15 month old cat scratching us... is it a phase?

[uka888]

Our 15 month old cat seems to be going through a phase of jumping up at us to get our attention... jumping onto my leg as I’m doing exercise or just onto my partners leg as he’s having a cup of coffee!! I don’t think he means any harm at all but because it’s been short weather he has caused some scratches and I’m keen to put a stop to this behaviour!

He’s mostly an indoor cat and has plenty of toys but I’m wondering if it’s just a phase he’s going through at this age or maybe it’s because he’s at home during the day by himself as during lockdown I was always around and he wasn’t doing this?!

Just wondering if anyone has any tips as to tous that could help wear him out or tactics to discourage him scratching us?! He does have 3 scratch posts in different places in the house!

This is basically cat adolescence. Cats need a lot of stimulation and if he can't go outside then you need to actively play with him, not just leave him toys. I recommend watching My Cat from Hell on the Animal Channel....most of the cats on that are indoor cats and the guy explains the kinds of stimulation they need including access to different heights so they can move round the living space off the ground.

Yes, it's pretty normal at that age. They're full of energy at 15 months, and more intelligent cats will actively seek you out and provoke you to engage with them. I think it's his way of saying 'I want you to play with me'. He's clearly not scratching you out of malice or fear, so he's just being boisterous and doing what healthy cats of that age do.

Thank you for your replies 😄. I will start to schedule in more play time with him and maybe look for a couple of extra interactive toys.

Hi op,my little cat(she's 11 months but hasn't grown from a kitten)loves the fish game on my ipad.Google fish games for cats,as soon as she hears the 'water's she jumps into my lap and snuggles down to pat the screen.when it's not on and I'm using it for something else,she comes and pats it to let me know it's play time.😀🐱🐟

Oh brilliant thank you Karma I ll try that!!

If the cat is mostly indoors, it will not be getting access to the rough surfaces outdoors that keeps the claws blunted. You need to start trimming those nails.

I spoke to the vet before about trimming the nails but they said they don’t really recommend it... has anyone else got experience of trimming cats nails? How often? Is it essential for indoor cats?

It isn't essential no. I've never had to do it, and I've had a few dozen cats in my time.(indoors and those that went out)That said some individuals may require it but I've never had one that did. Scratching posts should take care of it.

That said what type of scratching posts do you have? They have to be able to scratch full length so they should be high. Do you have a cat tree? They're amazing for cats and most have scratching posts included.