MeOW and welcome to a brand new Service Cat Monday. We thought we’d do somethin’ a little bit different today. This post will still be educational and pawrt of our Service Cat series, as we’ll be focusing on feline behavior along with some training tips. But, we’ll also be introducing you to one of our give away products this month. You’ll have to come back Wednesday fur the give away. So, let me get the business outta the way and we can get right to it. The followin’ post will be written in human English fur reader and translator ease. Our Service Cat Monday posts aren’t intended to be an all inclusive Trainin’ Manual but rather Tips, Tricks and Techniques used/developed by mommy A thru her many years of animal trainin’, cats in purrticular. And to offur insight into your questions about Feline Behavior. Ifin you have any questions or topics you would like us to cover, purrlease let us know in the comments section or send us an email. When asking behavioral questions, purrlease be as specific as pawssible. And, ifin you’ve missed any of the posts in this series, you can ketch up by clickin’ the links at the end of this post. Always remember, Training is all ‘bout Repetition and Rewards.
Our Service Cat Monday posts include Training topics for all cats, not just Service Cats. We believe all cats can live happier lives with a little basic Training. We previously discussed inherent behaviors that drive each and every cat on the planet whether big or small. Today, we’re going to focus our discussion on Scratching. All cats have the need to Scratch. We are against declawing!!! However, even a declawed cat has the need to scratch. Please, DO NOT DECLAW your cat.
Let’s take a look at the feline paw and talk about why cats Scratch. Visible to the eyes are the paw pads, and claws; although mine are hidden by fur tufts. What the eye doesn’t see are the bones, tendons and ligaments that make the feline paw so special. Most cats have the ability to extend or retract their claws at will. Like the human fingernail/toenail, the tip of the cat’s claw is dead. And, just like with the human fingernail/toenail, a portion of that claw is also alive, and connected to the paw by bone, tendons, ligament and muscle. The paw pads also contain scent glands. As we discussed in a previous post, cats see their world through scent more than through the eyes. You can NOT remove a cat’s claws without removing bone. That bone is similar to a humans first knuckle. Do Not Declaw!!!
Cats communicate with other cats and animals through Scent. A cat may mark their territory, announce the desire to mate, or send other messages by urinary spray and/or Scratching. Cats also Scratch to sharpen their claws and remove dead claw sheaths. The act of Scratching also strengthens the muscles in the cat’s limbs. Scratching is an innate behavior that Can Not be stopped. Inappropriate Scratching has led to far too many cats being relinquished, killed and/or declawed. Whether you have an only cat or a house full, providing kitty with appropriate surfaces for Scratching is a must. It’s just as important as litter boxes. Think of your cat’s need to Scratch the same way you would their need to eat, sleep and void.
There are plenty of Scratching options on the market, and we suggest having a few different ones available for your cat. Some cats like to Scratch vertically and others horizontally. While others like to do both. A good Scratcher is sturdy, and large enough for kitty to stretch, dig in and pull. Cats also have preferences as to the texture of their Scratching surfaces. You may need to try out several before finding kitty’s favorite. Among the most popular Scratchers are Corrugated Cardboard and Sisal. Another popular option is Carpet. Regardless, it’s always good to have two or more options available at all times. Prices are as varied as styles, ranging anywhere from a few dollars to a few hundred. It’s not as important to have the most expensive Scratcher as it is to have one kitty will use. It’s also important to replace Scratchers as needed.
Most of the time kitty’s curiosity will cause him/her to start using the Scratcher immediately. If kitty is reluctant, you can always add a little catnip or silvervine to the Scratcher to entice kitty to use it. If kitty is Scratching inappropriately, place a Scratcher next to the area and redirect kitty. It’s always best to try to find a Scratcher that closely resembles the texture of the item kitty has chosen. Another way to introduce kitty to a Scratcher is to mimic their Scratching behavior on the new Scratcher with your own fingers while kitty watches. You may also gently put kitty’s paws on the Scratcher and use their paws to mimic Scratching.
We suggest purchasing cheaper Scratchers in multiple textures until you find kitty’s preference. Once that’s been achieved, we suggest investing in several Scratchers to place in different areas of the home. Think of your kitty’s Scratcher as necessary furniture. Corrugated Cardboard is among the cheapest Scratchers and come in many different shapes and sizes. Scratchers have come a long way and many are made to fit in to your home’s décor. Sisal Scratchers are among the more expensive, but tend to be a favorite among kitties. Cat trees usually incorporate Sisal along with Carpet to offer kitty options. An important thing to remember when purchasing a cat tree or standing Scratcher, is that it will be sturdy enough for kitty to stretch out or up and pull back or down without it falling and/or moving. The Scratcher’s base should be wide enough to offer proper support and tall enough for adult kitty to fully stretch. A general rule of thumb is about 3 feet tall with a base of 16” – 18” X 16” – 18”.
Doesn’t this Scratcher look pawsum???
Just remember, kitty must Scratch, so it’s up to you to provide them with appropriate surfaces if you want to keep your furniture in tact. Never scold kitty for Scratching!!! Redirect, Redirect, Redirect any inappropriate Scratching, and Praise and Reward Kitty for all appropriate Scratching. Please consider a cat’s innate drives before adopting one. You can have nice things, a kitty and a happy home. With just a little Training, kitty will prefer his/her Scratcher to the furniture any day. If you can’t devote the time and energy into Training kitty, or you don’t think you can handle kitty’s Scratching, PLEASE rethink adopting kitty. Declawing is not a solution!!!
