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Preference of kittens for scratchers
Lingna Zhang1, Rebekkah Plummer1, John McGlone1
1Laboratory of Animal Behavior, Physiology and Welfare, Animal & Food Sciences Department, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, USA.
Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery
|August 29, 2018
Summary
Kittens prefer S-shaped cardboard scratchers over other types. Adding catnip or cat odor did not change kitten scratching behavior, indicating these factors do not influence their preferences.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Animal Behavior
Background:
- Kitten scratching is a natural behavior crucial for claw maintenance and marking.
- Understanding kitten preferences for scratching devices is important for providing appropriate enrichment and preventing destructive behaviors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine kitten preferences for various scratching post designs.
- To investigate the influence of catnip and cat odor on kitten scratching behavior.
Main Methods:
- Kittens (<8 weeks old) participated in two-choice preference tests.
- Scratching behaviors were recorded in a simulated living room environment for 20 minutes.
- Time spent scratching was compared between different scratcher types and those with additives.
Main Results:
- Kittens showed a strong preference for S-shaped cardboard scratchers.
- No significant difference in scratching behavior was observed when catnip or cat hair was added.
- Scratcher orientation (upright vs. horizontal) and material (window screen vs. carpet) influenced preferences.
Conclusions:
- S-shaped cardboard scratchers are a preferred choice for young kittens.
- Catnip and the odor of other cats do not appear to affect kitten scratching preferences.
- Enrichment should focus on preferred substrate types like S-shaped cardboard.
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