Scratching behaviour and its features: a questionnaire-based study in an Italian sample of domestic cats

Abstract

Scratching behaviour in cats is described as a normal expression of the feline ethogram, having different possible purposes related to visual and chemical communication. During behavioural consultations owners often mention scratching as an additional problem. This preliminary study aimed to understand the characteristics of this complex behaviour by examining the variables displayed by a sample of the Italian feline population using multiple correspondence analysis. One hundred and twenty-eight cats were screened by means of a questionnaire to identify features of their scratching behaviour. Our data showed the importance of both the presence/absence of a scratching post in the cat's living area and its relationship to marking. When a scratching post is present in a cat's living area, the cat appears to use it. Some aspects related to sex, neutering, age and environmental characteristics may modify the expression of scratching as a marking behaviour. Research has led to increased knowledge of this behaviour and may help veterinarians in describing to owners why it is important for cats to express scratching behaviour in their environment. Such information could help veterinarians and owners to recognise normal and problematic scratching behaviours.

Risk factors for behavior problems in cats presented to an Australian companion animal behavior clinic

“…Other risk factors include a lack of early socialexposure people, which reduces friendly responses to both familiar and unfamiliar people (McCune, 1995). The physical environment in the home may present risks related to behavior problems, including failing to provide a scratching post to alleviate unwanted scratching behavior (Mengoli et al, 2013). Stress in the home environment, defined as 'the prolonged inability to remove a source of potential danger, leading to activation of systems for coping with danger beyond their range of maximum efficiency' (Archer, 1979), often as a result of change, is another risk factor, facilitating aggression towards humans (Ramos and Mills, 2009).…”

Effect of l-theanine tablets in reducing stress-related emotional signs in cats: an open-label field study

“…Among stress-related signs, inappropriate urination (whether due to excessive marking or inappropriate elimination) was probably the most bothersome for the owners and is one of the most frequent causes of consultation [ 24 – 27 ]. This type of sign is mainly due to a lack of adaptation to the environment or to the social conflicts a cat faces on a daily basis.…”

“…In addition to these behavioural changes, stress can also lead to recurring physical conditions such as emotional (often qualified as idiopathic) cystitis, chronic digestive signs (vomiting, diarrhoea) and disturbed eating behaviours [ 22 – 24 ]. From the pet owner’s stand point, the most unwanted behaviours are urinary marking [ 25 , 26 ] and excessive scratching [ 27 ], which are usually the first signs of discomfort. Before the situation worsens and requires medication, it would be useful to determine if an oral supplement containing L-theanine can reduce stress-related behaviours as in the other species studied so far.…”

Epidemiology of domestic cat behavioral problems in the city of Porto Alegre/Brazil: a survey of small animal veterinary practitioners

“…The number of people interested in having a cat as an animal companion has been increasing, and this growth in the population of cats is because people believe that cats can adapt better than dogs to the circumstances offered (GENARO, 2013). They can live easily in a restricted environment, do not need to be taken out, and are more tolerant about spending prolonged periods alone (MENGOLI et al, 2013). In recent times, as people have less time and space, the cat has become a preferred animal companion.…”