Scratch marks
Only vertical scratch marks are considered to be a sign of stress. But your cat can also scratch on vertical surfaces to keep its claws in trim. How can you differentiate the two types of vertical scratching?
If the cat targets only one or two specific sites in the home, usually in hidden or 'quiet' areas, it is likely to be keeping its claws in shape for hunting.
If the scratching becomes more widespread, particularly if found in visible areas around doorways and windows, or centered on prominent objects such as a settee, then this may be an indication that the cat is unsettled or stressed. In this case the cat may be scratch marking to increase the number of visual and scent signals in the immediate environment.
More information about how Feliway® can stop or prevent scratch marking
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United Kingdom
