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Are you tired of your cat scratching up your furniture? You’re not alone. Many cat owners face this issue, but it’s important to understand that scratching is a natural behavior for felines. However, it can be managed in a cat-friendly way.
An international team of researchers has delved into the factors that influence unwanted scratching behavior in domestic cats. Their findings, published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science, shed light on how factors like the presence of children, cat personalities, and activity levels impact scratching behavior.
“Our study reveals that factors such as the presence of children, cat personalities, and activity levels play a significant role in determining the extent of scratching behavior,” said Dr. Yasemin Salgirli Demi̇rbas, the lead researcher from Ankara University. “Understanding these factors can help cat owners redirect scratching to appropriate materials, creating a more harmonious environment for both cats and their owners.”
The researchers surveyed over 1,200 cat owners in France to gather insights into their cats’ behaviors and daily lives, particularly focusing on scratching habits.
“Our findings highlight the correlation between environmental and behavioral factors and increased scratching behavior in cats,” Salgirli Demirbas elaborated. “Factors such as the presence of children, high play levels, and nocturnal activity are linked to heightened scratching. Cats with aggressive or disruptive behaviors also tend to scratch more.”
2024-07-03 01:15:02
Link from phys.org