Have a cat in your home for long enough and you’ll see them scratching the furniture and taking great pleasure in doing it too! But why is that? What do they get out of it? Well, when you take vet courses to enhance your animal care knowledge, it’s fully explained, but if you haven’t, we’re going to help you out by explaining it here!
The fact is that cats scratch, and if you don’t provide them with an alternative place to do it, they’re naturally going to go for the next best thing - your furniture! When you catch them doing it, it’s important to know why they’re doing it, or you'll end up thinking they're just trying to ruin your stuff!
So, Exactly Why Do Cats Scratch?
As you’ll discover when taking vet courses, all animals have behaviours that are unique to them, and when talking about cats, one of those behaviours that are as natural as breathing - is scratching! Firstly, it helps to keep their claws in good shape, so they're able to hunt and protect themselves properly outside.
It’s also something that helps them to get rid of any excitement, anxiety or any other emotions they may be having. While it's not always due to stress, it is a common symptom of it. However, it can just as easily be part of them marking their territory - something they may do if they’re new to a particular house or they share their home with another animal.
Everyday Cat Claw Maintenance
Cats out in the wild also do this to keep their claws and paws nice and healthy, as the action itself also works to get rid of the outer layer of dead skin on their paws. Instinctively, they go for hard surfaces like trees and concrete outside; however, in the home, they tend to claw at hardwood surfaces - like the kind you find used to create furniture.
One important fact that vet courses will make you aware of is that you need to be patient and never get angry at your cat for doing it, as they won’t have any idea why you’re not happy. Should they be scratching something you don’t want them to, it might just be a way of them telling you that you need to buy a scratching post!
Improve Your Animal Care Skills With Animal Courses From OCA
When you fully understand animals, you’re much better prepared to care for them, whether as an owner or as a qualified professional. Here we’ve talked about one aspect of one behaviour expected in one type of animal, and there’s so much more to know.
So, if you’re wanting to learn more about the subject, be it for personal or professional reasons, vet courses from OCA represent the easiest way to do it. Our online training - which covers animal care and over 20 other industries - is video-based, created with the help of industry experts, and you can find out more about them by visiting today at www.onlinecoursesaustralia.edu.au.
Alternatively, if you have any questions about vet courses that you’d like answered or you simply want some guidance on the ideal course options for your needs, just call us today on 1300 611 404, and we’ll be delighted to assist you in any way we’re able to.
