Sharing our lives and homes with pets has a plethora of advantages. There are, however, a few drawbacks, as any cat owner may attest. Cats can sometimes make messes in our homes simply by following their natural, instinctive behavior. Unfortunately, this may lead to strained relationships with our feline companions. Scratching furniture, carpeting, and other household items is a popular source of contention.
Scratching Your Cat Can Be Harmful
When a cat’s natural scratching activity collides with a human’s desire to maintain a clean house, cats often suffer from one or more of the following negative consequences.
Some people try to make the scratching behavior stop by using punishment. This rarely works and may cause fear and pain in your cat. More negative behavior is typically the product of this.
Some cats are left outside to fend for themselves, where they are vulnerable to illness, injury, and death.
Declawed cats exist. A cat declaw is the amputation of all ten front digits up to the first joint, which is highly traumatic for the cat and can change its actions and character.
Other animals are surrendered to shelters, where they could be euthanized if not rescued within a reasonable time frame.
In the first place, why do cats scratch things?
To live comfortably with our cats, we must first comprehend why they would participate in what we consider to be a negative behavior, and then provide them with a suitable alternative that is acceptable to us and our furniture. For a number of reasons, cats are born with the ability to scratch.
In their paws, cats have scent glands. Scratching leaves a territorial message for other cats by depositing the cat’s scent onto an object.
Scratching also leaves visual marks on objects that others can read.
Scratching a cat’s nails helps to remove the outer layer, which is good grooming behavior.
Scratching allows cats’ claws, feet, and bodies to stretch. This causes the release of “feel-good” hormones, which aid in the wellbeing of your cat.
Scratching is a natural way for cats to relieve tension and excitement, as well as to “blow off steam.”
What Do I Do If My Cat Is Scratching Up My Furniture?
Fortunately, you can satisfy your cat’s scratching urge without losing your belongings. Providing high-quality scratching posts (https://www.katzengeschnurre.de/katzenkratzbaum-test/) is an excellent way to do this. With a little preparation for your cat, some extra understanding and patience, and some extra attention to the properties that make a great scratching place (height, sturdiness, and good scratching material), your cat can learn to leave your furniture alone in no time. Your friend would, in reality, adore the messages. Your cat will be healthier and happier if you allow them to engage in their natural activities, which will result in more love being shared with you!