Unwanted scratching behaviour
Cats scratch a scratching post to remove the outer layer of the nail. This causes a new sharp nail to emerge from underneath. In addition, a cat can mark its environment by scratching. Cats do this mainly indoors, but the territory is often marked outside as well.
Does the cat scratch the sofa or other furniture?
When a cat shows excessive scratching behaviour, it can be an expression of stress, fear or insecurity. Excessive scratching generally has nothing to do with nail maintenance. To mark territory to other cats, cats usually scratch in visible locations – often near resting places. For example, the cat will scratch your couch, chairs, table or other furniture. Often, the cat also scratches wallpaper or carpet. It is also possible that the cat no longer scratches the scratching post. To mark the territory again and more strongly, cats always scratch in the same places. Such scratching behaviour indicates insecurity: the cat does not feel completely safe in its environment and therefore has the need to constantly mark its territory. These problems are especially seen when several cats live together (indoors) or when there are major changes in the environment, such as a renovation, refurbishment or house move. It also happens that your cat gets stressed because of tension with cats that are outside. Your cat may start scratching at the window or door in response.
Advice
Don’t punish
It’s extremely important that you don’t punish the cat for scratching where you don’t want to! It is natural behaviour and punishing the cat for it will only make him feel even more insecure and unsafe. This will reinforce the unwanted behaviour.
Actions
With excessive scratching, it is important that you try to find out the real reason for the behaviour so you will be able to remove the stress for the cat with a few adjustments. In addition, it is sensible to place a scratching post near the place where the cat scratches the most, to offer a better alternative. Optionally, you can make it more attractive for the cat to use the scratching post by using catnip – for example the KONG Catnip Spray. In a household with several cats, it is also advisable to place several scratching posts to eliminate your cats competing, which causes stress. In addition, sprays are perfectly suited for treating unwanted scratching. By applying Feliway spray to places where the cat scratches, you give the cat a sense of security, eliminating the need to repeatedly check the territory. Is your cat scratching due to stress or anxiety? The calming ingredients, like Valerian, in the Pet Remedy spray can help your cat relax.
Do you have any questions about the unwanted scratching behaviour of your cat? Please contact our vet on telephone number 033 0818 0862 or via mail: veterinarian@vetsend.co.uk
