Common feline problem behaviors: Destructive scratching

Abstract

Practical relevance: While scratching is a normal, beneficial behavior for cats, it can create problems when cats scratch objects owners deem as inappropriate. However, if veterinarians make suitable recommendations from the first veterinary visit, owners will be able to implement effective preventive strategies to develop good scratching patterns for life. Educating owners as to why cats scratch, how to guide cats to scratch only on desirable surfaces (ie, a scratching post), which types of scratching posts are preferred by most cats, the benefits of pheromone products, as well as other strategies to avoid destructive scratching, helps to preserve the cat-owner bond and reduces the risk of relinquishment.

Clinical challenges: Clients may not directly ask veterinarians for their assistance regarding their cat's destructive scratching, and may not be aware that anything can be done except for declawing their cat.

Evidence base: Published studies on scratching are limited. Destructive scratching has been documented as a reason for the relinquishment of cats to shelters and the negative effects of declaw surgeries are being increasingly discovered. Among recent scientific publications are studies assessing kitten and cat preferences for scratching substrates, and the use of pheromones to encourage appropriate scratching behavior. This review draws on these studies, among other resources, as well as the authors' personal experiences.

Keywords: Scratching behavior; client education; declaw; normal behaviors; onychectomy.

Figure 1

Scratching is a normal feline behavior and is utilized to remove claw sheaths, sharpen the claws, stretch and exercise the body, and designate territories. In natural environments cats will scratch on trees; in the domestic situation they will also use wooden fences, sheds or posts. Image ©iStock/vvvita

Figure 2

Cats may direct normal scratching behaviors towards household items that the owner does not want destroyed, such as fabric, carpet or wood, potentially damaging furniture, walls, stairs, and door and window frames. Image ©iStock/pkline

Figure 3

Most cats prefer a sisal rope post, which should be sturdy enough to withstand the cat exerting force on it without wavering. Courtesy of Abi Tansley

Figure 4

(a) One study found that an S-shaped cardboard scratcher was preferred by kittens. (b) Another type of S-shaped scratcher being used in the home of one of the authors (TD). Image (a) courtesy of Lizzie Rowe

Figure 5

Most commonly used substrates on scratching posts (n = 3376)

Figure 6

Types of scratching posts used most often (n = 3344)

Figure 7

Incidence of inappropriate scratching in relation to the scratching post most used by cats at home (n = 3344)