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Behavior Tip:
Feline Scratching and Declawing |
Why do cats scratch?
Scratching is a perfectly normal feline behavior. Although scratching does serve to shorten and condition the claws, the primary reasons that cats scratch are to mark their territory and to stretch. Cats may also threaten or play with a swipe of their paws.
Cats may run into disfavor with their owners when they begin to scratch furniture, walls, or doors, or when they use their claws to climb up, or hang from the drapes. Claws can also cause injuries to people when the cats are overly playful or don't like a particular type of handling or restraint. With a good understanding of cat behavior and a little bit of effort, it should be possible to prevent or avoid most clawing problems.
 How can I stop my cat from scratching?
It is impractical and unfair to expect cats to stop scratching entirely. Cats need some outlet for their scratching and marking behaviors, so don't be surprised if you come home to objects strewn all over the floor, scratches on your furniture, and your cat playfully climbing or dangling from your drapes. Therefore, while it may not be possible to stop a cat from scratching, it should be possible to direct the scratching, climbing and play to appropriate areas indoors. Building or designing a scratching post, providing appropriate play toys, and keeping the cat away from potential problem areas will usually be adequate to deal with most scratching problems.
How do I design a scratching area for my cat?
Since cats use their scratching posts for marking and stretching, posts should be set up in prominent areas, with at least one close to the cat's sleeping quarters. The post should be tall enough for the cat to scratch while standing on hind legs with the forelegs extended and sturdy enough so that it does not topple when scratched. Some cats prefer a scratching post with a corner so that two sides can be scratched at once while other cats may prefer a horizontal scratching post.
How can I get my cat to use her post?
A good way to get the cat to approach and use the post is  to turn the scratching area into an interesting and desirable play center. Perches to climb on, space to climb into, and toys mounted on ropes or springs are highly appealing to most cats. Placing a few play toys, cardboard boxes, catnip treats, or even the food bowl in the area should help to keep the cat occupied. Sometimes rubbing the post with tuna oil will increase its attractiveness. Food rewards can also be given if the owner observes the cat scratching at its post. Products have been designed to reward the cat automatically by dispensing food rewards each time the cat scratches. It may also be helpful to take the cat to the post, gently rub its paws along the post in a scratching motion, and give it a food reward. This technique should not be attempted, however, if it causes any fear or anxiety. Placement is important when trying to entice your cat to use a scratching post. Because scratching is also a marking behavior, most cats prefer to use a post that is placed in a prominent location. It may be necessary to place the post in the center of a room or near furniture that the cat was trying to scratch until the cat reliably uses it and then move it to a less obtrusive location. For some cats, multiple posts in several locations will be necessary.
If cat-proofing is not possible or the cat continues to use one or two pieces of furniture, you might want to consider moving the furniture, or placing a scratching post directly in front of the furniture that is being scratched. Take a good look at the surfaces of the scratched furniture and ensure that the surface of the post is covered with a material similar to those for which the cat has shown a preference. Some scratching posts are even designed to be wall mounted or hung on doors. Placing additional scratching posts in strategic areas may also be helpful for some cats. Keeping the cat's nails properly trimmed or using plastic nail covers, are also useful techniques for some owners.
How do I punish my cat for inappropriate scratching?
All forms of physical punishment should be avoided since they can cause fear or aggression toward the owners, and at best, the cat will only learn to stop the scratching while the owner is around. Indirect, non-physical forms of punishment may be useful if the owner can remain out of sight while administering the punishment. In this way, the cat may learn that scratching is unpleasant even when the owner is not present. Squirt bottles, ultrasonic or audible alarms, or remote control operated devices are sometimes useful.
When should declawing be considered?
Declawing is a drastic but permanent solution for scratching problems, but for most households the scratching post and deterrent techniques discussed previously are generally quite successful. There are some homes however, where declawing may be the only option. This might be the case where the cat continues to damage the furniture, or where the cat causes injuries to people during play or handling. Even the slightest scratch can have serious consequences (cat scratch fever) when a member of the household suffers from a severely debilitating disease. In some cases the issue comes down to whether the owner should be able to keep their cat and have it declawed, or whether it should be removed from the home.
When owners of declawed cats are asked to assess the effects of declawing on the cat owner relationship, declawing always met or surpassed their expectations, and over 70% indicated an improvement in their relationship with their cat. Declawing allows people to keep their cat and stop household damage. Normally, the front claws are all that need to be removed to prevent furniture damage.
A declawed cat must never be allowed outdoors as her major form of self-defense has been removed.
Copyright Denver Dumb Friends League and Humane Society of the United States. All rights reserved.
If you have questions about cat scratching or other behavior-related issues, contact the Humane Society of Missouri Behavior Helpline at (314) 951-1540 or e-mail our behavior department.
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Easter baskets, jelly beans, colorful eggs and a white, bouncy bunny. What is wrong with this picture? It's hard to resist a cuddly baby bunny snuggled in an Easter basket or the innocent beauty of baby ducklings or chicks scampering on your lawn on Easter morning. The reality is they are creatures with very specific needs for survival. 
Please, resist the temptation to purchase baby animals as Easter gifts. If your family is committed to providing a life-long, loving home for a bunny, please rescue a homeless rabbit from a shelter or rescue group. 
Ellie is a Humane Society of Missouri Alumnae. The final award of the night, Most Heroic Pet, went to Brent and Stephanie Clark’s Great Dane, Macy Lynn, who actively donates blood for the St. Louis Animal Blood Bank.
Consider becoming a member of our Humane Heroes program. This monthly giving program can save you time and money. We can put your donation to use quickly and you won’t have any postage costs, since we can deduct directly from your debit/credit or checking account. Also, as a Humane Hero you will receive fewer mailings from us. To enroll 
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