ASK THE VET

My two-year-old domestic short-haired cat, Dodger, is constantly scratching at things including my sofa, table chairs, bed etc. However, the last few months he has begun doing it to the bed at around three or four in the morning and won’t stop until someone wakes up. He is also beginning to be very vocal and wanting extra food despite being fed three times a day. Why is he behaving in this way?

Michael Stone, Blyth More information and a behavioural and environmental assessment would be beneficial for Dodger by an accredited behaviourist.

Glands producing chemical communication signals are located throughout a cat’s body. Although urine and faeces contain scent, more subtle scents come from other glands in places such as the cheek, head, chin and between the toes. Scratching is a normal behaviour in cats and helps to remove loosened claw sheaths from the nails and also helps spread a ‘nesting scent’, which naturally reassures the cat, making him or her feel safe.

This behaviour on items of furniture is not usually considered socially acceptable by us, however it is often easily redirected onto a scratching post. Cleaning the surfaces that have been scratched can remove the scent, leading to insecurity and a worsening of the behaviour.

Changes in the environment can also make the cat feel more insecure and stressed. The scratching and vocalisation may help provide reassurance from the attention and scent it generates.

In a natural setting, cats would eat 10 or more small meals over 24 hours and this could be at any time of the day or night. A behavioural assessment may show that smaller meals and puzzle feeders may help prevent perceived hunger as well as providing mental stimulation.

It may be that Dodger is looking for attention and stimulation in the early hours rather than a meal.

Rory Thomson is part of the team at St Clair Veterinary Care in Croft Road, Blyth. If you have a question, fill out the online form at chroniclelive. co.uk/askthevet