This Dangerous Cat Ritual Is Destroying Your Home: Number 5 Is Surprising
Is your cat methodically destroying wallpaper, sofas and even doors?
This is not just “harmfulness” - there are deep-seated reasons behind such behavior!
A study conducted at the University of Lincoln found that 80% of destructive behaviour in cats is due to unfulfilled instincts.
For example, scratching is a way to mark territory with pheromones secreted by glands on the paws. But why do some cats limit themselves to scratching posts, while others tear up walls?
The answer lies in the details. Professor John Bradshaw , author of The Mind of the Cat, explains:
"If the scratching post is in an inappropriate place (for example, in a corner), the pet will ignore it. Cats prefer to "mark" areas near entrances or resting places."
The owner of a Siamese cat, Alisa from Yekaterinburg, confirms:
"After I moved the scratching post to the sofa, Murka stopped tearing the upholstery. It turned out that she just wanted to "protect" our shared space!"
But there are more alarming reasons. Veterinarian Igor Semenov warns:
"If your cat is only scratching one area of the wall, it may be because he hears rodents or feels a draft."
The story of British cat Luna has gone viral: She spent months scratching the floor, and her owners later discovered a nest of mice under the boards.
Another shocking fact: cats can destroy furniture because of chronic pain. Arthritis or claw injuries force them to seek out soft surfaces.
How to stop the destruction? Zoopsychologists suggest a multi-stage approach. First, use pheromone sprays (for example, Feliway) in the "attack" zones.
Secondly, create alternative markers: vertical and horizontal scratching posts. Thirdly, enrich the environment: hanging shelves, puzzle feeders.
“My cat stopped tearing the curtains after I installed a “tree” with toys for him,” says Alexey from Krasnodar.
