This article first appeared in the Winter 2006 issue of Animal Behavior Consulting: Theory and Practice, a publication of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, www.iaabc.org. Copyright 2006 The IAABC. Think Twice Before You Declaw

The Itch to Scratch do write. They don’t communicate Asking a never to scratch with a pen and paper or by using a com- is asking a cat not to act like puter keyboard. Instead, their prose is cat a cat. scratch—literally. They scratch to express their excitement and pleasure. They Most of us don’t mind that scratch to leave messages, both visual and cats scratch; what bothers us aromatic. (A cat’s paws have scent glands is where they scratch. But that leave smell-o-grams; we can’t read nearly all cats can be taught them, but other cats can.) where to scratch—and where not to. are Cats also scratch, not to sharpen their nails particularly easy to train, but to remove the worn-out sheaths from but it’s not that difficult to their claws. You see the results as little cres- teach the adults, either. The cent-moon shaped bits around scratching secret is to provide attractive areas. Scratching is good exercise, too. scratching alternatives to the sofa or stereo speakers and Scratching is normal behavior for cats. then teach the cat to use those alternatives.

All cats scratch; it’s part of being a cat. Reality Check

Just so you know, a typical declaw on a cat who goes outdoors, since de- (called an ) is an irre- clawed cats have been disarmed. versible surgical procedure. In many countries declaw surgery is A cat’s toe has three bones; the claw illegal. The American Association of grows from the end of the last bone. In Feline Practitioners advises veterinar- declawing, the veterinarian amputates ians never to include declawing along the end section of the last bone, which with spay/neuter as a promotional in- contains the growth plate, along with centive or to present declawing as a the nail. This can be very painful, so routine surgical procedure. pain management is critical before, during and after the procedure. Even if many cats ultimately do recover without any adverse effects, Some human amputees feel phantom why take the chance? Why put your pain long after a limb is gone, and cat through the ordeal and yourself declawed cats also may. through the expense when there are other options? Declawing should never be performed

Scratching is good exercise, and it's fun.

Animal Behavior Consulting: Theory and Practice Winter 2006 Think Twice Before You Declaw

H ow Cats Sc ratc h Just as we have our own preferences for to or exceed the cat’s height when she their claws into. Sisal is particularly pop- either pen and paper or a computer key- is standing on her back legs. ular. Natural wood and carpeting (many board to write our prose, cats, too, have cats prefer the back side of the carpet) preferences. While almost all cats relish a A wobbly vertical scratcher that moves are also favorites. Again, it’s all about vertical scratch, many also enjoy a good and feels as if it might tip over when a individual preferences. horizontal scratch. However, all cats seem cat sinks her claws in, or a horizontal to agree about certain requirements for scratcher that easily slides along the An assortment of surfaces and scratchers their scratching surfaces. floor, is not stable enough for serious is ideal, even in a home with just one cat. scratching. And several scratching choices are Because cats like to stretch and scratch, absolutely necessary in a multi-cat favorite vertical scratchers should be equal Cats like materials they can really sink household. Scratchers 101

Effective horizontal scratchers are with materials that are easy to get at relatively inexpensive to buy from home improvement stores. a supply store. They are often made of corrugated cardboard and While purchasing a luxurious sometimes catnip is included to multi-level cat tree or condo play- sprinkle into slits cut in the ground is pricey, it’s likely to be scratcher. Angled cardboard less expensive than a buying a new scratchers are especially appealing sofa because the old one has been to many cats, giving them a com- shredded. The multiple surfaces and bination vertical and horizontal perches will attract feline scratchers scratch in one. of all preferences. And when the cats lounge on the cat tree, there will be Good vertical scratchers are tall less cat hair all over your house. and sturdy, with a wide, heavy bot- tom to prevent tipping. Industrious souls can build their own cat trees Cats like materials they can really sink their claws into.

