As a cat owner it is important to ask yourself if you know what to do if your cat swallows or gets stung by a bee. Will you be prepared if this happens while on a family camping trip, or in the wee hours of the morning? Cats and bee stings can result in a serious situation depending on how many times your cat got stung and on what part of your cat’s body. Cats are curious animal, so when they get stung by bees it’s usually on the face, nose, or paw. The old adage, “curiosity killed the cat”, actually has an element of truth. Cats are nosy creatures, sniffing at anything of interest. Since felines find insects interesting, they sniff at them, and if they stick their nose where it doesn’t belong, that could turn out to be fatal. So, let’s take a comprehensive look at what happens if a cat got stung by a bee. Cats and bees Since their bodies are small, a bee sting can have a greater, faster effect on cats than it does on humans . Cats react to bee stings a lot like people do. You can expe...
Scratching serves as a variety of purposes.
Some of the common objects indoor cat scratch on are carpet, couch, reflective surfaces like glass door or mirror, wall, furniture and floor.
Cats scratch in order to:
- remove the dead outer sheath from the claws
- scratching leaves a visual mark which tell other cats that area is used and occupied.
- As a means of stretching their body and flexing the claws and feet.
- To get your attention
- Rub their scent so that they can mark their territory
- To release frustration and work off the energy
- Can also occur as a part of play
There could be many reasons why your cat would be scratching the wall . It is unrealistic to think that cats can be stopped from scratching.
Knowing the reasons, timing and location of cat scratching can help us understand more about their needs. Goal is to redirect the Scratching behavior onto appropriate objects, such as scratching post.
Read on to understand what could be causing your cat to scratch objects like wall, floor, carpet, mirror etc. and how you could use this knowledge to solve cat scratching problems.
Scratching due to Multi cat environment
Having more than one cat? Inter-cat conflict is common and a cause of unwanted scratching behavior.A study by animal behavior expert John McGlone theorizes that cats scratch more due to pheromones left behind from previous cat scratching.
In the study, it was observed that kittens were responding to pheromones on the cardboard scratchers and when the next kitten comes in experiences the scratcher smell of another kittens' odor, it makes them scratch more.
To help prevent inter-cat conflict, make sure each cat has their own set of resources that are located in multiple location in your home. This will prevent competition for resources.
Make sure that these resources (Cat Feeding Stations, Litter Boxes, Scratching Posts, Hideaways and Beds for Cats) are separated so that cats have free access without being challenged or blocked by other cats or threats.
Sometimes your cat will scratch reflective surface like window or mirror.
It may be that they are verifying that there is actually a barrier between them and whatever they see outside. It might also feel there are other cats by seeing it reflection.
There is also a theory that cat does not pass the mirror test.
If the scratching surface is near a window or door where your cat can see or smell another cat, discourage or remove the unwanted cats from your yard. Try blocking the window view.
To help with multi cat environment you could also use Feliway or comfort zone calming diffuser.
This would put less stress on your cat, which would reduce stress response behaviors like destructive scratching.
Scratching after using Litter Box
Sometimes your cat will scratch the floor or the wall after she eats or after she uses the litter box.This might be due to litter box size or litter itself.Litter box might be too small or litter quantity may be less or more.Maybe your cat doesn’t like her litter.
Cats, by nature, prefer to bury their waste to prevent other animals from detecting their presence through its scent.If there isn’t enough litter, the cat will have a difficult time finding a clean spot in the box.That’s why you will often find cat scratching walls after pooping.
A general guideline is to spread about a three or four-inch layer of litter in the box. This gives your cat enough litter for digging and adequate covering afterward.
Make sure your Cat's litter box is deep enough to bury her waste.Litter box also should be scooped on daily basis and cleaned every few weeks.
Also ensure to check the location of litter box.Check if it is in a calm or private location.
Cat sometimes scratch the floor as though he is trying to bury his food dish.It may be a holdover of the wild trait of burying food for later. It is an instinctive behavior.This is their attempt to bury their food to protect it.
Or Maybe he doesn't like the food or he thinks it's too smelly.Try experimenting with cat’s food when you observe such behavior.
Marking territory and leaving Paws scent
Some people believe that a cat scratches to sharpen its claws, that is not correct.They mostly scratch to mark its territory. Cats have sweat glands between their paw pads.
Scratching leaves their scent on the clawed objects.
Though this is a common and normal behavior for cats. It might be an issue if he is scratching your wall, furniture and damaging your carpet. Using proper steps, we can redirect scratching behavior towards our desired object like scratching pad.
Another reason might be your cat is filing down its nail and removing the dead outer layer of their claws.
In such cases, regularly trimming your cat’s nails can help reduce scratching.
If your cat remains stubborn about nail trimmings, see if your vet can help with a trim, or try nail coverings like Soft Paws.
Mice in a wall
Though this is uncommon reason for cat scratching the wall. There could be a possibility of having mice or termites in your walls. Cats are able to hear the sound of mice in walls even though you may not be able to hear anything. The sensitivity of their hearing means that the little scratching noises that the mice make within the walls are picked up very quickly.If mice are suspected, you can put down some flour in the area where you think they may be traveling. Footprints and tail drag marks can be easily seen if they pass through the flour.
Methods to Direct Scratching onto Acceptable Objects
Once the causes of cats scratching are known, we can take proper steps to direct scratching onto acceptable objects like scratch pads. Below are few actions which you can takeTrim your cats nail
Regular nail trimmings can also reduce scratching. Cat paws are very sensitive, so you’ll want to do this gently, while your cat is in a relaxed state. Use clippers designed for cats.For anxious or fearful cats, towel-wrapping can be a safe and effective method of restraint, and will often help them feel secure.Try nail coverings like Soft Paws.
Scratching Post
Provide objects for scratching that are appealing and convenient from your cat’s point of view.Cat might have preferences for scratch post based on their location, texture, shape and height.Observe the physical features of the objects your cat is scratching.Pheromone therapy
Try feline facial pheromone like Feliway or Comfort. This might be useful in multi-cat environment to reduce stress and unwanted scratching behavior. Sprinkle loose catnip on the cat scratching post or pad to lure her to it.Give proper attention to cats need
Ensure basic needs (food, water, litter box) of cat is addressed. Sometimes cat might be scratching just to get your attention. Safe Place to Sleep – Soft bedding, as well as familiar smells and sounds, provides security for your cat.Sticky tape on furniture or wall
Cover your couch or furniture with something your cat won’t like, such as double-sided sticky tape, aluminum foil, sheets of sandpaper. Cats hate that sticky feeling on their paws.Unpleasant odors can also be used to make objects less attractive.