Playtime is great, but not when it’s tearing up the carpet!

Sharpening the nails is not the only reason cats dig their claws into furniture or carpet.

Scratching can be way of showing emotion.

Whether it’s getting ready to play, or just grabbing your attention, this can be a show of excitement.

My own cat sratches the carpet right before a game of chase every time.  Showing hes ready for play.
Carpet runners have been placed in his favorite play areas where he gets ready to run.

Shedding the nails and stretching the claws, are some other reasons for digging those claws.

It’s important to try and remedy scratching before it becomes a problem.

How to approach this behavior.

If its playtime, create a play area of their own with a scratching post or carpet to deter them from furniture.

Use catnip to draw the attention to the play area, making it a calm, safe environment they can enjoy, or find comfort.

While scratching can be part of a cat’s regular routine, excessive scratching can become a real problem for pet owners.
It’s important to get a handle on it sooner than later.

Finding solutions.

There are many scratchers with different materials available in the market.

Choosing one according to your budget and convenience is not a difficult task.
If you are tight on budget, use leftover carpet scraps to make one yourself.

• Safely trim the nails to prevent clawing

• Apply vinyl tips

• Try pheromone sprays

• Provide catnip

• Use smart toys to distract from inappropriate behavior.

When too much scratching becomes a problem

Cats are known for having claws, and while scratching is part of a cat’s regular routine, excessive scratching can cause problems for both cats and their owners.

A cat that is scratching too much or pulling hair out could be sign of stress or boredom.

Living in a stressful environment could lead to health issues for anyone, including a cat.  That’s when it’s time to take charge.

Finding a solution may take time and patience.

If scratching posts and catnip have not solved your problem, seeking advice from a veterinarian should be the next step.

Many cats lose homes due to scratching behavior when there are many options to correct the behavior.

When adopting a cat into your home, always be prepared to make some adjustments.

Cats make great companions, and can adjust to new routines or environment with little help at all.