Scratching is an innate behavior of cats. Scratching serves to groom the front claws, as well as to leave visual and perhaps olfactory markers. It appears that cats may also scratch to stretch their muscles.
Nail care and proper training can prevent scratching damage in the home. Help clients recognize that scratching is a normal cat behavior that can be directed at appropriate surfaces. Many cats prefer vertical scratching posts, although some prefer horizontal posts. Vertical scratching posts must be sturdy and preferably tall enough for the cat to have a good stretch. Scratching materials preferred by most cats are wood, sisal rope, and rough fabric. Recommend that clients locate scratching posts near areas favored by cats, such as windows or sleeping areas. Cats often stretch and scratch upon awakening.
Training to scratching posts when the kitten or cat is first introduced to the home helps prevent undesirable scratching. This can be done by enticing the cat to the scratching post upon awakening, rubbing catnip on the post, and holding treats or toys part-way up the post to encourage stretching and scratching.50 Rewards can be given at each step—as the cat approaches the post,touches it, and scratches it. Clients should never yell at or punish the cat.
If the cat is already scratching in an undesirable area,the client should
be asked questions to help determine whether the cat prefers vertical or horizontal
objects. Asking about the materials the cat is scratching helps to identify
the cat's preference so that clients can make or
purchase posts of similar fabrics. Placing double-stick tape on areas formerly
used, as well as rewarding use of the post helps direct the cat to the post.
If necessary, the cat can be confined to an area where it has a scratching
post or posts and cannot scratch objects that clients consider undesirable.
Trimming is preferred for nail care and is well accepted by most cats if done correctly. Plastic nail caps are an option for cats that are easy to handle.50 Declawing is highly controversial and client education about all options often provides clients with good alternatives (http://www.aafponline.org/positionstate.htm for more information).