This is an infographic on a form of feline behaviour which is extensively discussed online and extensively carried out by cats! Cat scratching to ‘sharpen their claws’ is the cause of much consternation among a big section of the cat owning society leading on many occasions in North America to that barbaric veterinary operation misleadingly called declawing. Horrendous. Please NEVER do it. Enough. This is not about declawing but about understanding why cat scratching is a vital part of the way of life of the domestic cat. It is integral to their lives. And so, their caregivers – us – need to find ways to allow them to do it in an acceptable manner which for me means buying the largest and best cat scratching post on the market (I have one). I have mentioned it in the infographic. It is not particularly expensive. You might buy two plus some horizontal scratching boards.
The more the better provided you are not too house proud, although the big one is very handsome. A cat’s claws are beautiful objects of anatomy. They are useful tools and deadly weapons for the cat.
“A cat without claws is not a true cat.” – Dr Desmond Morris, the great zoologist and author. I fully agree with that sentiment.
I know claws can be a pain in the bum (no, the hand and arm normally) but we can quickly learn how to live with them by avoiding a scratch. That’s our job as excellent caregivers. Read up on cat behaviour to avoid scratches. Teach kids how to avoid them. It comes down to handling cats properly particularly in regard to petting. Petting is a great part of the relationship, but it must be done to the cat’s liking first and foremost and it must not stimulate play-hunting as that is when scratches and bites most commonly occur.
Below are some more pages on cat claws.
