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.

Scratching is in cats nature. Scratching posts are an easy way to help a cat with a scratching problem. Scratching posts are made of rough materials that satisfy the cat scratching instinct. Cardboard, burlap, or sisal are used because they help remove dead skin and nail from the claw area. While scratching posts cats are doing something enjoyable, following their instinct, and also keeping their claw area healthy.

Inexpensive disposable scratching posts can be bought for five or ten dollars, but you can spend hundreds for luxurious carpeted cat furniture for your pampered kitty. It's all up to you. Remember, though, that you should have more than one scratching post per cat. Cats like to mark their territory throughout the house and multiple scratching posts will probably discourage this. The use of scratching posts can be an effective and inexpensive solution to frustrating cat scratching behavior.

If you are still having trouble keeping your furniture from being scratched, you can purchase some bubble wrap or double-sided tape. Use these materials to completely cover the scratched surfaces. The next time your cat tries to scratch, he or she will find that it is uncomfortable and unpleasant, and soon give up the habit. Just keep the bubble wrap or tape on for a week or so, and your cat will soon learn his or her lesson.

Clipping your cat's claws can also help if you are having a hard time with a cats behavior of scratching. Special tools to do this are available at pet stores, but you can also use your own fingernail clippers to give your cat a trim. Firmly hold your cat and lightly squeeze its paw pads, which will make the claws pop out. Then cautiously clip off the end of the claw, making sure not to cut off too much. Cutting off too much can cause your cat a lot of pain.

If the cats behavior is not changed by the use of scratching posts and covering the scratched surfaces then the claw covers can be used. They are like artificial nails for the cat which can be put either at home or at the vet's office. They come in various colors. A little of special glue allows the claws to cling .