WHY Cats Scratch
We
all know that cats scratch. If we want to live happy, peaceful lives with
our feline friends, we have to know WHY. This article will clarify some of
the mystery around cat scratching. We need to think like "kitty".
Walk a mile in her paws, and it all makes sense.
Claws and The Survival Instinct
Whether kitty is an indoor cat or roams outside, she has the hunting
instinct. Cats can achieve the intelligence and emotional level of a 2-year
old human! They learn AND follow instinct. Scratching is part of that
instinct - it is survival for the cat.
Claws - The Cat's Multi-Purpose Tool
A cat's claw is a natural "swiss army knife". Usually, cats
have 5 claws on each front paw-- four on the "fingers" and the
"dew claw" a kind of thumbnail higher up on the front leg. They
have 4 claws on each back paw used for traction when running, climbing
and defense ("gutting"). Cats use these "tools" --
they scratch. If you observe scratching behaviors at home, STOP
and THINK before punishing Kitty. Here's
what goes on in Kitty's mind when she scratches in your house:
- To mark territory. Cats have
scent glands on their front paws that leave an "aroma mark"--
undetectable to humans-- that another cat and some animals can detect.
It means "THIS IS MINE". When a cat scratches your
furniture, she is staking a claim on it. The scent fades quickly and has
to be replaced. Cats spend a lot of time re-marking territory.
- To dig up a treasure or get into or out
of something. Cats have about 4 times the scent detectors
that humans have (19 million compared to our 5 million*).
Did you drop a cracker crumb behind a couch cushion? You can't smell it.
Kitty can and is searching for it! Did you drop some food on the floor and "grind it into" the
carpet or rug? Your vacuum cleaner won't pull it out. But Kitty can smell
it and will dig for it. Is there something in the cupboard kitty wants? She'll
claw to get at it.
- To carve. Kitty wants to leave
a visible mark of ownership. Cat carvings are as unique as human
handwriting. It's similar to a two year old writing on a wall with a crayon.
- To maintain. Cat claws are extremely
tough and grow from the inside outwards (like the trunk of a tree). Eventually,
the outer shell of a claw needs to be replaced. A cat can scratch on a surface
to pull away the old shell, allowing the new shell to grow more quickly.
Scratching is a also natural way of wearing down and re-shaping the claw.
- To defend. Claws are the cats'
primary means of defense. They scratch when panicked, hurt or
alarmed. Many times, it is unintentional.
- To climb. Kitty instinctively
needs the advantage of height. If she can "leap frog" on
furniture to get to a high perch, she will. She is always seeking the highest
vantage point. Your expensive drapes, hanging from so high up, offer a very
tempting, if impractical perch from the curtain rod. The only way up there
is to climb.
And here's a new one that is particular to cats dealing with humans:
- Communication. Kitty can't hold
a conversation with you to tell you her needs or feelings. Sometimes,
a cat will scratch something in your house to get your attention.
Understand WHY cats scratch-- think like Kitty. Armed with that knowledge
and understanding, you can manage this important behavior so you and Kitty
can live happy, mutually respectful and stress free lives together.
* Scent Detector Information Source: "You
and Your Cat" by David Taylor B.V.M.S., F.R.C.V.S., published by
Alfred A. Knopf, 1990.
About the
Article Author:
Tim Thompson,
author of this article, has been living with cats for many years. As a student
of behavioral statistics, he has learned the importance of observation to
understanding behaviors in humans and animals. He has served as a member
of the Board of a local rescue shelter and worked with their foster care givers for 8 years. On the home front, he is the human companion of Gertrude
and Eddie, two tiger tabbies who are constantly teaching Tim new things about
living with cats.
