Channeling Clawing Behavior

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Perhaps of all the questions asked when someone is considering bringing a cat or kitten(s) into the home the major one voices concern over destruction of furniture and rugs through clawing. Secondarily is the fear of children being harmed by cat's claws, a negligible concern very easily addressed. All cats, from lions and tigers in the wild, to the loving "domesticated" cat you will invite to join your family, have been endowed by nature with a formidable set of claws. Their purpose is for defense, climbing, and hunting. Living with a cat requires an understanding of claws and a cat's need to provide for their proper care.

In the first hour of this session of Feline-Human Relations 101, we will explore the instinctive nature of cats in regard to claws and clawing behavior. Emphasis will be placed on integrating and appropriately channeling that behavior when cats are living in our homes, to the benefit of the cat – and our furniture. Popular methods of thwarting clawing behavior will be presented as well as discussion of why such methods should never be used.

NOTE: Any discussion of this topic must include reference to periodic nail trimming. And while a number of "how to" videos are available through the Internet, most contain varying degrees of inaccurate advice and omissions (like proper restraint techniques). The best I've found to date is located at http://partnersah.vet... (http://partnersah.vet.cornell.edu/Trimming-Your-Cats-Claws/Entire-Video) At this session we will do a "live" demonstrate of the proper methods of restraining and trimming a cat's nails.

During the second hour in accordance with our meeting format, time will be available to address any questions or situations related to cats that individuals are experiencing and have brought to this group for advice and, where possible, resolution.

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PLEASE NOTE: Much of the information presented in Feline-Human Relations 101 is widely accepted and practiced throughout the feline rescue community. Other recommendations are derived from the experience and knowledge of the instructor. However, in neither case are guarantees stated or implied that these methods will work 100% of the time.

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