Cats Scratching Solutions! If you, like us here at CatScratching.co.uk, are against the painful and cruel act of declawing, which is illegal in the UK, then you may be faced with the downside of your furniture and floors being scratched. It is within normal behaviour for a cat to use their claws to scratch surfaces. Many assume that the sole reason that cats scratch walls and furniture is to sharpen their claws, but this is not entirely true.
In fact, there are several reasons for cats to scratch certain surfaces. Firstly, although the act of scratching helps to remove bits of dead and blunt parts of the nail from their claws, indeed keeping them sharp, the act of scratching itself means that the cat can exercise and stretch muscles throughout their body. Cats hook their claws into the fabric of the post (or chair arm) and pull against the resistance, to stretch their torso as well as exercising the smaller muscles in its forelegs and paws.
Another reason for scratching relates to territorial marking, as some animals, like cats and dogs, are prone to do, and as they naturally assume that your house is their territory, they set about marking it. Not only does the visual display of shredded material indicate that the object is ‘claimed’, but sweat glands in the paws of cats also mark the area.
Also, if your cat is scratching surfaces, it may also be due to stress, such as re-homing, moving house or introducing another pet into the family. Research has suggested that cats increase this behaviour when they are upset or angered, however it is not uncommon for cats to develop a habit and continue this behaviour long after the stress has abated.
However, there are alternatives to having scratched surfaces or having your cat declawed, such as Soft Claws, the tried and tested and incredibly popular vinyl caps for sharp claws, or scratching posts which can be placed in areas around the house to deter cats from shredding your furniture.
In fact, there are several reasons for cats to scratch certain surfaces. Firstly, although the act of scratching helps to remove bits of dead and blunt parts of the nail from their claws, indeed keeping them sharp, the act of scratching itself means that the cat can exercise and stretch muscles throughout their body. Cats hook their claws into the fabric of the post (or chair arm) and pull against the resistance, to stretch their torso as well as exercising the smaller muscles in its forelegs and paws.
Another reason for scratching relates to territorial marking, as some animals, like cats and dogs, are prone to do, and as they naturally assume that your house is their territory, they set about marking it. Not only does the visual display of shredded material indicate that the object is ‘claimed’, but sweat glands in the paws of cats also mark the area.
Also, if your cat is scratching surfaces, it may also be due to stress, such as re-homing, moving house or introducing another pet into the family. Research has suggested that cats increase this behaviour when they are upset or angered, however it is not uncommon for cats to develop a habit and continue this behaviour long after the stress has abated.
However, there are alternatives to having scratched surfaces or having your cat declawed, such as Soft Claws, the tried and tested and incredibly popular vinyl caps for sharp claws, or scratching posts which can be placed in areas around the house to deter cats from shredding your furniture.
Soft Claws. Protect your family and home the non-surgical way.
Since Soft Claws has long been on the recommended list of alternatives to declawing, many vets have recommended this great product for a variety of scratching related problems. This innovative product was launch in Europe in the U.K in 2005 and is available from many vets and specialist online retailers. Soft Claws comes in a reclosable plastic container, which includes 40 nail caps (enough for several applications), two tubes of adhesive, and instructions for application. If your cat is used to having his nails trimmed, applying Soft Claws is a breeze. Soft Claws come in Kitten, Small, Medium, and Large sizes, and in Natural, Purple, Pink, Blue, and Red colors, and are available online, in local pet stores, and from vets. If you are seeking. |
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