Cat Scratching - Normal or Nuisance?

Why do cats scratch?
It’s normal and healthy for cats to scratch objects in their environment for many reasons:

• To remove the dead outer layer of their claws.
• To mark their territory by leaving both a visual mark and a scent. They have scent glands on their paws.
• To stretch their bodies and flex their feet and claws.
• To work off energy.

Scratching is a normal behavior and one that cats are highly motivated to display. It’s unrealistic to try to prevent them from scratching. Instead, the goal in resolving scratching problems is to redirect the scratching onto acceptable objects.

1. You must provide objects for scratching that are appealing, attractive and convenient from your cat's point of view. Start by observing the physical features of the objects your cat is scratching.

• Where are the objects located? Prominent objects, objects close to sleeping areas and areas near the entrances to a room are often chosen.
• What texture do they have? Are they soft or coarse? Are they carpeted?
• What shape do they have? Are they horizontal or vertical?
• How tall are they? At what height does your cat scratch?

2. Now, considering your cat’s demonstrated preferences, substitute an appropriate scratching post for her to scratch on, such as a rope-wrapped post, corrugated cardboard or even a log. Place the acceptable post near the inappropriate object that she’s already using. Make sure the scratching post is at least 30 inches and won't fall over or move when she uses it.
3. Cover the inappropriate object with something your cat will find unappealing, such as Sticky Paws™ double-sided sticky tape, aluminum foil, sheets of sandpaper or a plastic carpet runner with the pointy side up. You may give the objects an aversive odor by attaching cotton balls dipped in vinegar, a muscle rub, or other unpleasant odor. Be careful with odors because you don't want the nearby acceptable object to also smell unpleasant!
4. When your cat is consistently using the scratching post, it can be moved very gradually, at no more than three inches each day, to a location more suitable to you. It’s best to keep the appropriate scratching post as close to your cat’s preferred scratching locations as possible.
5. Don’t remove the unappealing coverings or odors from the inappropriate objects until your cat is consistently using the appropriate objects in their permanent locations for at least one month. They should then be removed gradually.

How do I trim my cat's claws?
To help keep them sharp, cats keep their claws retracted except when they’re needed. As the claws grow too long and become curved, they can’t be retracted completely. You should clip off the sharp tips of your cat’s claws on all four paws every week or so. Clipping your cat’s claws will also help prevent them from becoming snagged in carpets, fabrics and skin.

Before trimming your cat's claws, accustom her to having her paws handled and squeezed. You can do this by gently petting her legs and paws while giving her a treat. This will help to make it a more pleasant experience. Gradually increase the pressure so that petting becomes gentle squeezing, as you’ll need to do this to extend the claw. Continue with the treats until your cat tolerates this kind of touching and restraint. It may take a little longer if she’s not used to having her legs or paws handled.

Apply a small amount of pressure to her paw, with your thumb on top of her paw and your index finger underneath, until a claw is extended. You should be able to see the pink or “quick," which is a small blood vessel. Don’t cut into this pink portion, as it will bleed and be painful for your cat. If you cut off just the sharp tip of the claw, the “hook,” it will dull the claw and prevent extensive damage to household objects and your skin. There are several types of claw trimmers designed especially for animals. These are better than your own nail clippers because they won’t crush the claw. Until you and your cat have become accustomed to the routine, one paw a day is enough of a challenge. Don’t push to do all four at once or you’ll both have only negative memories of claw clippers!