Most cats, especially young kittens, have a strong, natural desire to play and explore. But this desire can lead to major problems when your cat claws your sofa or destroys your houseplants. The best way to prevent destructive scratching is by providing an environment that meets your cat’s needs.

Exploration and play
The first consideration is to provide a safe, stimulating environment. Cat-proof your home and build a play center where your cat can climb, perch, and scratch. Provide a few toys your cat can bat around, such as spring-mounted, dangling, or bouncy toys. Some cats enjoy climbing into empty cardboard boxes or cat carriers, especially if food treats have been left inside. Ping-pong balls and walnuts make inexpensive toys that many cats love. Cats may even find some dog chews toys appealing. Avoid tempting your kitten into play by teasing him with your fingers- you may end up with a play-biting cat.

Indoor cats with little access to grass or other vegetable matter may chew houseplants. Offer them lettuce, catnip, or a kitty herb garden in exchange. Some cats are more likely to suck or chew on material such as rugs or clothing. You can correct the problem by keeping these objects away from your cat, providing alternative chew toys, or changing his diet to dry, bulky food.

Preventing problems
To keep your cat away from problem areas, first try child locks, barricades, or closed doors. For persistent problems or areas that cannot be barricaded, use remote punishment, taste and odor aversion, or booby traps as deterrents. Never use physical punishment- it may cause your cat to fear you and to avoid the problem area only when you are around. If you can remain out of sight and use remote punishment, your cat should learn without fearing you. Use a water gun or loud noise to stop the behaviour. Destructive chewing can be discouraged by using commercial antichew sprays, mentholated products, vinegar, or a little cayenne pepper mixed with water. Other options include aversive odors (perfume, deodorant soap, citrus oil) or booby traps (motion-activated alarms or a stack of plastic cups set to topple when the cat enters the area or scratches). You shouldn’t punish your cat unless you have provided an alternate scratching area for him and have rewarded him for scratching there.

Scratching
Scratching is a normal behaviour that allows your cat to condition his claws and mark his territory. It also provides a nice stretch. Of course, when your cat’s scratching is on furniture or your favourite stereo speakers, it quickly becomes intolerable.

To prevent destructive scratching, keep your cat away from tempting areas, trim his nails regularly, and provide a proper scratching post. Encourage your cat to use a scratching post by placing one near is favourite sleeping area and perhaps a second post in a prominent area. It is important to select surface textures that are both practical and appealing to the cat- carpet, sisal, a nubby fabric, or even bare wood. Attract your cat to the scratching post by attaching a few toys, rubbing a little catnip into the surface, or providing a more elaborate structure with climbing and perching areas. Give your cat a food reward whenever he approaches his post, and multiple rewards whenever he actually scratches the post. If you prefer to build your own scratching post, ensure that the post is tall enough for your cat to scratch with his legs fully extended and is sturdy enough to support your cat’s weight without toppling. You can leave the wood bare or cover it with a suitable surface covering. You can construct an inexpensive scratching post by securely attaching a fireplace log to a plywood base.

Persistent problems
If your cat continues to scratch in an inappropriate area, put a post there. Food rewards will keep your cat interested in the post and away from your furniture. If destructive scratching persist, cover the scratched area with plastic, a loosely draped piece of material, or short strips of double-sided tape. Another option is to use plastic coverings that fit over your cat’s nails. These are available from your veterinarian.

If you have sincerely tried to solve the problem but still encounter destructive scratching, declawing may be a final consideration. It is certainly a better alternative than banning your cat to the outdoors or taking him to an animal shelter (which may be unable to place the cat in another home). Numerous studies have shown that declawing does not have a detrimental effect on a cat’s behaviour or personality.

http://www.vet.cornell.edu/fhc/brochures/Housesoiling.html.

Hunthausen ,Wayne, DVM and Gary Landsberg, DVM, veterinarians practicing in small animal behaviour medicine and diplomats of the ACVB.

Visit the site of the 'AAHA : www.healthypet.com.