I adopted my first kitty, Shasta,
shortly after moving into my new apartment. The furnishings were bare, so I let
Shasta use a decrepit upholstered chair for scratching. It was shredded when we
moved two years later. To prevent Shasta from destroying the sofa in the new
place, I covered it with a tight-fitting sheet and provided her with a catnip-seasoned
scratching post. Once she was using the post consistently, I slowly uncovered
the sofa. Mission accomplished.
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| Nancy's First Cat "Shasta" Photographer:Nancy Peterson of the HSUS |
Your cat has probably scratched
something or “misbehaved” from your standpoint, but everything cats do makes
perfect sense to them. Tragically, cats who “misbehave” may lose their homes if
their owners can’t stop an undesired behavior. Nationwide, 70 percent of cats –
community (feral and stray) cats as well as owner-surrendered cats – who enter
shelters are put down. However, many common “misbehaviors” can be resolved so
that cats won’t be given away, surrendered to an animal shelter, made to live
outdoors or abandoned.
For example, scratching is instinctive
for cats. They scratch to remove the dead outer layer of their claws, mark
their territory, or just to have a good stretch. Your job is to provide them
with appropriate items to scratch – like a scratching post or pad. If you don’t
give them a suitable object, they will find their own – like Shasta did.
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| Photographer, Mike McFarland of the HSUS |
Many owners plan to have their cats
declawed during their spay/neuter surgery and so don’t bother to provide
scratching objects prior to the procedure. Guess what? Their cat scratches the
furniture because there is no other option. A well-placed scratching pad or
post would have saved both the furniture and the cat’s claws.
In July, the American Veterinary Medical
Association strengthened its policy on declawing. The procedure is now
considered a major surgery that should only be performed to prevent destructive
scratching after veterinarians have informed their client about the true nature
of the procedure and the possible complications, as well as the many available
alternatives.
Really, it’s not hard to train your cat.
Just observe. Some cats prefer standing up and scratching vertically on the
front of a sofa arm, some horizontally on the top of the sofa arm and other
cats are equal opportunity scratchers. The key is making your furniture and
other possessions undesirable and providing several desirable scratching
opportunities throughout your home. For example, a tall scratching post will be
an attention grabber for cats who like scratching vertically. They’ll be able
to stand on their hind legs, stretch their body to its full length, and sink
their claws into the material covering the post.
The Humane Society of the United States
has a Cat Answer Tool and cat care tip sheets that will help you
prevent or stop destructive scratching, as well as other behavioral issues. Avoid
encouraging any behaviors you don’t like. It’s easier to prevent behaviors than
stop them once they’ve become a habit. Here are other tips for having a great
relationship with your cat.
Spay or neuter your cat before four
months old when kitty hormones kick in and undesirable behaviors may occur –
such as spraying urine to mark territory or trying to escape to find a mate.
Spaying and neutering will not change your cat’s personality, but may make him
or her calmer and less aggressive.
Take your cat to the veterinarian at
least yearly for wellness examinations and whenever you notice unusual behavior.
For example, you land a new job and your cat stops using the litter box. Your
cat isn’t mad because you’re away from home more; he or she is stressed because
the routine has been disrupted. There could also be a medical cause for the
litter box avoidance, like arthritis or feline lower urinary tract disease. Always
have your veterinarian rule out any medical issue that could be causing your cat’s
unusual behavior.
Help relieve stress and boredom with toys
that your cat can play with independently and kibble dispensers which act as
invitations to work for food. Teach your cat to play nicely by playing together.
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| Photographer Mike McFarland of the HSUS |
Give your cat his or her own high place
to survey the world. A tall cat tower by the window provides a nice place to
hang out above the action where cats feel safe and have a better view. If you
don’t choose the place, your cat is likely to find one– such as the kitchen
counter or dining room table.
Introduce your cat to other pets in your
home very gradually. Imagine if someone you didn’t know showed up at your house
with no warning. I bet you’d be upset. Proper introductions between pets are so
important to maximize the chance that they will get along or at least learn to
tolerate each other.
Adopt a cat if you’re thinking of adding
another to your household. Animal shelters and cat rescues can help match your cat’s
personality and activity level to a new cat. Kittens are adorable, but their
activity level may upset your older cat. A relationship with a veterinarian and
shelter or rescue group can help you eliminate unwanted behaviors so your cat
remains a cherished family member.
Read a good book about cat care and
behavior. Studies have found that people who read even one book that explains
normal cat behavior and helps people prevent or resolve unwanted cat behaviors are
less likely to surrender their cats to shelters.
There are bound to be some bumps in the
road, but thanks to our better understanding of cats, improved veterinary care
and indoor lifestyles, we can keep our cats on their best behavior.
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