15/01/2021
Yes! Scratching 🐈 is a normal behaviour for cats.
In fact, 60% of cats who scratch furniture lack any underlying behavioral problem (Morgan and Houpt, 1990).
This normal behaviour actually has a purpose! It removes dead cells from the claws and it’s used as a form of communication or marking between cats.
🐱 First we should try to PREVENT this behaviour from happening by doing the following:
-Environmental enrichment by incorporating scratching posts. Tip: place it close to the location/furniture they normally scratch.
-Keep nails trimmed
-Use feli scratch by
-Temporarily block access to inappropriate scratching locations while introducing new scratching areas.
🐱 If prevention isn’t working, try to work through the following PROBLEM SOLVING tips:
-Interrupt behaviour in the inappropriate location, take cat to desirable scratching area and REINFORCE that behaviour in that location.
-Avoid punishment as this will only teach the cat to avoid the owner and will result in the cat scratching in undesirable location when the owner is away.
-If there is evidence of excessive scratching despite tips listed above, consult with your vet and discuss behavioral referral services with a certified professional.
