This web page is all about cat scratching and what you can do about it. Cat scratching behavior is normal and necessary. Cats do it for a variety of reasons. We should not completely suppress it!
But that does not mean your kitty has to scratch and ruin your furniture! There are lots of ways to train your cat to scratch in appropriate areas. Declawing surgery is always a possibility but not all cats need this. Training your cat to use scratching posts, nail trimming, and soft paws are additional options.
Managing Feline Destructive Scratching Videohttps://www.veritasdvm.com/veritas/courses/managing-destructive-scratching-behavior-in-cats/index.htmWatch this informative video to understand why cats scratch. Learn how to choose the right type of scratching post, and how to teach cats to appropriately use scratchingposts.
APDT Litter Box & Scratching Webinara great webinar to watch that will teach you how to select the ideal scratching post and train your kitty to use it! Also has tips litter box use from the Association of Pet Dog Trainers(They train cats too!)
Think Twice Before You DeclawThere are other options to the cat scratching dilemma. Knowledge is power. Check out your options before deciding surgery is the best remedy!
Feliway Pheromone Therapy is a great way to train your cat to not scratch on certain areas. Spray six depressions of Feliway to the undesirable area that your cat is scratching once a day. Apply for at least ONE MONTH and do not stop until the cat marks with his or her own facial pheromones (is seen to rub the site with his or her head). Most importantly provide an alternative scratching post nearby. Feliway is available at Deer Run, just ask us!
DDFL Aversives For CatsAn aversive is something such as a texture, taste, or smell that your cat finds unpleasant. It can be used to discourage your cat from a particular action or place. Aversives work best when you also offer a more pleasant alternative.
Cat Scatch Guards An easy way to eliminate furniture scratching. Follow up by offering you cat better alternatives with a variety of scratching posts.
Sticky Paws are specially formulated to have just the right amount of tactile feel cats can't stand. Conserve and protect your furnishings with a true original. Manufactured from inert and non-toxic materials.
Scat Mat ScatMat emits a mild, harmless static pulse when your pet touches it. It teaches a cat to avoid certain surfaces or areas. Since even a mild static pulse may frighten a cat, this is probably our least favorite method.
How to Trim Cat Clawsa step by step pictorial on how to safely keep your kitten's or cat's nails trimmed. From the Washington State University Vet School's common procedures website.
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