Destructive Scratching

[This was originally posted to the Fairmount Animal Hospital website on 7 September 2008]


Dear Dr. Lee,

I adopted a cat from the SPCA two months ago. I love this cat, but he is ruining my furniture! The arms of my couch are shredded. Is there anything I can do short of declawing him?

Sincerely, Floored (because that’s where I’ll be sitting soon) in Camillus


Dear Floored,

Destructive scratching can cause considerable damage to household furniture, carpets and walls. Scent marking is a natural behavior in cats. Cats do have scent glands in their paw pads, so when they scratch, they leave a territorial mark. Scratching functions to remove the dead outer layer of claws, and can be part of stretching. Scratching also provides exercise for the cat.

Consider what your cat likes to scratch, and try to get a scratching post of that material. Common substrates include carpet, sisal rope, cardboard (may be impregnated with catnip). Your cat may also enjoy scratching at the bark on a large piece of firewood.

Also consider what orientation your cat prefers to scratch in. Some cats prefer to scratch on a vertical surface, some on a horizontal surface. Be sure the scratching post you provide caters to this preference.

Initially, place the scratching post near the location of destructive scratching. Reward your cat for interacting, then scratching the post. Rewards could consist of verbal or physical praise, or a small food treat.

Other alternatives include regular pedicures to keep the claws short. Aerobic exercise through interactive play with you or toys may help to burn excess energy that otherwise might be spent scratching. Another option is to use Soft Paws®, which are vinyl nail caps that are glued to the claws and last for up to six weeks (for more information, visit http://www.softpaws.com/ ).

If none of these options help, you could consider the declaw surgery. I think it is better for your cat to have a happy home and be declawed, than not have a home at all.

Sincerely,
Dr. Lee