Fluffy’s Scratching Habits

Is your cat systematically shredding your sofa? If so, you’re not alone. Fluffy is super cute, but her nail-care routine often does frustrate her humans. A local Temecula, CA vet offers some information on kitty scratching habits in this article. 

The Need To Scratch 

Fluffy can be a bit of a brat at times, but she doesn’t scratch your furniture because she deliberately wants to ruin it. Cats have a natural urge to care for their nails. That instinct is actually very important to our feline pals: they really depend on their nails for survival in the wild. Those sharp little claws are not just Fluffy’s only real defense, they also help her climb trees or fences to reach safety and shelter. (They also come in handy for snagging your sleeve as you walk past, but that’s besides the point.)  

Scratching Posts

Your feline buddy should have a good scratching post. Cat towers are ideal. They also provide good lookout points and napping spots, and also provide a spot for your pet to survey her domain. Make sure that Fluffy’s tower is sturdy: if it wobbles, she may become wary of it, and may stop using it. It’s also best to pick something that allows your furball to stand to her full height when doing her nails. Cat towers aren’t the only option here, though. Your furry little diva may also appreciate a scratching board. You can find some super cute scratchers these days! Consider getting your buddy a little taco, a killer whale, or a hippie bus to do her nails on.  

Petiquette 

You should never punish your feline friend for scratching, even if she did damange your brand-new chair. It’s an instinctive behavior, so your furball won’t understand that she did something wrong. Your best bet is to redirect your kitty towards a more suitable manicure station, and teach her to use that instead. You can sweeten the deal by sprinkling catnip around it. Offer Fluffy praise, treats, and attention for using her nail care station. 

Clipping

If you like, you can clip Fluffy’s nails. Just like human manicures, these are painless, temporary measures. However, this is only recommended for indoor cats: if your cute pet is allowed outside, she’ll be helpless without claws. 

Do you have questions about your kitty’s health or care? Contact us, your local San Clemente, CA animal clinic, today!