Scratching is a normal and healthy cat behavior, and it serves numerous purposes.
Scratching is a normal and healthy cat behavior, and it serves numerous purposes. Although it’s normal, scratching can worry owners they will end up with shredded furniture, walls, and rugs. Fortunately, Mount Carmel Animal Hospital, based in Baltimore County, wants to inform you about understanding cat behavior, including tips on preventing and solving litter box problems.
Tips to Minimize Cat Scratching Inside
Here are some tips to reduce your cat’s need to scratch.
- Perform regular nail trims to keep your feline from needing to scratch.
- Alter the texture of the area your cat prefers to scratch on, such as covering the spot with adhesive tape.
- Cats enjoy climbing and lounging, so purchase scratching posts and kitty furniture and place them in high-traffic areas. Make sure you select a location your cat will like.
- If you have tried the previous steps, it might be time to contact a veterinary professional. One of our doctors can assist in resolving your problems easily and quickly.
- When all else fails, there is an option to attach soft rubber caps to your cat’s nails. The colorful or clear cat caps connect directly to the nail and are shed when your cat’s nails are shed. They are not once-and-done, however. They will need to be replaced as your cat’s nails grow, just like a person needs to replace acrylic nails when they have them applied.
Preventing and Solving Litter Box Issues
Litter box problems in cats are common and problematic. Most felines require little training to utilize their litter box because they naturally desire to dig and bury their waste. But once a cat has formed undesirable cat behavior, the problem may be difficult to resolve. Follow these strategies to prevent and address litter box issues.
Prevention
- Select the ideal litter box location for you and your cat. It can be tempting to select a far-off corner in a basement, but you need to ensure your cat will have easy access to the litter box at all times. Also, avoid tight areas and corners.
- Cats can be picky about the litter type you use. Choose your litter carefully. Plain, unscented clumping litter is one of the most commonly accepted types.
- Maintain a clean litter box. Cats are clean animals and do not like to walk into a dirty litter box.
Solve Litter Box Problems
- Cats can have medical issues like a urinary tract infection or bladder stones that will lead to unwanted litter box habits. Check with one of our vets to ensure that health problems are not the underlying cause of this cat behavior.
- Do not punish your kitty because you will worsen the problem.
- See what your cats likes. Do a test and put many litter boxes around your home with various linings: clumping litter, newspaper, sand, and no litter at all.
- Clean soiled areas regularly and attempt to use different depths of litter.
- If the issue is only in one area, close the door to keep your feline out. If necessary, confine your cat to a small, cat-proofed room with the basics until you confirm he or she is using their litter box.
For caring advice and resources to address your cat behavior concerns, visit our website!
HERE AT MOUNT CARMEL ANIMAL HOSPITAL, WE’LL TREAT YOUR PETS LIKE FAMILY!
Mount Carmel Animal Hospital has been serving the Northern Baltimore/Southern York community for over 30 years and is proud to be an independently operated, small animal practice committed to excellence in veterinary medicine and client service. From grooming to wellness services, along with Canine Life Skills Training Courses, and surgical procedures, we have the expertise that will best serve the needs of you and your pet. Contact us at 410-343-0200 and follow us on Facebook!