Scratching, Clawing, Climbing and Perching

Does your cat dig into exquisite upholstery like a kindergartner into birthday cake? You may wonder why your efforts to get your pet to kick the scratching habit have failed. And then there's the daily insistence on scaling the highest bookshelf or ceiling beam. Why does your cat persist and then meow piteously until you come to the rescue?

Clawing satisfies both instinctual and practical needs including exercising and sharpening her claws, habit or enjoyment, boredom, curiosity, communication with other cats or increasing feelings of security. The sofa is not a thing of beauty to your cat. Instead, it's a great place to satisfy a normal urge.

A cat's claws actually wear out, and when they scratch, they're removing the frayed outer layer to release the new, sharp claw underneath. Look around your cat's scratching area. You're likely to find worn-out claw fragments on the floor.

But scratching frenzies aren't only for shedding that old claw coat. Your cat is also exercising the muscles that extend and retract the claws, which needs to be done to keep in shape for climbing, hunting, and scratching. And even if your cat doesn't hunt birds and mice or even go outside at all, playing at hunting is important. Hunting is in a cat's nature.

Scratching is also a form of communication. Cats mark their territory with scent from the glands in their paws. This is important to their sense of security.

The key is to accept that your cat needs to scratch while recognizing that you can limit the damage by providing acceptable objects for scratching. You'll need to get a scratching post or board, and you'll need to train your pet to use it.

When your cat claws the couch, remove her and say no firmly, or use the ever-popular water-filled spray bottle to persuade her to look elsewhere for scratching action. Do the opposite when she uses the scratching post. Give lots of affection and a special treat to let your pet know that this is the right place to claw. If your cat responds to catnip, you can make the post enticing by rubbing the herb on it.

Even after your kitty has learned to go straight for the post when the urge to scratch occurs, don't expect having a cat to have no impact on your home. Cats love to explore, and they will get into boxes, knock over lamps, leave hair on your sweaters and even when there's a top-of-the-line scratching post at hand, they may test out their claws on that new comfy chair. When your cat forgets the rules, simply respond firmly and consistently.

Curiosity leads plenty of cats into unusual and dangerous places. Pair curiosity with agility, another characteristic of cats, and what you have is a creature who wants to climb.

The drive to investigate what's on top of the refrigerator may be what brings your cat up there, but once she discovers what a warm, restful place it is, she'll be back. Your cat can survey the whole kingdom from up high, and can become curious about the top of the china cabinet across the room.

Sometimes your cat has more curiosity than caution. Maybe she's climbed up the drapes onto a shaky curtain rod or made it up the tallest tree in your yard, only to wail for help.

But does your pet really need the rescue? You've seen cats take some breathtaking leaps, landing neatly on all fours and walking away with a swish of the tail. So what's the problem now?

Depending on where your cat is, she may be judging the height too great for a safe jump or she may be playing a game with you. If your pet's been feeling ignored, it may be a way of getting attention. Assess the situation and make your decision.

The kindest thing you can do for your clawing and climbing cat is provide safe ways to do both.

Scratching posts can be made or purchased, and they come in all shapes and sizes. Try to give your cat the biggest and sturdiest post you have room for, and take into consideration the materials your pet likes to claw. If your cat's been ripping up the carpet, a carpet-covered post is probably the best choice. Burlap is another excellent scratching material.

You can put the post anywhere, as long as your cat can find it. If your pet likes to scratch right after eating, don't place it too far from her food bowl. Some vets recommend putting it next to the piece of furniture your pet likes to scratch most. Wherever you put it, make sure it's stable. Your cat isn't likely to ever use the post again if it falls while scratching.

If you have more than one cat, remember that one of the reasons cats scratch is to mark territory. In other words, more than one cat equals a need for more than one scratching post.

For climbing fun, a tall cloth-covered pole with landings can provide your cat with hours of satisfying adventure. Known as cat trees or climbing trees, these too come in all shapes and sizes, from three feet high to all the way up to the ceiling. As with scratching posts, it's important that the tree won't topple or even wobble so brace it if necessary. Placing it in a corner is a good bet. Another option is to place it near a window so your cat can watch the world outside. Be sure to keep the window closed or your cat may climb off the tree and out the window.

If, in spite of your best efforts, your cat continues to scratch forbidden things, try covering the tempting furniture with a smooth material that won't satisfy your cat's clawing needs. Be sure to tuck it securely around all edges, so your pet can't sneak a paw underneath. This can be a temporary measure until she loses interest.

Also, keep your cat's nails trimmed. When nails aren't sharply pointed, they can't do as much damage. You may also want to place a harmless booby trap on the scratching target. You want something that will make a loud noise like a can with a few coins rattling around inside or an inflated balloon that will pop when pierced with a claw.

If necessary, close off the area where your cat is doing the most damage. If your pet can't get into that room, it will be easier to teach her to use the scratching post instead.

If your cat never completely gives up on the couch, try to keep the problem in perspective by reminding yourself that your kitty gives you love and joy, while your furniture, no matter how lovely, is basically a place to rest.