Cats are peaceful animals and spend most of their time lying quietly somewhere taking a nap or basking in the sun. However, they also have an instinct, which is the behavior of sharpening their claws. Why is a “cat scratching post” necessary for cats? The reason turned out to be this.
1. Reduce damage
Cats like to scratch objects very much, especially those soft and easy-to-scratch materials, such as sofas, curtains, etc. Not only are these items easily damaged, they can also cause conflicts between cat owners.
Providing cats with a scratching post allows them to transfer their claw-grinding behavior to the scratching post, thereby reducing damage to household items.
2. Keep your paws clean
Cats’ claws are one of their tools for keeping their bodies clean and healthy. Dead skin and bacteria on the paws can be removed through the act of claw grinding.
If your cat doesn’t get a chance to sharpen his claws, this dead skin and bacteria can build up in his claws, causing health problems. Providing scratching posts can help cats keep their claws tidy and healthy.
3. Help cats reduce stress
Cats sometimes grind their claws due to stress, anxiety, or restlessness. Providing appropriate scratching posts allows cats to transfer this stress onto the scratching post, thereby alleviating their restlessness and anxiety.
This is especially important for cats who live in urban environments, which can cause stress and discomfort to them.
4. Promote social interaction of cats
Claw grinding behavior is not just an individual behavior of cats, it can also promote social interaction between cats. When two cats scratch their claws together, they can communicate and bond through this behavior.
Therefore, providing cats with a scratching post can not only help them reduce stress and anxiety, but also promote social interaction between them.
5. Help cats identify their territory
Claw grinding is one of the important ways cats mark their territory and leave their scent behind. By sharpening their claws on scratching posts, cats can leave their own scent and messages, which helps them mark their territory in a space and communicate socially.
This is especially important for cats who live in multiple-cat households, as they need to mark their territory and establish status in this way.
In addition to providing scratching posts, cat owners can consider the following suggestions:
①. Provide toys and games for cats: Cats need enough stimulation and activities to stay healthy and happy. Providing appropriate toys and games allows cats to satisfy their curiosity and desire to play, while also reducing their damage to household objects.
②. Trim your cat’s claws regularly: Trimming your cat’s claws regularly can keep their claws clean and hygienic, and can also reduce their damage to household items. It is recommended to trim your cat’s claws once every 1-2 weeks.
If the cat refuses to cut its nails obediently, the owner can distract the cat’s attention during the nail cutting process, such as using snacks to distract it and reduce its tension.
③. Provide cats with enough food and water: Cats need enough food and water to stay healthy. It is recommended that owners choose a nutritionally balanced cat food for their cats. Frequent replacement of clean water can allow cats to meet their basic needs, and at the same time, it can also reduce the damage caused by cats to household items.
Conclusion: Does your cat like to grind its claws?
Why not leave a message to share how your cat sleeps on the scratching post~
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Post time: Jul-15-2024