Pet Care
Scratching and Chewing
The strong, natural desire to explore and play will always be there for most cats. Major problems can happen when your cat claws your sofa or destroys your houseplants. The best way to prevent this destructive behavior is by providing an environment that meets your cat’s needs.
A safe and stimulating environment should be provided for every cat. Cat-proof your home and build a play center where he an climb, perch, and scratch. Give him a few toys that he can bat around, such as a spring-mounted, dangling, or bouncy toys. A lot of cats enjoy empty cardboard boxes or cat carriers, especially if food treats have been left inside. Ping-pong balls make inexpensive toys that many cats love. Some dog chew toys may also seem fun to some cats. Do not tempt your kitten to play or tease him using your fingers or you may end up with a play-biting cat.
Houseplants may get chewed on by indoor cats who do not have access to other vegetable matter. Offering lettuce, catnip or kitty herb garden in exchange can turn their attention away from plants. Sucking on material can be corrected by removing the material and giving him alternate chew toys.
Try child barricades, locks, or closed doors to keep your cat away from problem areas. For persistent problems or areas that cannot be barricaded, use remote punishment, taste and odor aversion, or booby traps as deterrents. Never use physical punishment as it may only cause your cat to fear you and to avoid the problem area only when you are around. If you remain out of sight and use remote punishment, you cat should learn without fearing you. A water gun or loud noise can be used to stop the behavior. Antichew sprays, vinegar, or a little cayenne pepper mixed with water can deter destructive chewing. Perfumes, deodorant soap, citrus oil are things that can also be used. Booby traps such as motion-activated alarms or a stack of plastic cups set up to topple when the cat enters the area or scratches can be effective as well. Always provide an alternate area for scratching for your cat and reward him for scratching there.
Scratching is normal. It allows your cat to condition his claws and mark his territory. It’s also a good way to stretch. It may become irritating if it’s on your furniture or your favorite stereo speakers.
To prevent destructive scratching, keep him away from tempting areas. Trim his nail regularly and provide a proper scratching post. Be sure to put his post somewhere near his favorite sleeping spot. Having additional posts throughout the house will help as well. Posts made of sisal, nubby fabric, or carpet are appealing to cats. Hanging toys, rubbing catnip, and providing am ore elaborate structure with climbing and perching areas make the post more desirable to play on. It should be tall enough for your cat to scratch with his legs fully extended and sturdy enough to support his weight.
If there are areas in the house where the inappropriate scratching occurs, place a post there. Food rewards will keep him interested in the post and away from furniture. Cover scratched areas of furniture with plastic, loosely draped material, or short strips of double sided tape. Another option is to use plastic coverings that fit over your cat’s nails.
Declawing should only be considered after a consultation with your veterinarian. It’s better than banning the cat to the outdoors or taking him to a shelter, which may be unable to place him in another home. However, it should always be discussed with your veterinarian prior to making that decision.
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