Location, Location

When you’re thinking about where to •Near where your congre- is scratching to express his excitement put the scratching post, keep in mind gates. to see you. Reprimanding a cat for be- that, like all real estate, location is ev- ing happy to see you is confusing and erything. Remember that cats scratch to •Near a favorite napping location, can damage your relationship with communicate, and leaving a message since cats enjoy a good stretch and your cat.) hidden in the basement or behind the scratch after awakening. washing machine is not their idea of  As a part of a feline aerobic center, Reasonably close to the front door, effective communication. • such as a sprawling cat tree, which since many cats like to scratch after may also include places to climb, play You’ll need to place the scratching post their people arrive home. (Never and snooze. in places cats want to scratch. These think your cat runs to the sofa to include: scratch after you walk through the  Near a window or places where door because he ’s angry that several cats gather to play and party. you’ve been away. In fact, your cat

Animal Behavior Consulting: Theory and Practice Winter 2006 Think Twice Before You Declaw Scratching School Kittens are especially easy to instruct a good habit than undo a bad one. Cats kittens might not be turned on by catnip. about where to scratch, but most any learn by watching, so all you have to do is Sometimes it’s an acquired taste and a cat will learn. Realistically, it will take scratch your nails on the appropriate small percentage of cats seem to never more time to teach an adult who has scratching post and act like you’re having develop an interest in catnip.) been scratching the sofa her entire life a really good time. If your follows than it will to teach a 12-weekold your example, offer a pay-off with a tasty Play with your cat around the post using an kitty. However, mostly it depends on morsel and enthusiastically tell your cat interactive toy (a fishing pole-type toy the individual cat and how good an how smart she is. Cats have huge egos; with feathers or fabric at the end). Even if instructor you happen to be. Just they love it when you tell them they’re the the cat just accidentally puts her paws on remember to be fair and consistent. greatest. the post, that’s a great start, since now your cat’s scent has been deposited on it. Con- If you’re training an impressionable Rubbing catnip on a vertical post and sistently make the area near the scratching kitten, begin the first day you bring depositing catnip within the corrugated post a playground. your baby home. It’s easier to start compartment of a horizontal scratcher will entice many adults to scratch. (Young Click and Trai n

One way to teach your cat where to scratch Now entice your cat to paw at the post. Begin the next session where you left is by using a clicker to tell him when he is This might be as simple as you pointing at off—with the kitty merely touching the scratcher. Your next goal is to shape the doing the right thing. Clickers are inexpen- the post and kitty following your finger. behavior to what you really want; don’t re- sive and easy to find at pet supply stores. Also, play with him around the scratching ward the cat until he touches the scratcher post using an interactive toy. The moment First teach your cat what the clicker means. with his paw. your cat touches the post with any part of Click the clicker and drop a treat on the his body, click and offer a treat. In each successive session, hold out for a floor. (For noise-sensitive cats, clicking a behavior that’s just a little bit closer to what retractable pen will do.) Soon your cat will you want before you click and treat. Soon come running from another room when Learning sessions should never be more five to ten minutes, and even less time with your cat will be scratching at the tree. In you click because he knows the click addition to the reward it will feel good, so a kitten. While kittens may actually learn means food. Once your cat understands your cat will enjoy the experience. Once that “click” means “a treat is on the way,” faster than adults, they’re at an age when your cat begins to scratch regularly, offer you can use the sound of the clicker to train they have very short attention spans. It’s rewards only intermittently or else you’ll him to do just about anything. important to end a learning session with a end up with one very pudgy pussy. treat for a successful behavior.

Bad Kitty What if your cat is scratching up a Discouraging your cat from favorite chair or sofa? Don’t take it scratching is most effective when personally! Remember, scratching you are not a part of the deterrent. these things is only inappropriate to That’s because if the reprimand you; it’s normal to your cat. You’ll comes from you, your cat quickly need to block her access to the inap- figures out she can scratch any- propriate place, make sure she has a fabulous scratching post to use where when you’re not around. instead, and then show her what you Remember what cats like to scratch want her to do. and what they don’t. They want to

Cats will scratch as a part of play activity; kitty condo units are great playgrounds in multi cat homes. continued on next page

Animal Behavior Consulting: Theory and Practice Winter 2006 Think Twice Before You Declaw

