2024-07-06 08:00:39
An international team of researchers collected data from 1,211 French households, looking at the demographics, environment, behavior and temperament of the cat owners. The researchers also assessed the frequency and intensity of unwanted scratching, which was then scored using a total scratching index – and the cats were grouped according to this behavior.
“No significant differences were observed between purebred and mixed-breed cats, sex, castration status, body condition score and actual weight in relation to scratching index,” the researchers note in the report.
Researchers found that the main cause of unwanted scratching was the presence of a small child in the home. Scientists believe that this may have caused the cat’s increased stress response, causing them to scratch the furniture more often and more intensely. Previous research has shown that the presence of young children is also one of the main reasons people return or give up their pets.
“While most research focuses on the well-being and health of people who live with cats, these results highlight the importance of assessing the quality of life of both populations, humans and animals, to ensure a sustainable environment,” the researchers say.
The team acknowledges that more work is needed to confirm these findings, such as how children interact with domestic cats and at what age children share space with pets.
However, children are not the only ones to blame. Other factors – such as nocturnal activity, playfulness and other aspects of a cat’s individual personality – appear to influence their unwanted scratching, with “aggressiveness” and “disruption” being the two main traits that correlated with higher numbers of claw marks left on sofas.
Although playfulness is not a bad thing in itself, the constant stimulation of long play sessions can raise a cat’s stress level, causing them to scratch the couch or cushion.
“Here we show that certain factors such as the presence of children in the home, the cats’ personality traits and their activity level have a significant impact on scratching,” says Dr. Yasemin Salgirli Demi̇rbas, a veterinary researcher at Ankara University in Turkey and lead author of the study. “Our findings can help owners manage and direct scratching to the right materials, which can help create a more harmonious living environment for both cats and their owners.”
It turned out that the location of the scratcher has a great influence on the behavior of cats. The study found that when scratching posts were placed in high-traffic areas or near favorite sleeping spots, cats directed their scratching at the desired piece of furniture.
“We see a clear link between certain environmental and behavioral factors and increased scratching in cats,” says YS Demi̇rbas. “Specifically, the presence of children at home, as well as a high level of games and nighttime activity significantly contribute to more frequent scratching.”
While some of these factors are difficult to change, researchers believe that unwanted behavior can be curbed by strategically placing the scratcher, using pheromones, and keeping in mind interactions with children and overstimulation during play. They offer short game sessions throughout the day and play out scenarios simulating hunting success.
“Providing safe hiding places, elevated viewing areas and plenty of opportunities to play can also help reduce stress and engage the cat in more constructive activities,” Demirb said. “By understanding the underlying emotional motivations for scratching — such as frustration — which appear to be related to personality traits and environmental factors, cat owners can directly address these issues.”
The study is published žurnale „Frontiers in Veterinary Science“.
Adapted from New Atlas.
2024-07-06 08:00:39