Behavioral Problems

Scratching

Although you adore your cat, there are times he tries your patience, especially when he's shredding a piece of furniture. There are reasons why your cat scratches .

Problem scratching is a controversial issue for cat owners. Your dilemma is that you adore your cat, his independence, serenity, his affection for you and his ability to enjoy the simple wonder of being a cat. However, there are times you wish your cat was less like a cat, especially when he's shredding a piece of furniture, a rug or the woodwork.

To understand how to deal with the problem, you must first understand why cats scratch. Cats scratch, knead, or sharpen their claws primarily as a response to the instinctual need to mark their territory. It is a completely normal behavior, starting right at the beginning of a cat's life when Junior picks his favorite nursing spot on Mom. The behavior continues to some extent for his entire life. Neither you nor your veterinarian can change this fact of kitty life, but you can minimize or eliminate the damage this behavior causes. You do have options.

The manner in which you chose to handle a problem scratcher depends a great deal on the personality of your cat, your tolerance/comfort levels and perhaps the age/health of the cat.

Behavior Modifications

Modifying behavior is most effective when you begin at the first sign of a problem. Provide your cat with an acceptable scratching place. Cats usually choose certain types or textures of materials to scratch. Studies have shown that a post covered with sisal rope is the most frequently preferred. When buying a sisal rope scratching post, look for the following:

stability
Posts should feel solid and secure, not wobbly. Your cat should not be able to topple the post over.
durability
The sisal rope should be fastened securely and tightly wrappedso it will stand up to constant usage.
size
A scratching post should be big enough so that your can stand on one end or on one side of the post's base and still be able to have his claws in the other end while he stretches. A large adult cat would obviously need a larger scratching post than would a kitten.

Next, remember that your cat is staking a claim to a certain territory when he claws, so place the scratching post where you notice your cat scratching most. Initially this may be a very inconvenient spot for you as a human. However, once your cat starts to use the scratching post, you can gradually move it to a location you like (move it only a few inches at a time until it is in your choice location). Remember most cats adore looking out of windows. If you purchase a cat scratching post with perches on it, placing it in front of a window may make it an instant favorite with your cat.

Trim your cat's nails once every 4 to 8 weeks as needed. The frequency varies with each cat's life style. The Cat Doctor technician can demonstrate how to safely trim your cat's nails. If you prefer, she can trim the cat's nails for you.

Soft Paws

Soft Paws Soft Paws are a temporary nail coverings made out of a soft plastic material. They are applied with an adhesive which covers the claw. Soft Paws need to be changed every 6 to 8 weeks to adjust to new nail growth. New Soft Paws are applied after the nails are trimmed. The Soft Paws prevent direct contact between your furniture and your cat's claws, so although the scratching behavior will continue, you won't have the resultant damage. As with nail trimming, a Cat Doctor technician can apply Soft Paws to your cat or teach you how to apply them. Soft Paws may be applied to all four feet. The obvious disadvantage is that it is a procedure that has to be repeated fairly frequently.

Surgical Declawing

This procedure is no longer performed.