Cats Behavior: Tips And Tricks On Dealing With Scratching

Cats have had a natural instinct to scratch ever since they evolved their sharp claws, to hunt prey and to defend themselves from attackers. Those claws didn't go away when humans started to domesticate cats. Some cat owners consider scratching such a serious problem that they have their cats declawed, but the operation required is very painful for most cats and leads to long-term health complications. The good news is that there are many alternatives to having your cat declawed.

The first and simplest solution to a habitual scratcher is to buy a few scratching posts and place them around the house. By using scratching posts cats can let out their need and desire to scratch in a way that is safe and doesn't cause his owner a headache. Scratching posts are generally made of something coarse, such as corrugated cardboard, burlap, or sisal. Not only does using a scratching posts satisfy the cat scratching instinct, it also aids in removing dead skin and nail from a cat's paws.

The costs of providing scratching posts range from approximately five to ten dollars for disposable cardboard scratchers to hundreds of dollars for luxurious carpeted cat furniture. Make sure to provide more than one scratching post per cat, since cats enjoy "marking" their territory by exercising their claws throughout the house. Cats behavior can be easily and inexpensively improved by simply using scratching posts.

If you've tried that and you still find scratched furniture, purchase some bubble wrap or double-sided tape to cover the scratched area. The cat will find the texture very unpleasant to scratch, and will likely give up on that area after a week or so. This is a very inexpensive solution to saving your furniture, and it neither harms the beauty of your home or your cat.

If facing problems with your cats behavior you can try to clip it's claws. A normal fingernail clipper can be used or a proper grooming tool that is available in the pet stores. The cat should be held gently and the paw pads should be lightly squeeze. This will force the claw to come out. With help of clippers the claws can be clipped carefully. It is important to make sure that only a small amount at the ends is cut to avoid pain to the cat.

If scratching posts and covers have been unsuccessful at changing your cats behavior, then claw covers are another thing to try. Covers are like artificial cat nails, which can be applied by you or by your vet's office. They come in many different styles and are applied by a thin layer of special glue to the claw. Since they are slippery and blunt, your carpet and furniture will be protected from your cat's scratching.

Cats are born to scratch. It's not possible to teach a cat not to scratch. Some people declaw their cats, but there are better ways to improve your cats behavior. The best idea is a scratching post. By using scratching posts cats can safely scratch . However, if a scratching post doesn't keep your cat from scratching your furniture, bubble wrap or double-sided tape can be affixed . If you still have a problem with your cat scratching, try clipping your pet's claws. Also claw covers can be applied to your cat's claws. Claw covers will protect your furniture from damage done by your cat.

- Paul Proctor