Destructiveness in Cats

Destructiveness Related to Territorial Marking

Territorial Scratch Marks

A cat claims its territory by rubbing the secretions of specialized scent glands onto objects, by leaving scratch marks on selected surfaces, and by urination or defecation outside the litterbox. These territorial markings alert other cats to their presence. Cats patrolling their territory remark their territory. Newly arrived cats typically stake a claim by covering other cats’ markings with their own.

Territorial marking is a normal behavior in cats. Territorial marking becomes undesirable, however, when it is performed inside your home and results in destruction of property.

Nonspecific Anxiety Release

A cat may become anxious when it is introduced to a new territory, detects an intruder or rival in its territory, has an underlying medical disorder, or has its daily routine altered. Under stressful conditions, marking patterns may accelerate, resulting in more damage to your property. Many cat owners tolerate a certain amount of destructiveness, particularly when the damage is minimal or directed at an object of little value. An owner’s tolerance may be tried, however, if the destructiveness becomes excessive or involves an object of value. A cat that habitually scratches an old sofa may not be considered a problem, for example, until its owner is ready to invest in expensive new furnishings.

Encouraging Use of a Scratch Post

Cats Need to Scratch

In addition to its function in territorial marking, scratching also serves to remove the outer layer of each claw, made blunt by wear, revealing a sharper one underneath. Cats frequently scratch soon after awaking and not far from their place of rest. The act of scratching, which typically begins by reaching forward with the forepaws fully extended, is important to stretch a cat’s muscles.

Individual Preferences

Some cats prefer to stretch using horizontal surfaces, whereas others prefer vertical ones. Cats also show individual preference for surface texture. Some scratch on nobby textiles of upholstery or carpets, rattan, or corrugated cardboard. Other cats prefer smoother surfaces, such as finished wood, plastered walls, or a mattress. When you think about it, these are all substitutes for tree trunks, and we should be surprised when cats comply in using the scratch posts we offer them.

Early Training

Early in life, kittens should be encouraged to use a scratch post. Many kittens are immediately attracted to the scratch post, but some require coaxing. It may be helpful to place a suspended toy or treat on top of the post, encouraging your cat to reach up and make contact with the post.

The most important considerations, however, are:

In choosing the location of the scratch post, remember that cats tend to scratch near their favorite resting places. Watch your kitten to see where it is naturally inclined to scratch and immediately place a scratch post at that location. Scratch posts are available in a wide variety of styles, including cardboard posts that can be laid flat or inclined at any angle. Posts wrapped in heavy twine or rope are also popular with cats. The best scratch post is the one that your cat will use. It may be useful to experiment with scratch post placement and texture to see which attracts the most use.

Avoid Punishment

It is probably not worthwhile to punish your cat for inappropriate scratching unless it is recent in onset. Shouting at it or making a noise to frighten it away, even if you catch it "in the act," is likely to be ineffective and may make things worse. In response to your punishment, an anxious cat is even more likely to mark its territory. Your cat could learn to avoid you or simply discover that it can scratch that location unbothered when you are not nearby.

Similarly, covering the undesirable scratching place with a foul-tasting substance will likely drive the animal to use another surface that may be even less desirable to you. A more reliable tactic for the long run is to retrain your cat to scratch appropriate surfaces by making them more attractive than the undesirable locations.

Solutions

If your cat’s scratching is already causing damage to your property, there are several approaches to resolving the problem.

Identify your cat’s preferences for location and surface quality. Are these close to its favorite resting place? Are they vertical, inclined, or horizontal? Are they rough or smooth, carpeted or not?

Block access to the undesirable spot by covering it with plastic sheeting, aluminum

foil, or some other material that is not appealing to your cat.

Select one or more new scratching posts that incorporate your cat’s preferences. By trial and error, you may find one that is particularly alluring to your pet. For example, if your cat is inappropriately attracted to carpet as a scratching surface, you might place carpet fragments at a preferred location. However, avoid using carpet as a scratching post unless your cat is already attracted to this texture. You would not want your cat to graduate from a carpeted post to an expensive carpet. Be sure to use older carpet fragments if you must. Toxic substances are frequently applied to carpets and will be reduced over time.

Place the new scratch posts directly in front of its favored locations. This will help your cat to associate scratching with the appropriate surface and encourage use of the post.

Sprinkle catnip on or hang an attractive toy near the top of the post. Some cats will even mimic you if you scratch the surface lightly with your own fingers.

Give your cat plenty of praise whenever you see it using the scratch post.

The surgical procedure known as declawing involves removal of the last joint of each toe, along with the claw. This surgery is performed under general anesthesia by veterinarians. Though cats are in pain during the immediate postoperative period, declawing is a viable alternative if you have been unsuccessful at retraining your destructive, scratching cat.

The temporary discomfort caused by declawing is certainly more humane than euthanizing an otherwise healthy and beloved pet. Young kittens recover quickly from declawing. Mature cats may need a bit longer (about 2 weeks), but soon are comfortable and back to normal.

There is no evidence that declawing a cat will cause undesirable temperament changes. Declawed cats, however, should remain confined as housepets.

Destruction of Houseplants

Cats occasionally indulge a craving for plants. Although the reason is not clearly understood, it may be normal for cats to ingest dietary fiber. Another function of chewing plants may be territorial marking. In some instances, plant chewing may indicate an underlying medical disorder.

If your cat shows an increased tendency to chew on your houseplants (particularly if it has never done so previously) and shows any loss of condition that suggests a health problem, have the cat examined by your veterinarian.

Hanging plants or waving branches may provide entertainment, becoming a form of play for cats. Some ornamental indoor and outdoor plants may be toxic. If your cat chews plants, consult your veterinarian to be sure there is no danger. Cats may be particularly attracted to the odor, taste, and texture of certain plants. Catnip is well known for its mildly intoxicating but benign effect on cats. Some cats dig in the soil of potted plants because of simple curiosity or because they instinctively are drawn to eliminate in soil.

Prevent access to targeted or potentially poi-sonous plants by removing them to secured locations. You may decide to sacrifice one or more harmless plants to indulge your pet. Some cat owners plant commercially available gardens for their pet’s amusement.

Destructiveness During Play

Destructiveness associated with normal play, particularly in young cats, is common. Most destruction is unintended, as a kitten or young cat leaps, pounces, slides, and dashes through your home in playful bursts of energy. Many cats appear to delight in knocking fragile objects off mantels and table tops. There is no conscious malice in this behavior; rather, such activity is related to healthy curiosity.

As your cat ages, this type of play will wane. Meanwhile, if your young cat is wreaking havoc in your home, be sure to clear away breakable objects. Prevent potential disasters by providing a varied assortment of acceptable toys.

Choosing the location of the post

Positioning the post (watch your kitten for a horizontal or vertical preference)

Surface texture of the post (they come in a wide variety)