giving the cat attention - even angry attention - can actually lead to the behaviour being reinforced worsening the problem. Instead, look for a way to provide alternative areas for the scratching to take place.

Scratching posts are ideal for this, particularly if you have an indoor cat or one that habitually scratches indoors. These come impregnated with catnip but rubbing your cats paws on the post or taking a handkerchief and rubbing it along the side of your cats face and then on the post. This will help place your cats scent on the post and will encourage it to use the area in the future. Some posts also come with toys attached to the top or an area that can be used for sleeping to help the cat become comfortable with the new object.

Additional exercise also helps to prevent scratching where it is taking place due to habit or boredom. Playing with your cat provides a distraction to the behaviour and toys help the cat to satisfy its hunting instincts.

Cleaning the damaged area can also help as this will remove the cats scent preventing the cat from being attracted back to the area. When the area has been cleaned, try to keep your cat away to help break the habit and also to allow its scent to fade. If you then take a handkerchief and scent other areas of the house, it can help make your cat feel more secure.