This month Dr. Jacqui writes about Cat Claws

Scratching is a normal cat behavior and can inflict a lot of property damage. In fact, the act of scratching serves multiple purposes including forelimb muscle stretching, claw sharpening/maintenance, deposition of a scent mark and creation of a visual mark. The part that is often most distressing to humans is the visual mark, especially when it involves torn sofa fabric. In a survey of cat owners, 60% reported that their cats scratched furniture.

In studies of free-living cats it was noted that scratching behavior increased when other cats were present as compared to when the cat was alone, highlighting the communication (marking) function of scratching. Cats may have a preference for material and orientation for scratching. One study identified that fabrics with longitudinally oriented threads were preferred over tightly woven knubby fabrics for scratching.

Some cats prefer to scratch on horizontal surfaces while others like vertical surfaces. Observing individual cats will identify their personal preferences. Cats often target prominent locations for scratching and areas near their resting spots. Cats must be given and taught appropriate places to engage in this behavior.

The following tips will help manage this problematic behavior: A wide variety of commercially available scratching posts/pads are available ranging from inexpensive ($6) to very expensive ($500). Scratching posts stand vertically and are often covered with sisal or carpet. Scratching pads rest horizontally on the floor and are often made of corregated cardboard. You can also make your own scratching post/pad. Consider that cats want to be able to sink their claws into something and drag their claws over the surface, leaving a visual mark. Soft wood surfaces often make great scratching posts for cats.

Scratching Post Tips:

• Place the scratching posts/pads in prominent locations near the cat's resting areas or previously scratched targets. Hiding a scratching post/pad in a remote corner of a room is usually not the best placement option.
• Make sure provided scratching posts/pads are tall or long enough for the cat to get a good stretch.
• Make sure the posts are sturdy enough to handle the weight of your cat...posts that wobble or topple over when used are likely to be unused.
• Proper use of scratching post/pad should be praised. Encouragement to scratch on the post/pad may be aided by placing treats on the post/pad, playing with toys near/on the post/pad or placing catnip on the post/pad.
• A well worn/used post should be retained instead of replaced.
• Inappropriate scratching surfaces (e.g. sofa) should be made unavailable or aversive (e.g. double stick tape, covered with foil).

Additional Advice:

• Placing a bell on your cat's collar to track your cat's location in the house and its scratching activity can help with the appropriate delivery of remote punishment (water squirt) for scratching behavior. Remote punishment dependent upon human activation is often unsuccessful at curtailing this problem since owners are often inconsistent with its delivery. At best it may teach your cat not to scratch on the surface when you are present.
• Nails should be trimmed regularly (weekly) as this may decrease the damage inflicted upon targets.
• Another treatment option is placing soft, pliable, plastic nail caps over the nails. These commercially available nail caps are glued onto the nail and prevent destruction. They need to be replaced monthly as the nail grows and the caps fall off.

Should I have my cats claws removed?

Onychectomy (declaw surgery) is a last resort treatment option. The practice of declawing is controversial and in some countries such as Britain, it is illegal. Declawing involves amputation of the third phalanx (last digit of the toe). It is an invasive surgical procedure that may have complications associated with the procedure. That said, most cats that undergo the procedure have no obvious long term negative effects. Appropriate surgical technique and pain medications can minimize complications.

There have been unsupported claims about the consequences of declawing that include an increase in biting behavior, an increase in house-soiling problems and resolution of predatory behavior. Studies that have been done on cats counter these myths. Declawed cats are no more likely to bite than are non-declawed cats. There is also no difference in the incidence of house-soiling between the two groups. Cats that are declawed have been observed to still climb trees and capture prey. Having your cat declawed, is a decision that should not be taken lightly and other avenues to minimize the property damage inflicted by scratching should be undertaken before making this decision with your veterinarian.