Wednesday 11/December/2024 – 01:12 PM
If you are someone who takes care of a cat in his home, knowing the harms of cat scratching is important, as it is an involuntary habit for cats that provides relief from an annoying feeling, but it causes greater discomfort and severe damage.
Through Cairo 24 we discuss Harmful effects of cat scratching How to deal with or avoid it.
Harmful effects of cat scratching
The harmful effects of cat scratching are among the most important reasons for caution when dealing with or raising them, as it is not always aggressive behavior, but rather a healthy habit for those creatures that need special care as well!
Cats scratching is a natural and instinctive behavior for them, and they often resort to it to get rid of the long nails that grow, as friction contributes to their filing and reducing their length, or to defend themselves against any dangers or aggressive behavior towards them.
But the harms caused by cat scratching are many and varied and must be paid attention to and dealt with immediately, especially in the case of… Raising cats at homewhich are as follows:
Physical damage:
- Damage to furniture and furnishings for those who raise cats, as cat scratching causes scratches and damage to sofas, chairs, curtains, and carpets.
- Damage to walls, wallpaper and ceilings that cats scratch to get rid of nails.
- Damage to doors and windows, especially wood or paint.
Health damage:
- Cat scratch disease: This disease is one of the most serious complications resulting from cat scratching, as it is transmitted by bacteria found in the cat’s saliva and scratches. Symptoms include swollen lymph nodes, fever, and headache.
- Other infections: Cat scratches may cause other bacterial infections, especially if the wound is not cleaned and sterilized well.
- Unusual droppings: Cat scratching results in small parts of nails falling off that fly in the air and may contaminate children’s hands and cause infections and health problems.
Psychological damage:
- Stress and anxiety: A cat’s frequent scratching behavior may cause disturbance and stress to family members, especially if the scratches occur in sensitive places such as new furniture or favorite upholstery.
Domestic cat scratching
To prevent the harm caused by cat scratching, the chances of domestic cats scratching must be reduced by providing alternative care such as:
- Providing designated places for scratching: Provide designated places for the cat to scratch, such as a scratching board or scratching post.
- Reward good behavior: Reward your cat when he uses his designated scratching places.
- Avoid punishing the cat: Do not punish your cat when it scratches in an inappropriate place, as this may increase the scratching problem.
- Trimming nails regularly: Trimming your cat’s nails regularly reduces the severity of its scratches.
- Use scratch-resistant covers: Get scratch-resistant covers for cats in the place designated for them to sleep or play.
- Playing with your cat regularly: Playing with your cat helps burn off its energy and reduces its desire to scratch.
- Ensure that your cat gets balanced nutrition: A lack of certain nutrients may cause your cat to scratch.
- Consult a veterinarian: If the scratching problem persists, consult your veterinarian to rule out any health problems that may be the cause.