Well, we’re gonna wrap it up for today. All this talk about Scratchin’ has me itchin’ to visit the Scratchin’ post. Again, ifin you’ve missed any of the posts in this series, you can ketch up by clickin’ the links below. And, leave any questions or post topics you might have in the comments section or send us an email. We look forward to hearing from you.
Till the next time…………………………………….Be Blest!!!
Luv and Hugs and Kitty Kisses
Deztinee and RaenaBelle
Service Cats U.S. 
My family got Kitty when I was in 8th grade. When we scheduled her spay, the vet assumed we wanted the front declaw too (early 90’s). We just trusted it was the right thing to do. Within a few minutes of walking in the door with her, her paws broke open and blood was flying everywhere. We called the vet and she said there wasn’t anything they could do. At that point, I didn’t need anyone to tell me it was a horrid thing to do to a cat – I swore never again. It wasn’t until years later with the internet that I realized what a declaw really involves. I will never forget the day she came home – and all the blood.
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Yeah awnty Kat, most peeps don’t really unnerstand what it entails. Mommy was a tech and didn’t know. Till like you, she was educated via da innernets and one really compassionate V E T dat ‘splained it all to her. She was horrified and cried fur hours and asked God and all da kitties she’d ever done dat too or recommended it fur fur furgiveness. She still has nightmares ’bout it. We live and learn and we purrove we’ve learned our lessons by doin’ things differently from now on. Don’t beat yourself up over Kitty. You no doubt purrvided her with a life time of luv dat made up fur youthful ignorance. mommy says dat’s da only way she can look in da mirror is knowin’ da luv she poured into those lives. And of course by keepin’ all kitty’s claws where they should be, attached to kitt’s paws. We rarely use ours, but we’ve got ’em and mommy wouldn’t change it fur da world. Even tho’ we’re grizzly’s come claw clippin’ time. MOL Big hugs
Luv ya’
Dezi and Raena
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We’re so thankful you ladies linked up to the Showcase! Your posts are always so helpful!
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Aaaaaaaaaaaaw Fank you. We thought since ya’ll were closin’, this was a really good posty to share. Big hugs
Luv ya’
Dezi and Raena
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This was a great article. I wish it was on the front page of all the newspapers and all the magazines for those jerks who declaw cats; and the ones who are not educated as to what cats are like re: scratching. If you can’t take it…then reconsider. Cats scratch.
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dezi N raena……me N sauce dinna haz R clawz…front…when de food serviss gurl adopted uz…..we still scratched tho N we both lovez de horizontal scratch mat we getted…just coz…eye still use it all de time ……knot much inta de vertical one gram paw dude had tho N eye lovez scratchin de side oh de chair….even tho eye dont haz me clawz itz still prettee good leg tone exercizez !!! tuna of moon ~~~~ ♥♥
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you eggs-plained it da best!!! the mama once thought I will mark something as I started to scratch every night in her bed… she bought a cardboard scratcher because she thought that helps to protect the bedding… butt she was wrong… I made confetti from the pad and I still celebrate a scratching pawty in her bed :O)
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Oh Phenny, maybe you would like one made of sisal. or, your mommy could cover a sturdy pole or flat piece of wood with an old sheet. Dat might help ya’ stop diggin’ in da bed. Big hugs
Luv ya’
Dezi and Raena
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Perfect post girls. My Izzy just liked the bottom inside of a cardboard box, even a shoebox would do for him! Patzy also likes cardboard horizontal scratchers like your race car one. I have to do a bit more vacuuming with her because they can get messy. With Izzy all I had to do is dump the box out as it was self contained. He was always an angel even before he crossed over.
Do you have any hints for cord chewing other than hiding them all the time? Maybe a spray or something the won’t like the taste of that won’t hurt the cord or electronics?
Love ya, Patzy
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We actually purrfur sisal, but will also use da cardboard ones. Mommy says we just like to scratch anythin’. Dat’s a great question. We have some furiends who used to chew everythin’ all da time. Big hugs
Luv ya’
Dezi and Raena
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Excellent post. I always think anyone who declaws a cat should have to have the first part of all their fingers removed. We have a lot of scratchers, but the furniture is ruined too. I don’t mind though. XO
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Oh awnty Ellen, feelin’ a bit hostile?. MOL We agree. We wish it was illegal here too. Or at least dat peeps would have to hear and see da truth ’bout it. Mommy was a VET tech long ago, and didn’t even unnerstand da surgery. Big hugs
Luv ya’
Dezi and Raena
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Scratchers are a necessity here, we all love them and Brother Simon loves to eat them. Well, he doesn’t really eat them he just rips them apart. Great post girls. Love ya!!!
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Another great detailed post! I have been wanting to buy a new couch but was holding off cause I was worried about scratching but I might try some of your advice and get that new couch after all!!
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Enjoy your new couch. Mommy says we have scratchers in every room of da house, ‘cept da kitchen. And, we’ve never scratched da furniture even once. Big hugs
Luv ya’
Dezi and Raena
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This was a really great and thorough article! 🙂
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Thank you, glad you enjoyed it. Big hugs
Luv ya’
Dezi and Raena
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Another very informative excellent post. Thank you. 🙂
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Fank you. Big hugs and purrayers fur ya’ll.
Luv ya’
Dezi and Raena
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