WHAT DO YOU THINK OF DECLAWING?
CAN YOU DISCUSS FELINE SCRATCHING & CLAWING?

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Cat Behavior: Scratching & Clawing

Behavior problems such as scratching or clawing, can be addressed quickly and easily. This can be by simple strategies, or by a combination of different methods. Unfortunately, pet owners often avoid dealing with situations that involve behavior problems. They mistakenly think that they will just disappear or solve themselves; most often those problems get worse and will escalate in their intensity. These problems then become much harder to address.

Most animal behavior problems, even in some severe cases, can be addressed in an eight to twelve week period. Targeting what the cause is that contributes to the behavior problem is important. Once the reason underlying the symptom (problem) is determined, the situation can be resolved. There are a variety of reasons why a cat will begin to engage in clawing and scratching behavior. Here are a few of those reasons to help you pinpoint and understand the motivation behind the behavior so you can pick the right solution:

• Improper learning or training
• Lack of environmental needs
• Physical need Marking territory or display
• Boredom or attention seeking
• New home or furnishings
• New animal introduction

Consistent and persistent effort is what solves the problem and redirects the animal into another activity or more appropriate actions. If dealt with in the early stages, behavior problems can be eliminated quickly and easily--usually within a few days. It seems that often, rather than deal with these situations early, pet owners will wait and then consider drastic measures that may hurt, maim, or psychologically impact their animals for life.

Consultants in animal behavior see the negative repercussions of such extreme actions. This is because pet owners call us for help on all types of animal behavior problems. What can be seen following such procedures such as declawing varies. Many times declawed animals will suffer from litterbox avoidance, psychological trauma, and day-to-day frustrations that prevent them from marking territory, protecting themselves, and helping them to align their little spines. Many declawed cats will begin to bite more and have a difficult time with other animals since they have lost one of their tools for protection.

If you are experiencing this behavior problem help is just a phone call away! Click here to book your phone appointment with an animal behaviorist now.