Bookmark and Share
Your Email:
Get the latest news, tips and
free advice every month
What was the reason for your most recent pet store “impulse” purchase?
I liked the special display
I watched a demonstration
Someone in store recommended it
The item was on sale
The item had a promotion I liked
It was a new item I wanted to try
I liked the way it looked
I didn’t make an impulse purchase


Printer Friendly Bookmark and Share

Cat Scratching

Why Do Cats Scratch?

Understanding why cats scratch can salvage your furniture and save your relationship with your cat.

Marty Becker, DVM, and Janice Willard, DVM

Page 5 of 5

Try placing double-sided sticky tape on the scratched object. Cats hate the sensation of something sticking to their paws. Tape can work in some locations, but it might damage your furniture.

4. Change the Post
When the scratching post begins to wear, don't just throw it out and set a new one in its place; a torn-up post is a neon sign in cat language.

"When it looks ugly because it is all shredded, that is what the cat wants," Dodman said. When you get ready to replace a post, set the new one next to the old one until both are being used. 

"All species have fundamental behavioral needs, and claw-marking in cats is one of these," Shepherdson said. "If you do not provide an animal with the opportunity to engage in its fundamental behavioral needs, then this would be a strong argument that the animal is suffering as a consequence."

Sitting on your couch or purring on your lap is a creature whose behavior is still firmly rooted in the wild. Instead of fighting your cat's wild heritage, revel in its desire to express it. Learn to appreciate that this creature loves you and trusts you enough to live with you. You can show your gratitude and affection by recognizing and understanding your cat's need to be a cat. A cat might easily say, "I claw, therefore I am."

Page 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

Posted: Tue Aug 3 00:00:00 PDT 2004

 Give us your opinion on
Why Do Cats Scratch?
Submit a Comment
Reader Comments
very interesting thanks
janet, bethlehem, PA
Posted: 10/24/2008 4:57:51 AM
good article thanks
janet, bethlehem, PA
Posted: 6/15/2008 6:03:54 AM
thanks!
Brie, IC, IA
Posted: 4/17/2008 5:29:27 PM
Very interesting. I am going to pass on and also save to my kitty file as I am thinking of not getting my kitties declawed in the future.
Cathy, Hubbard, OH
Posted: 4/17/2008 8:22:30 AM
View Current Comments

Name:
Address:
City:
State:
Zip Code:
Email:

Cats USA
Buy Now
Kittens USA
Buy Now
Cat Fancy
Buy Now
Featured Products
Eliminate pet odors and spread freshness. Febreze® Pet Odor Eliminator sends pet odors packing. Click the image to Learn More.
 
 


Hi my name's Petey *THANKS FOR MY COTD BADGE*

Visit the Photo Gallery to
cast your vote!