Why Do Cats Climb Curtains And Scratch Fabric?

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Why Do Cats Climb Curtains And Scratch Fabric?
Why Do Cats Climb Curtains And Scratch Fabric?

Video: Why Do Cats Climb Curtains And Scratch Fabric?

Video: Why Do Cats Climb Curtains And Scratch Fabric?
Video: How to Stop Cats From Climbing Curtains : Kittens & Cat Care 2024, March
Anonim

What we think is hooliganism is their way of learning about life and telling us, "Look, I did it!"

Cats may appear soft and gentle, but under the fur and purr there are claws that can tear anything, and teeth that can gnaw on furniture, clothing, rugs and more. Scratching is the most common type of destructive behavior in cats, but it can take other forms as well.

Do not hide scratched surfaces. Cats use them and other means to alert their owners to their presence and activity.

Cat tears up the upholstery of the sofa, photo photography
Cat tears up the upholstery of the sofa, photo photography

“Cats can chew plants, climb curtains or knock over objects because they play and learn about the world, seek the attention of their owners or try to get out of the house,” says Pamela Perry, DVM, Ph. D., animal behavior specialist.

How cats can make themselves known

For example, scratching is a means of communication. It helps cats to groom their claws, but is also an expressive way of communicating and conveying information, both visually and tactilely.

The claw marks say: “I, Kotya, was here. Look how smart I am. Do you see how high I can climb? In addition, the underside of a cat's paws contains sebaceous glands. When a cat scratches, these glands release chemicals that are invisible to humans, but easily recognized by other cats.

It's usually hard for us to guess what the cat scratches mean, but experts have some theories. Cats can delimit their territory: “The kitty lives here. Stay away!" Or, in this way, the cat can declare itself as the owner of something. "Scratches in prominent places may indicate territorial markings," says Dr. Perry.

Sucking or chewing on tissue can be soothing or relaxing. In some cases, it can be a reaction to fear, disappointment or anxiety - the result of changes in the environment and lifestyle. A cat can get angry and scratch if it senses the presence of another cat, a dog that is bothering it, or even the appearance of a small child or other creature.

Cat pulls the sofa chair, photo photography
Cat pulls the sofa chair, photo photography

Either way, you can take steps to protect your home environment, nerves, and most importantly, your relationship with your cat. Scratching can ruin things if the cat is allowed to access furniture, doorways, windowsills, or personal belongings instead of a scratching post, log, or other acceptable item. This can have serious consequences not only for you, but also for the cat. Some pets are mistreated for such tricks, yelled at and sprayed with water, and are eventually sent to an animal shelter.

Get creative

Dealing with scratching can require creative thinking and home relocation. Cats scratch in places where their work is visible and appreciated. They want their footprints to be visible. This means that you cannot hide the scratching post in a remote corner or room.

If your cat prefers to sharpen its nails on the couch, place a scratching post next to it. This equally acceptable scraping object will tempt her to sharpen her claws on it.

If your cat loves to scratch a specific chair or a specific area of the couch, look at it from the feline perspective. Is this place in a prominent place in the room that other cats and people have in sight? Try to move the object so your cat has less motivation to scratch it. Or, place a scratch next to it so the cat has a suitable place to scratch, which is as tempting as the arm of the chair.

You don't need to worry about a new item (scratch) ruining your decor. Pet supplies manufacturers produce cat trees, panels and scratching posts to suit just about any taste. Some cat trees or poles resemble elegant potted plants or striking modern sculptures.

It is also important to determine what position your cat prefers when scratching, as well as the preferred textures of the scratching surfaces. Perhaps your cat likes to rip apart the edge of the couch when it scratches. Offer it a higher vertical surface covered with natural coarse fiber - sisal.

Scratching posts for cats, photo photography
Scratching posts for cats, photo photography

Scratching the carpet

Cats that scratch carpet may prefer a horizontal floor stand. Some cats scratch while lying on their back and with their front and hind legs. You can buy a "tunnel" lined with rope or cardboard that will delight your pet. If possible, suggest different scratches and surfaces and place them in different places for your cat to choose a favorite.

Whatever you buy or build yourself, make sure your structure is sturdy. Your cat will never want to go back to the scratching post if it falls on it. After bringing home a new object, slide your fingers up and down on it so that movement and sound will attract the cat. Place the scratching post next to where she likes to scratch. Praise and pet your cat when it scratches the scratching post.

Never punish your cat for scratching. She has no idea why you attack her for perfectly natural behavior. The punishment may work temporarily, but your cat will start to fear you. Plus, she'll probably scratch anyway, but only when you're not around. One easy way to prevent unwanted items from scratching is to plant harmless booby traps, such as a stack of paper cups, that will fall on your cat if it starts scratching on a prohibited item.

Some cats like to suck or chew on tissue. They lick woolen blankets, sweaters or other fabric items. This habit can develop in kittens that were separated from their mother at a very early age. Sucking or chewing may mimic the warmth and comfort that kittens feel when they suck on the mother's fur-covered nipple. Fortunately, this behavior is rare. It is common in Siamese, Burmese or other oriental breeds and may have hereditary causes.

While chewing or sucking on tissue in general may not be harmful, Eastern breeds such as Burmese, which are prone to the rare disease, can develop intestinal obstruction if they ingest synthetic material.

It is important to put an end to this. Cats that consume synthetic fabrics instead of real wool may develop intestinal obstruction or other dangerous items such as buttons, pins, rubber bands, or needles. Put items your cat loves to chew out of reach. Suggest alternatives, such as squeaky toys or rubber toys rubbed with something that smells good, like salmon oil.

Types of scratching posts claw scratches for cats, photo photography
Types of scratching posts claw scratches for cats, photo photography

Talk to your veterinarian

Cats can't tell us what's behind their destructive behavior, but going to the vet is the first step. "Cats with gastrointestinal problems may chew, lick or eat plants, carpets, or other inedible materials," says Dr. Perry. "Chewing tissue in cats can also be associated with compulsive or dietary disorder." One of the simplest treatments is to expand the diet; obesity poses less risk to the animal than intestinal obstruction from inedible consumption.

She suggests using the “cat yard” to determine if your cat is active when you are not around. For example, you may find that some other pet scares and bothers your cat. It is also important to make sure that basic needs are met at all times. These include easy access to food and water, toys and walking, and ample attention on your part.

A variety of toys, permission to sit on the windowsill, and access to other items that attract a cat can help. Play with your pet for a few minutes with a toy on a fishing rod. Some cats like to chase small balls. Puzzle toys can stimulate their brains. Dr. Perry says the age of the cat also needs to be considered. "Young animals tend to do more damage to the home environment because they play and explore more than adults."

Fortunately, you don't have to live with torn furniture, clothes, and bitten plants. By trying to see everything through the eyes of a cat and practicing a smart approach to the animal, you can protect your home and property and satisfy your cat's natural need to express its nature.

Cats are curious and not vindictive

Some owners attribute their cat's aggressive behavior to anger or revenge. It may seem that your cat is so responsible to you for some kind of offense caused to her, for example, if you do not often clean her toilet or feed her with poor food, however, despite the high level of intelligence, cats cannot take revenge on you for this.

“We shouldn't be angry with our pets for their behavior,” says Pamela Perry, Ph. D., animal behavior specialist. These are creatures that are very curious about the world around them. We, as their loving owners, must give them a sufficiently varied life suitable for their inquisitive nature."

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