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Cat Behavior: Destructive Behavior:

Many people think that cats destroy property in an attempt to punish their owners. Taking revenge for new members in the household or for being left alone, when in fact, the cat is often playing or exploring new things.

Why do cats scratch on furniture or upholstery? They are not trying to destroy a home. They are trying to satisfy a need. Scratching is a marking behavior; a scent comes from special glands in the cat's paws. It also removes a covering over the claws. And finally, the marks may serve as displays of confidence.

Scratching may be hard to stop, but cats can be taught to scratch on appropriate items, like a scratching post or tree.

First, identify your cat's preferences for scratching. Maybe your cat likes wood, or upholstery. Does she like horizontal or vertical surfaces? Determine which scratching post will best meet her needs, and get her the right one.

You may need to remove the items from the room that she liked the best, to encourage her to use her new post. If you can't do this, use an odor neutralizer on the old scratching posts to eliminate the scents. Declawing should only be a last resort, and should be performed on cats who do not go outside.

Cats don't respond well to punishment because they don't understand the link between the punishment and the crime. It will only teach the cat to fear you, or lead to aggression.

Houseplant chewing could be dangerous for cats, since some houseplants are poisonous. Try to keep plants out of reach that your cat shouldn't have, and provide ones that your cat can have in its place. Oat grass, catnip and catmint are all safe and cats love to eat it. Try adding lettuce or parsley to the cat's food bowl, if it insists on needing plants in its diet.