Cats seem to be gentle and loving pet animals that apparently can’t cause any damage. However, the pointed cat claws and sharp teeth are more than enough to damage clothing, curtains, furniture, carpet, etc.
Actually, cats have a hunch to scratch, climb, and knock over items when exploring and having fun in the surroundings.
And these practices are commonly referred to as the cat’s destructive behavior. If you’re looking for an answer to why cats climb curtains, scratch the sofas, and knock over objects, then you’re absolutely in the right place.
Because in this article by Curtain Fixing Expert, we’ll answer all your queries regarding a cat’s instinctive behavior, focusing primarily on the topic to be explained. So, stay with us and find answers to the questions you’re looking for.
Reason for Scratching & Climbing
Cats scratch and climb for several reasons including:
- Marking Territory: Cats use their scent glands in their paws to mark their territory and establish dominance. Scratching is a way for them to show ownership over their surroundings.
- Exercise & Stretching: Scratching and climbing are great ways for cats to exercise and stretch their muscles. They often stretch before and after a nap or play session.
- Shedding Old Claws: Cats also scratch to shed their old claws, making room for new growth.
- Boredom & Stress: When cats become bored or stressed, they may turn to destructive behavior like scratching or climbing to release pent-up energy.
The Explanation Of Cat’s Destructive Behavior For Climbing Curtains & Scratching Sofas
Cats are not the only ones in the group of feline animals who are inquisitive and display an inclination toward climbing, scratching, and knocking over stuff.
Yes, all other felines show these behavioral characteristics but only cats are most commonly kept as household pets. Below, we’re going to explain various authentic reasons for the destructive behavior of cats like scratching, climbing, etc.
1. A Means Of Communication (Behavioral Conveyance)
Pet cats showing destructive behavior and inclination toward such noxious activities is a normal thing. The first and foremost reason for displaying this kind of behavior is that cats are creating communication marks for fellow cats.
A recent theory on the behavioral analysis of cats reports that claw marks are a part of a cat’s behavioral conveyance. However, that doesn’t mean it’s always the same all the time i.e. maybe your pet cat is simply playing.
Additionally, there are sebaceous glands on the underside of a cat’s paw. Therefore, when a cat scratches any surface, these glands release chemical signals that can’t be recognized by humans but are perceived by fellow cats in the household.
Similarly, scratching furniture or other permanent household items can be related to territorial intimacy. Also, some reports suggest that sucking fabric is related to the cat’s frame of mind for exhibiting the behaviors like anxiety, frustration, fear, etc.
However, irrespective of whatever the cause may be from the reasons explained above, you need to protect your furniture, curtains, carpets, and other valuable belongings from the damaging effects of scratching. For this purpose, you should use nail caps, cat-proof curtains, or trim the cat’s claws on a regular basis.
2. Being Prolific In Behavior
You must have noticed that cats will mostly scratch items that are completely in view like curtains, sofa cushions, carpets, etc. And there’s an unlikely chance to witness the other way around this scenario. That’s because cats are among the smartest creatures in the animal kingdom and deliberately want to be expressive about their behaviors.
That’s why some cats have chosen a particular sofa seat, chair, or curtain panel to scratch and climb always. Psychological analysts found that this behavior of cats is their way to be admired, loved, and played with. Or, you can say that they truly express themselves as fun-loving and engaging pets.
But, this instinctive behavior of cats can cost the owner a lot of money for window covering replacement and other small fixtures around the house. The ideal way to deal with such situations is to replace that particular sofa or seating with cat trees and scratching posts.
3. Peculiar Carpet Lacerations
You’ll notice not all cats prefer to climb curtains, scratch sofas, and knock over items. But some of them are more inclined toward scraping carpets and playing with other floor items. Mostly, you’ll see this happening with cats that are raised from the start by a single owner.
Also, cats that have no interactions with fellow cats show this type of behavior. These cats are somewhat trained at what to do and what not to do. Even then, however, it’s impossible to eliminate that basic instinct to scratch items at times when a cat decides to explore the surroundings.
These are the cats that are most commonly known as carpet cleaners. For such cats, you can make them play outside in the mud and train them specifically not to scratch the carpet or other soft flooring elements.
The best idea is to give them harmless punishments like a stack of paper cups that will topple onto them if they try to scratch the forbidden items.
4. Medical Illness
The root cause of a cat’s destructive behavior is always not obvious and there can be a medical condition associated with this behavior.
Yes, your pet cat may be suffering from some sort of health problem that you’re unaware of (most commonly happens). To get to know if that’s the case, you will need to take your cat to the veterinarian for a general health checkup.
Most commonly cats that are suffering from gastrointestinal problems may show behavioral signs like chewing rugs & carpeting stuff. Similarly, any sort of gastric or dietary disorder may lead to your pet cat chewing fabrics.
Again, the principal step to be taken is to consult or visit your veterinarian. A pro tip in this concern that can save you from going to the veterinarian is to check whether the change in your cat’s behavior is sudden or not.
Yes, you’ve guessed it absolutely right! Pet cats that display a quick shift in their behaviors are the ones needing to be taken to the veterinarian.
And, if your cat has always been inclined toward destructive behaviors, then going to the veterinarian should be your second priority right next to applying the “Wait-and-Watch” strategy in this matter.
Are Cats Vindictive?
You might find some people saying that cats are mindful animals. Such people argue that cats are avenging their owners when showing destructive behavioral patterns like scratching, chewing, and knocking over stuff from heights. However, all of this is nothing but rubbish to be exact.
Yes, we acknowledge the fact that cats are cunning in comparison to most pet animals. However, even with all that intelligence cats don’t have developed thinking levels in this concern and it’s all instinctive most of the time (maybe a medical illness).
FAQs
- Why do cats scratch furniture? Cats scratch furniture to mark their territory, exercise and stretch their muscles, shed old claws, and release pent-up energy.
- Can you train a cat, not to scratch? Yes, with patience and consistency, you can train your cat not to scratch furniture and other items in your home.
- Is it harmful to declaw a cat? Declawing a cat can cause physical and behavioral problems, including chronic pain and an increased likelihood of biting. It’s recommended to use alternatives like scratching posts and nail trims.
In The End!
Cats are playful animals that show a natural inclination toward climbing and scratching surfaces. Scratching and climbing are natural behaviors for cats, but they can quickly turn into a problem in your home. By providing appropriate scratching posts, trimming their nails regularly, keeping your home entertaining, and covering scratch-prone areas, you can reduce your cat’s destructive behavior and protect your furniture and home décor. Remember, with patience and consistency, you can train your cat to scratch and climb in appropriate areas.
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