Do Maine Coons scratch furniture?

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Sorry but this is an absurd question. However, I feel compelled to address it briefly because Google tells me that people ask it. All domestic cats scratch furniture if the opportunity arises because all domestic cats need to scratch something. If they were allowed outside it would be the side of a fence or a tree trunk. If it is inside the home, where Maine Coons should be living full-time in my opinion, it should be a solidly constructed cat scratching post, one of which I recommend and which can be purchased on Amazon. 

You can see it in the photo below. You can't miss it on Amazon. Scratching posts have to be sold and big to be effective and attractive to domestic cats.

Marvin at scratching post. Marvin lives with DW, a regular contributor. The photo is by her.

Maine Coons are just like any other domestic cat. I don't really need to state that, but I will just to be absolutely clear. They need to scratch to stretch their back, to deposit scent onto objects around them, to sharpen their claws and to exercise their toes as they have a protrusible claw system.

I think the question is being asked by people who are thinking about adopting a Maine Coon. I understand that but it does belie a lack of understanding about domestic cat behaviour. Adopters need to understand domestic cat behaviour before adopting in order to allow them to be good cat caretakers. 

I do not want to preach because that is not good but, to be honest, too many people adopt companion animals without proper preparation in terms of understanding behaviour, budgetary requirements and commitment to the responsibility of caring for a companion animal for his or her life. And this is a big responsibility and it compromises one's life. You will not be able to do things that you did before.

Here are a couple of pages on cat scratching which might appeal to you and which you can access by clicking on the links below.


Location: Kingston upon Thames, UK

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