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The Itch to Scratch Andrea Carne explores ways in which cat guardians can find the balance between the natural feline behavior of scratching and human expectations, taking into account a cat’s individual preferences and the need to provide choices
© Can Stock Photo / galsand
© Can Stock Photo / bymandesigns
Research shows that cats prefer cardboard or rope scratchers over carpet or fabric
Offering a variety of both vertical and horizontal options for scratching (and some on angles too) in various locations around the home is ideal
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visual sign of territory and generally make cats feel good. Atkinson (2018, p.26) explains as follows: “Cats scratch surfaces using the claws of their forefeet and often have preferred scratching areas where the behavior is repeated. They may demonstrate an indi vidual preference for using either a vertical or horizontal surface or may scratch equally on both.” As anyone in the cat behavior field knows, because scratching is a natural behavior, it’s very important that we allow cats to engage in it and do not discourage it. Discouragement of something an animal has an innate need to do can lead to frustration and/or stress and create ad ditional behavior problems too. Even if we can’t provide exact opportu nities for every natural cat behavior (e.g. an indooronly cat needing to hunt small live prey several times a day), we owe it to their mental well being to at least provide alternatives (e.g. using a hunting sequence with a wand toy and a treat provided at the end).
egardless of whichever behavior issue I have been called upon to assist a cat guardian with – whether it be inappropriate toileting, aggression towards humans, or aggression between cats in a mul ticat household – I can almost guarantee that when I ask at the end of a consult, “Is there anything else you wanted to chat about while I’m here?”, the response will always include some variation of, “How do I get them to stop scratching the furniture?” My first response is generally to explain that scratching is a natural cat behavior. It provides an opportunity to sharpen claws, stretch the back and legs, deposit scent via secretions from the paw pads, leave a
When it comes to scratching, as natural and important as the behavior may be, the conflict between feline and guardian can arise when it occurs on surfaces humans aren’t keen on the cats using. Sofas and other soft furnishings are often the main targets, but I’ve also seen it on soft wood furniture and kitchen cabinetry.
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BARKS from the Guild/March 2021
Natural Behavior When it comes to scratching, as natural and important as the behavior may be, conflict between feline and guardian can arise when it occurs
