Leaving scratch marks on trees is a way of communicating with other cats in a given area. This process also leaves a scent which is secreted from glands on the cats paw pads. The aroma offers a way of identification. It is not just communication that scratching is important for. General exercise of the protracting and retracting muscles plus clearing the claw sheaths of worn material all contributes to the cats’ physical condition to hunt. Usually cats that are kept indoors will need to be given an area to carry out the natural act of scratching. Other breeds which have outdoor access may find scratching to mark territories more than satisfies their needs. The important point to remember is that a cat scratching is natural and that they need to carry out this behaviour to satisfy their needs. Scratching is easier to deal with if you understand why cats scratch in the first place. In the wild, cats scratch around their immediate environment to signal their presence to other cats and to claim the area in question. The marking takes two forms: visual and olfactory. The visual mark is in the form of clawing marks and is so obvious that even we humans can recognize it (not that we appreciate its significance). The olfactory mark is subtler, involving the release of pheromones. These are substances secreted from the body to be picked up by members of the same species, causing them to alter their behaviour. Cats secrete pheromones from superficial glands in the skin of the cat's paws through the process of kneading. The message is invisible to all creatures and is undetectable unless you have the right equipment (a super sensitive nose) and are close enough. A competitor coming up to the site will see the scratch marks and then smell the message: another cat has already claimed this place. One thing's for sure; the signal is not a friendly one. Scratching has additional functions, too. You might think your cat scratches to sharpen his claws, but it more likely it provides your cat with a form of physical therapy for the muscles and tendons of his paws. It also assists in shucking off old nail husks. The Domestic Situation - Scratching areas The purpose of scratching areas is so your cat can exhibit their natural needs to mark areas and to exercise in order to maintain physical condition. Scratching posts may be commercial or home made. Ensure that the size of the post is high enough. Your cat should be able to stand on its hind legs so that the outstretched fore legs do not reach the top of the post. The post must also provide enough stability for the physical act to be carried out. Different cats may find alternative shapes appealing. Square posts allow the cat to scratch two sides at once while a horizontal, door or wall mounted post offers a whole new scratching experience. If offered a choice over a period of time it should become apparent which experience satisfies your cat’s needs the most. Faced with this problem, many people consider declawing surgery. Many veterinarians believe declawing is a painful and unnecessary surgery and refuse to do it for humane reasons. Instead, they advocate training your cat to use a scratching post. However, some veterinarians still believe declawing is a safe procedure. There are several good options to declawing. These take the form of training your cat to use scratching posts, trimming the nails, and nail covers. Scratching posts The introduction of a scratching post to a cat needs to be appealing. This can be achieved by laying toys, treats, food bowls or even cardboard near the post. Rubbing tuna oil on the post may raise the appeal as well as giving the cat rewards for appropriate use of the post. Owner introduction can also be initiated. Gently take your pet and rub their paw along the surface. Reward this act with a treat so the cat relates the scratching post with good behaviour. Be aware that if your pet shows any signs of anxiety or fear then this method will only be successful in deterring your cat from the post. To persuade your cat to use a scratching post, you have to understand some basics: Keep one extra scratching post in the household. If you have four cats, keep five posts. Once the problem is under control, those that are not being used can be removed. Each scratching post should be tall enough for your cat to stretch up to its full height without being able to reach the top, i.e. about 3 feet high. The scratching post should be steady. No self-respecting cat will entertain the thought of using a post that rocks or falls over. Use the correct material. One of the essential functions of scratching is to leave a visible mark. Fabric that doesn't tear or fray will be of no use. Burlap is a favorite with many cats. Choose an attractive location for your cat. Most people try to hide scratching posts from view. This completely negates the whole purpose of scratching for the cat. Position posts in obvious areas at first, preferably near scratching sites that your cat has selected for himself, then gradually repositioned to less obvious places later. Deterrents: Several deterrents are available and may help. Physical If a particularly valuable piece of furniture must be protected during training, heavy gauge plastic sheeting can be applied to alter its texture and to serve as a deterrent. Chemical You can try moth repellent aerosols, which contain naphthol, though the area has to be "freshened" periodically as the odor will fade. Pheromonal Feliway a pheromone-containing proprietary spray, has been touted as a repellant for furniture scratching cats. The idea is that the pheromone, a natural scent signal and, in this case, an extract of feline facial secretions, will alter the "significance" of the previously scratch-marked area. Environmental measures Territorial stress may aggravate marking. If there are squabbles between cohabiting cats, or if a dominant or anxious cat is constantly aggravated by neighborhood intruders, you should address these territorial issues first. Nail Trims Damage to furniture can be reduced if the cat's nails are kept well trimmed. It helps to learn how to do this yourself and to have a sharp pair of nail trimmers made specifically for cats (don't use human trimmers). It is sufficient to remove the sharp points so that the nail ends are squared but take care not to cut into the "quick" – the vascular and sensitive part of the nail. Ask your veterinarian to teach you how and to recommend some good nail clippers. For more pet health articles click here Dog food, Cat food, dog supplies, cat supplies |
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