07/29/2022
Did you know? 🤔 Cats evaluate whether a situation is safe through chemical information in their environment. Cats can detect a whole range of scents and chemicals through sniffing and flehmen (that’s the open-mouth face and you can learn more about it here ➡️ https://icatcare.org/advice/why-do-cats-draw-back-their-lips-when-they-sniff-something-strange/).
Cats have oily glands on their faces and bodies that deposit their own signature scent and pheromones when they rub on objects or other animals. These chemical deposits help the cat:
🐈 establish familiarity with their environment
🐈 communicate territorial boundaries
🐈 maintain good relationships with other cats they are bonded to
Avoid disturbing the cat’s chemical deposits by not using strong-smelling disinfectants, air fresheners, candles and perfumes. Refrain from cleaning rub marks off walls or doorways and only clean their bedding when necessary, but on a rotation so they always have access to resting places that smell familiar.
Scratching is a natural behaviour with many functions:
🐾 loosens and removes the outer husk of the claw
🐾 sharpens the claws
🐾 exercises the muscles of the forelimbs
🐾 territorial marking through the release of chemical signals (pheromones) from between the pads on the paws
Provide cats with attractive scratching facilities to prevent damage to carpets, furniture and wallpaper and to enhance their feeling of security within the home.
🐾 learn the cat’s preferred scratching position; vertical, horizontal or angled
🐾 consider their material preference; carpet, sisal rope, cardboard or wood
🐾 ensure the scratching post is tall enough and has a sturdy base
🐾 Consider fixing it to the wall with a bracket for additional stability
🐾 locate scratching facilities near doorways, hallways, windows, radiators and near sleeping areas as cats like to stretch their muscles after a catnap
🐾 encourage the cat to use the scratching post by playing with them – dangle a wand toy - and put treats around the post
🐾 make sure every cat in a multi-cat home has at least one scratching post
Share a photo of your cat's favourite scratching facility in the comments! 😻