Think Twice Before You Declaw Bad Kitty (continued from previous page) car floor mats (with the nubby to kitty and then provide some- side up) or a plastic rug runner thing very attractive to scratch dig their claws into a suitable (also nubby side up). as an alternative. So if your cat Author—Steve Dale, Tribune Media material and they don’t like to is scratching the arm of the sofa, Services syndicated newspaper feel something bumpy or When you discourage the cat cover it up and place an entic- columnist, host Pet Central WGN by simply blocking her access, Radio; syndicated Steve Dale ’s Pet smooth or sticky. That’s why ing scratching post right next to World and The Pet Minute with Steve Sticky Paws (available at pet there is no reason to chase after the sofa. It’s a set-up that tells Dale (www.petworldradio.net) supply stores and on line) is a and/or raise your voice or use your cat “Don’t scratch there, superbly effective deterrent. a squirt gun. Sometimes these scratch here instead.” When Co-Author, Editor—Beth Adelman, These are strips of double-sid- emotional responses will actu- your cat is consistently scratch- certified feline behavior consultant, ally encourage cats to scratch, author and editor of more than 100 pet ed sticky tape (designed not to ing at the right place for several books damage furniture) that you can since they so love doing any- weeks, you can safely uncover put on fabric or wood. Another thing to see their people get the sofa. Layout, Editor—Margaret H. option is ordinary double-sided excited. Bonham, award winning author of 18 tape. books including, Bring Me Home: Cats Do you need to leave the tarp Make Great (www. shadowhe lm. on your couch forever? Nope. net) If you need to cover an entire sofa or chair, try a smooth The idea is to make the inap- Photos—Weems S. Hutto and Dusty plastic tarp or shower curtain, propriate items unattractive Rainbolt; Steve Dale, Angelical Cat Company

Editorial Consultants—Lore I. Haug, DVM, MS, DACVB, CPDT, CABC Animal Behavior Service Texas A&M University Veterinary Teaching Hospital Paws 'n Order

Ilona Rodan, DVM, ABVP, cochair Keep your cat’s nails trimmed nail clipper, so they actually 2005AAFP Feline Behavior Guidelines by clipping them with a nail look forward to the experience. cutter every 10 to 14 days. Your (Well, at least they won’t fuss Copyright ©2005 Steve Dale, Beth veterinarian or a groomer can about it.) Adelman. Photos copyright ©2005 show you how to do this while Angelical Cat Company, Steve Dale, If you and your cat just can’t see offering your cat a special treat Weems S. Hutto and Dusty Rainbolt. eye to eye about nail trimming, All rights reserved. This newsletter as you clip. That way, your cat Soft Paws are soft, temporary may be freely distributed and printed in is so busy eating that he won’t its entirety. All rights to articles and nail covers that can be fitted notice you’re also clipping. photos belong to their respective Maintain kitty's nails, and he over a cat’s claws. authors except where noted. No portion won't need to scratch as often. Kittens can easily learn to as- of this newsletter may be reprinted or sociate a special treat with the distributed in another medium without contacting the copyright holders. Reso u rces

Help Is Here! —Learn about clicker training at Cats Make Great Pets by Mar- • TopCat Products: www.clickertraining.com or check w.topcatproducts.com, (615) garet H. Bonham (Howell Book out Clicker Training for Cats by 874-1221 If you still need help, it’s avail- House) able. Ask your veterinarian to Karen Pryor, (800) 47-CLICK  Soft Paws: help you find a veterinary —Read Think Like a Cat by Pam  Angelical Cat Company cat behaviorist. Or, to find a certi- www.softpaws.com, (800) Johnson Bennett (Penguin trees: ww.angelicalcat.com, 989-2542 fied feline behavior consultant Publishing), Every Cat’s Survival (954) 747-3629 where you live, check out Guide to Living with a Neurotic  Sticky Paws: www.iaabc.org. Owner by Beth Adelman (Main • Smart Cat Ultimate www.stickypaws.com, (817) Street Books), Kittens for Dum- 926-3023 mies by Dusty Rainbolt (Wiley Scratching Post: www.esmartcat.com/ Publishing), or Bring Me Home:  Steve Dale’s Web site: shopping/ultimate.php www.petworldradio.net

Animal Behavior Consulting: Theory and Practice Winter 2006