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| How to Curb Your Cat's Clawing |
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If your nerves are as frayed as your furniture, don’t despair. Save your sofa and your sanity by understanding your friend's compulsion to claw.
A happy cat and tatter-free furniture? Yes, you can have them both. Just redirect your cat’s instinct to scratch by following these simple tips.
Understand the Purpose
Why do cats scratch? There seem to be as many opinions as there are books on the subject, but it boils down to three basic needs:
- Communication. “Cats claw and scratch to leave a visual and scented mark of their presence,” says animal behaviorist Dr. Dan Estep. “This is not necessarily a territorial act,” Dr. Estep says. “It is simply the cat stating to other cats, 'I was here,' just like we’d leave a business card.”
- Grooming. A cat’s claws grow in layers. From time to time, the outer layer sheds to make room for new growth. If the outer sheath isn’t removed, it can continue growing and cause discomfort. Scratching helps keep your kitty’s claws in shape.
- Stretching. A good scratching session gives your cat a great workout by stretching and pulling the muscles, keeping them toned and healthy.
Know What to Look For
Getting the right scratching surface will put you on your way to scratch-free furniture. Check your local pet store for a wide variety of options, and pay attention to:
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