Cat Scratching: EMERGENCY! CAT IS DESTRUCTIVE!
Having a cat is lots of fun. They are cute, fluffy, and amusing creatures. Adding to that, their natural instincts make them great pest control!
However, there is a negative side to this instinct. Specifically, their scratching tendencies. We’ve all experienced it before. You’ve bought your cat a scratching post and yet, they choose the furniture. What are the possible reasons for this?
★ Instinct
○ Behaviour such as scratching is simply part of a cat’s instinct. It’s also natural for cats to destroy household items! It’s simply an innate behaviour, similar to grooming or burying waste.
★ Bored
○ Perhaps your cat is just not getting enough mental stimulation! Remember a cat’s intelligence is quite comparable to a 2-year old child. With that sort of brain, they need to be stimulated. Otherwise, they become bored, which can then lead to undesirable behaviour. No parent expects their toddler to sit down and do nothing- the same thing applies to your cat.
★ Attention Seeking
○ Maybe your cat thinks that the only way they can get your attention is by engaging in destructive behaviour. For example, instead of meowing, does your cat scratch your closet, and then you respond to it by scolding them? To some cats, any attention is good attention.
★ Curious
○ Does your cat often jump on countertops? Perhaps they’re enticed by something such as a bird in the window. Cats are naturally curious creatures, and there’s nothing wrong in honouring that curiosity. However, if it’s destructive, something must be done about it
Now that you know the possible reasons as to why your cat may be destructive, you might be wondering, “What can I do about this behaviour?”
Well dear reader, you’ve come to the right place! Here is what you can do to prevent your cat from being destructive:
Cat Scratching Tips
★ Toys
○ Cat toys such as scratching posts can prevent your feline from scratching furniture. These toys can act as a non-destructive outlet for your cats to let out their natural instinct.
★ Play time
○ There are many toys that allow you to play with your cat. When you play with your cat, you strengthen the bond between you and your feline. Make sure to have a dedicated time of the day to play with your cat.
○ As long as you keep your cat engaged, it will satisfy them and prevent them from being bored.
★ Scent neutralizers
○ Unlike us humans, cats have noses more sensitive to us. It’s innate cat behaviour to revisit a place that they’ve marked or scratched previously. By using a scent neutralizer, it discourages your feline from repeatedly destroying previously marked furniture
★ Environment
○ Why not create a more stimulating environment meant just for you cat? If your cat is a fan of jumping on countertops, why not get a cat tree or a cat perch? Providing items specifically meant for cats and redirecting the behaviour to such items will help keep your items safe from cat scratches
★ Vet check-up
○ In the worst case scenario, your cat may be destructive due to unidentified medical issues. If any of the previous suggestions do not address your cat’s destructiveness, make sure to check with a vet.
While having a cat is fun, their destructiveness can be a challenge. However, do keep in mind that this is an innate behaviour in cats. It would be impossible to stop your cat from scratching. Luckily, it is possible to prevent his behaviour by giving them enough mental stimulation. You can also redirect your cat’s behaviour to more appropriate objects such as a scratching post!
Cat Owners, don’t forget that if you need to bring in your pet for check-ups don’t hesitate to contact Makati Dog and Cat Hospital
Message us here on our Facebook or Instagram account or call to book your appointment 0908-896-7113 | 8896-6386 | 8896-2860 or email us for further information at makatidogandcathospital@gmail.com.
Enjoy peace of mind,
Dr. Sixto Carlos, DVM, MS
Pet Happiness Expert
Makati Dog and Cat Hospital
Serving Pet Parents near Mandaluyong, Makati, and BGC