Are you one of those who own cats? Then you have probably seen how your cute little feline pet scratches your couches, curtains, and in the worst-case scenario, even your clothes. This behavior often leaves frantic cat parents questioning the reasons behind why their cats choose to destroy household items. So put your mind at ease; this is not an indication of bad behavior. Scratching is, in fact, an instinctual and natural behavior that is sometimes very much necessary for a cat’s health and well-being.
Now, why and how does your cat scratch? Let’s look into the reasoning behind your cat’s scratching behavior and how to provide for redirection that will keep the cat happy and protect the furniture.
Why Do Cats Scratch?
Many think that scratching equals destruction, but the truth is that it serves several important purposes in a cat’s life. Here are some reasons why a cat will scratch:
Claw Maintenance and Health
Cats have retractable claws that they need to shed at regular intervals to allow the growth of new claws. Scratching is one way they can discard the old claw sheaths while maintaining healthy claws. If they do not scratch regularly, problems may arise due to the improper development of their claws.
Marking Territory
Scratching is one of the methods by which felines communicate with each other. Cats are territorial animals, and warding is the means by which they interact with other felines. Scent glands are found in their paw pads, and scratching has been a way for them to leave behind their scented vapors that proclaim, “This is my territory.” By doing all these, they give themselves security and establish some control over the territory around them.
Stretching and Exercising Complements of the Scratching Behavior
Scratching serves as the wonderful opportunity for a cat to stretch its body. The entire back and its legs can be stretched at those moments. This is usually important for muscle development and overall flexibility purposes. The stretch is an essential exercise for maintaining strong functioning muscles and joints.
Stress and Anxiety Releaser
Scratching is also a way in which it alleviates the built-up stress in the way that people find some hobbies to become more relaxed. When your feline seems to feel anxious, excited, or perhaps overstimulated, scratching would help burn that extra energy of theirs and aid in calming themselves more.
Expression of Joy and Excitement
Occasionally, scratching indicates excitement or happiness. Cats tend to scratch after getting up from a nap or a moment of excitement, such as seeing you return from a long day. It’s their expression of happiness and selves.
Redirecting Scratching: Stopping the Destruction of Furniture
But then there’s not much in the way of helping the owners of such animals with their shredded-up couches or shredded curtains. Redirecting cat scratching toward an appropriate scratching surface is key to stopping destruction in your home. The answer is as simple as providing your cat with appropriate scratching posts.
Choosing the Right Scratching Post for Your Cat
Scratching is not only good for the health and welfare of the cat, but it also works wonders to save your furniture from being ruined. However, all scratching posts don’t serve their purpose. The following are critical factors for identifying the best scratching post for your cat:
Size and height
Cats love to stretch their entire body while scratching, so it is recommended to select a post that is tall enough for them to exercise this natural behavior in full. The height of the scratch post should be at least equal to the whole length of the cat when stretched.
Sturdiness
Cats are quite discriminating when it comes to scratching posts. Any posted that wobbles or queues in any direction while being attacked will be avoided. Find a substantially made scratching post that will remain firmly on the ground when your cat leaps on or scratches it.
Material
Cats do like to scratch certain materials. So for a scratching post with another texture than your furniture or carpeting, cats would be attracted to it. Sisal, wood, or cardboard are pretty much common materials used in scratching posts. Such posts stand out with their texture and appeal to cats for scratching rather than onto your furniture.
Types of Scratchers: Options for Every Cat
Scratching posts come in different types, and it is important to find one that matches your cat’s preferences. Here are a couple of very famous options:
Pawsindia Diagonal Cat Scratcher + Teaser
This special scratcher made of recyclable cardboard has a diagonal slide-like design, with a teaser on the top to keep the cat interested. It is good for promoting play and preventing your cat from damaging your furniture.
Pawsindia Interactive Cat Scratcher
A round cardboard scratcher makes an ideal scratching option with a ball inside that intrigues the kitty to play with it. This is a perfect choice for keeping your cat entertained while satisfying his scratching needs.
Pawsindia Lounge Bed Cat Scratcher
This scratcher cum lounge bed provides a resting place for your cat to lie in comfort while stretching. The wave-patterned surface is wonderful for claw maintenance, exercise, and stress relief.
Pawsindia 5-in-1 Replaceable Box Cat Scratcher
This unique scratcher includes five replaceable boards, allowing your pet to savor a new scratching surface the whole year while completely preventing furniture damage.
Pawsindia Wall Mounted Cat Scratcher
A wall-mounted scratcher can be hung anywhere vertically, so even hunky cats can scratch; space-saving and quite easy to hang on door handles, hooks, or knobs. It will provide a proper space for scratching without taking the floor area.
How to Entice Your Cat to the Scratcher
Introducing your cat to the latest scratching post may take time, but here are a couple of tricks to get them interested:
Position it in a right place: Insert a scratcher near your cat’s most favorite sleeping spot. Often, cats wake from their naps and scratch, and this is the right time to introduce new scratching posts.
Sprinkle Some Catnip: A little catnip sprinkled on the scratcher probably will entice it just a bit more. This can also help in associating the post with some positive experiences for your cat.
Positive Reinforcement: Reward your cat every time it uses the scratching post. This can be done whether at the very end with food or all the time using the affection. Positive reinforcement will complete your cat’s use of the post.
Final Thoughts
Scratching is a normal and necessary thing for almost every cat; however, the furniture does not need to be sacrificed. Yes, it’s true; you can protect your home while fulfilling your cat’s needs by redirecting its scratching behavior and providing an appropriate scratching post. Be patient, and consistent, and soon your cat will love its new scratching spot.
No one understands the joy and mess of being a pet parent better than we do here at PawsIndia. Innovative scratching posts, interactive toys, and superior accessories for pets are our way of making life easier for you and your pet. Let us pamper your fur babies!
