Page 28 - FWG September Issue 2024

Animals Matter

his body. Pheromones are released, and
he can deposit them by rubbing against
people, cats, other animals and objects
using his head, sides and tail. This activity
produces oxytocin, promoting bonding and
relaxation. It is used in communal settings to
exchange scents.

By marking frequently used areas with
pheromones, a shared smell is placed within
the home/territory, indicating peaceful,
familiar, friendly and secure areas. Bunting
releases endorphins, making a cat feel good
and socially accepted. It also allows a cat to
know quickly whether there is an intruder.
Excessive bunting may also result in fur loss.

SCRATCHING
Cats hunt and climb; they either sharpen/
maintain their claws in a relaxed state or
mark areas by leaving both visual and scent
markers in a slightly heightened arousal
state.

When marking territory outdoors by
leaving individual pheromones (the
intensity thereof), the colour and feel of the
scratch, other cats will know that the area communal routes are scratched, relieving faeces in a shared open area. It is often found
is occupied and when they were last there. anxiety or to show enjoyment and denote where many outdoor cats reside, where
Trees, barriers, hedges and fences along confidence. competition to secure resources is rife. It is a
declaration of a cat’s existence and identity,
Neighbourhood cats rarely examine or a most valuable signal to other cats.
scratch on top of the scratch marks of other
cats so as to avoid confrontation. Shared The smell is pungent, amplifies his anxiety
household cats scratch in the same areas and sends a strong communication signal.
that are familiar to them; the longer a cat Other cats will sniff to source as much social
scratches an area, the more important it is information as possible. It is also used to
to him. rank status and may prevent diseases from
spreading.
Indoor cats may scratch on furniture, cat
posts, carpets and curtains. They may also Middening is found indoors in frequently
scratch to relieve boredom, anxiety or used high-traffic areas like the bottom of
apprehension. Scratching in moderation staircases, kitchen entrances and front doors
shows a confident cat. If he scratches to ensure others find it.
excessively and on everything, he is feeling
anxious or fearful. Hopefully, when we can understand what
our cats are trying to tell us, we can help them
MIDDENING by tweaking the environment accordingly
This is a strong visual and olfactory marker before we get frustrated with them. They are
left by a highly aroused, scared and anxious doing what is natural for them in their cat
cat to show his unease by leaving exposed world.

Jeanette Furstenburg is a certified animal behaviourist. She holds a diploma in Companion Animal
Behaviour (DipCABT) with distinction. She is a member of the COAPE Endorsed Association of Applied
Pet Behaviourists and Trainers International (CABTi), which is a member of the UK Dog Behaviour &
Training Charter 2024. She is part of the International Companion Animal Network (ICAN). In addition,
she is a member of the South African Board for Companion Animal Professionals (SABCAP).

For more information, call 082 445 8422,
email: jeanette@animalsmatter.co.za or visit: www.animalsmatter.co.za

Fourways Gardens • 26 • September 2024