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Feline Scratching Behavior
This web page is all about cat scratching and what you can do about it. Cat scratching behavior is normal and necessary. Cats do it for a variety of reasons. We should not completely suppress it!
But that does not mean your kitty has to scratch and ruin your furniture! There are lots of ways to train your cat to scratch in appropriate areas. Declawing surgery is always a possiblity but not all cats need this. Training your cat to use scratching posts, nail trimming, and soft paws are additional options.
FAB Scratching or clawing in the house
FAB Scratching in the house
DDFL Cats: Destructive Scratching
Inappropriate Scratching in Cats-UC Davis Vet School Handout
Feliway Pheromone Therapy is a great way to train your cat to not scratch on certain areas. Spray six depressions of Feliway to the undesirable area that your cat is scratching once a day. Apply for at least ONE MONTH and do not stop until the cat marks with his or her own facial pheromones (is seen to rub the site with his or her head). Most importantly provide an alternative scratching post nearby. Feliway is available at Deer Run, just ask us!
Cornell's Managing Feline Destructive Scratching Video Watch this informative video to understand why cats scratch. Learn how to choose the right type of scratching post, and how to teach cats to appropriately use scratching posts.
Cornell's Handout On Selecting A Scratching Post This resource will provide you with a quick overview of the pros and cons of different styles of scraching posts.
How to Manage Scratching Behavior in Cats an in-depth article on the subject written by Board Certified Veterinary Behavior Specialist, Dr. DebraHorowitz.
Training Your Cat Not to Scratch on Furniture link to Veterinary Behaviorist Dr. Sophia Yin's Blog and website for a great video and tips on preventing scratching.
APDT Litter Box & Scratching Webinar a great webinar to watch that will teach you how to select the ideal scratching post and train your kitty to use it! Also has tips litter box use from the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (They train cats too!)
DDFL Aversives For Cats An aversive is something such as a texture, taste, or smell that your cat finds unpleasant. It can be used to discourage your cat from a particular action or place. Aversives work best when you also offer a more pleasant alternative.
Cornell Video on trimming cat claws From Cornell Universitiy's Feline Health Center a how to video on how to trim your cat's claws at home.
How to Trim Cat Claws a step by step pictorial on how to safely keep your kitten's or cat's nails trimmed. From the Washington State Univeristy Vet School's common procedures website.
Article and Video on How to Trim Nails from the Soft Paws Website
Soft Paws Nail Caps for Cats are a great alternative to declawing. They do require periodic re-application and nail trimming.
All about Declawing and Its Alternatives
Cat Scratch Fever Click to learn if you are at risk. Learn the importance of flea prevention to help prevent this disease.
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