Tooth & Nail: Overcoming Your Cat's Nasty Habits

Many people choose to live with cats because they think they are an easy pet to live with, one that does not require obedience training the way a dog does. The fact of the matter is that by tooth and nail, cats can be responsible for tremendous household destruction.

Destruction by tooth generally means noshing on household plants and eating inappropriate materials such as dirt, leather and wool-a habit referred to as pica. Destruction by nail refers to that old feline classic, using furniture as a scratching post and the curtains as a jungle gym.

Feline destruction can be handled in a number of ways: by managing the problem, distracting the cat away from the objects of desire, and/or by retraining the cat. A combination of the three will probably be what solves the problem.

House plants often fall victim to young cats. For the cat that loves to eat plants, the problem can be managed by turning table top plants Into hanging plants or by putting them in one room that is often kept off-limits to cats. (Giving your plants away and learning to love plastic and silk flowers is another possibility.)

Another option is to distract the cat by making the houseplant harder to reach, meanwhile growing flats of catnip and wheat grass in a more easily accessible area. This should satisfy the cat's craving for fresh vegetation.

Attempt to retrain the cat by spraying the leaves of the plants with an anti-chew agent especially formulated for plants and attaching balloons or double-stick tape to the planters. Cats avoid sites of loud noises (popped balloons) or surfaces that feel tacky to their touch. In cases that involve pica, the cat should first be examined by a Veterinarian to make sure it Is not suffering from any sort of physical problem or metabolic Imbalance.

For the cat that eats/chews Inappropriate objects, managing the problem would take the form of keeping objects that the cat Is attracted to in drawers, closets and other closed containers.

Distract the cat from desired objects by providing plenty of playthings. Some experts feel chewing inappropriate Items Is a sign of boredom and isolation. Increasing the cat's exercise sessions and rotating toys might bring about a change.

Introduction of a second cat as a playmate might also alleviate the problem but should only be considered if the owner truly desires a second cat.

(Adding cats to a household Is stressful to the existing occupants and numerous misbehaviors may result such as fighting, inappropriate litter box habits and nocturnal behaviors. Stress-related health disorders such as Feline Urologic Syndrome can also occur).

To deal with the Number One destruction complaint-scratching the furniture, manage the problem by making sure furniture and drapery materials are tactilely unattractive to cats. Most smooth cotton fabrics such as parachute cloth hold little interest for cat. Their preference run from rough, bumpy, textured surfaces like Haitian cloth, Herculon, raw silk and leather. If the furniture pre-dates the cat, use of a decorative sheet or comforter as a furniture protector should be considered. Of course, there's always plastic slipcovers. Trimming the cat's nails every week will keep the blunt and minimize the damage done by any scratching.

Distract the cat from furniture by providing a suitable scratching post. Cats have an inherent need to scratch In order to remove the dead nail sheaths from around their claws, thus allowing the new nails to grow out. Provide a sturdy, wide-based, rough textured post that is at least three feet tall. The post should be covered in sisal, burlap or a similar rough fabric. A natural tree trunk that has been debugged is also acceptable. Keep it near the cat's favorite napping place, for the urge to scratch is often strongest upon awakening.

Retrain the cat away from scratching on furniture by making favorite scratching places undesirable by covering them with double-stick tape, balloons, tin or contact paper (sticky-side up). Initially place an appropriate scratching post beside the Items the cat scratches, then move It slowly to the place where you would prefer It to be.

The sound of human nails run over the scratching post often entices the cat to the post. Praise the cat if that occurs. Dragging a ribbon or other interactive toy over or around the post also attracts the cat In the right direction. Several times a month, sprinkle some potent catnip on the post to Increase Its desirability if yours is a cat that responds to this herb.

By providing for a cat's physical and mental needs and keeping Its environment stimulating through the use of kitty greens, appropriate scratching posts and challenging interactive toys, much of the destruction cause by tooth and nail can be avoided.

Jacque Lynn Schultz, Companion Animal Services, ASPCA

PDF Version: By Tooth and Nail: Feline Household Destruction

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