The urge to scratch comes naturally for cats. Domestication has not gotten rid of their desire to run their claws on rough surfaces.

Reasons Cats Scratch

• Keep their nails trimmed
• Mark territory – Paw pads have scent glands that make it possible for cats to leave their scents behind, thus warning other cats to keep out.
• Remove old nails to unveil new ones

Since cats are genetically predisposed to scratching, efforts to put a stop to the behavior remains unsuccessful. The best way to deal with it is to ‘feed’ the behavior by providing “legal” scratching surfaces such as scratching posts or scratch pads.

If your cat keeps on scratching your valuable furniture and carpet even when there are scratching posts around, try fitting nail caps over his claws or make the surface unpleasant by spraying a “no-scratch spray formula” or placing adhesive tape on the surface.

If you are having problems with your cat’s behavior, talk with a Mt. Pleasant, SC veterinarian. Find out more from this website.