New Cat Scratch Posts

By Liz Canham

Unless you don’t care at all about your soft furnishings and carpets, then the answer to the question “do you need a cat scratching post?”, for most cat owners, has to be a resounding yes.

Even if your cat goes outdoors a lot, where he will use trees or fence posts to sharpen his claws, it’s still a good idea to provide an indoor scratching post.

Cats will scratch, whether you like it or not, so providing something other than your furniture to scratch on is a must. Cats actually need to scratch to remove the outer sheath on their claws as the claws grow, in order to expose the new claws. Some experts say that cats also scratch to exercise their muscles, to stretch, to mark their territory and just because they like it. I suspect that they like the attention they get when they try to scratch your sofa too.

You could make a scratching post from a log or similar but there are so many available on the market which are quite inexpensive, that you’re sure to find something suitable. Of course, you could always buy a tree in a pot, if you have the room for it and if you can anchor it to the floor or wall so that it doesn’t fall over when the cat stretches against it.

There are quite plain cat scratching posts which are covered in carpet or sisal rope, some with a dangling pompom for the cat to play with. These come in a variety of heights, so that for a very large cat you have the option of a taller post and indeed there are horizontal ones which will save you worrying about whether the cat will outgrow his post. Then things get more complicated with dual posts and dangling pompoms, wide scratching boards, scratchable steps or stools so that the cat can look out of the window as well. After that, we progress to entire play units which can incorporate a scratching post with tunnels, shelves, toys and more. Some of these incorporate three different surfaces for scratching, including part of a real tree as well as carpet, cardboard or sisal rope.

Whichever type you choose, make sure that the base is heavy and wide enough that the cat won’t pull it over when scratching. The height should be greater than the height of the cat when upright, if you are opting for the vertical variety so that he can really stretch his whole body properly. If your cat is the playful type, then why not invest a little more in a complete playstation and scratching post. This will give your cat a great outlet for his energy if he doesn’t go outside or even on rainy days, when he really doesn’t want to.

Buying a cat scratching post is rewarding for both your cat and yourself. Your cat will appreciate the facility and your furnishings may just last a little longer.

Liz Canham is the proud owner (or maybe servant) of three cats and is webmistress of The Cat Lover.

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By Kathy Burns-Millyard

For a cat, scratching is a natural, necessary act. Besides keeping her claws in top shape, the stretching involved in a good scratch keeps her upper body strong and loose. Also, every time a cat scratches a surface, scent glands between her toes leave her signature smell for others to find. In this way, she marks her territory, even if that happens to be in your living room.

Just because a cat must scratch doesn’t mean she must destroy your furniture. Redirecting a cat’s scratching to an appropriate object simply requires patience, flexibility and time. To keep your cat from grooming her claws on your couch, you must give her some furniture of her own.

Scratching posts come in a wide variety of sizes and textures. If your cat doesn’t use the scratching post you have purchased, observe what she does scratch. Most cats have a preference as to the texture they scratch on. Experts discourage providing carpet-covered posts, especially if you have carpeting in your house. Your cat won’t understand the difference between the carpet on the scratching post and that on the floor. They both feel good to her.

Some cats like to extend their entire bodies when they stretch to scratch. Others just work their shoulder muscles. If your cat is one of the former, you’ll need to provide a tall, sturdy scratching surface. No matter what height your cat likes to use, be sure the scratching surface is stable. If your cat begins scratching and the post or board falls, it will frighten her and she will likely not use it again.

Another important factor to consider when providing scratching surfaces is their location. If you watch your cat, you’ll notice she will tend to look for a scratching spot wherever you spend a lot of time. That is why so many cats ruin their owner’s easy chair or couch. She is marking your spot as part of her territory, claiming ownership over you just in case some other cat comes in and gets the wrong idea. Putting a scratching post beside your favorite relaxing place will let her do her job without annoying you.

Remember, too, that your entire home is her territory. For that reason, it is a good idea to place scratching surfaces throughout the house, in places where you tend to linger. Bedrooms, kitchens, home offices are all places that are important to your cat because that is where you are likely to be.

If your cat persists in scratching furniture instead of the appropriate surface, you will have to retrain her. When you catch her about to scratch inappropriately, say “no” in a loud voice. Pick her up and carry her to her scratching surface. Some experts suggest gently taking her paw and simulating scratching to give her the right idea. If your cat only attacks the furniture when you are out of sight, it might be best to confine her to one room when you can’t supervise her. Be sure to put food, water, a litter box and, of course, a scratching surface in the room with her. Once she seems to have gotten the hang of only using her scratching posts, she can have free run of the house again.

© 2005, Kathy Burns-Millyard. Find more of Kathy’s writing in the Brain Dump section of Electronic Perceptions Promotions - You may freely reprint this article on your website or in your newsletter provided this courtesy notice and the author name and URLs remain intact.

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By: Julia Camden

So you wake up in the morning to the usual; you are irritated as all get out and the cat is sitting there, looking as fluffy and content as usual. In the meantime, there are pieces of fabric gouged out of your favorite sofa cushion, and your nerves are being slowly shredded along with it. So what do you do? De-clawing your cat is an option, albeit a cruel and unnecessary one, but an option that many cat owners are turning to nevertheless out of sheer desperation and frustration. It’s either the sofa or the cat, and that may seem the only way to be able to have both.

One of the most vital pieces of information that pet owners vie to know is this: how does one keep the cat from using the furniture as a scratching post? Truth be told, there is really no way to get them from using their claws on your furniture, that is unless you remove them. The only thing you can do to stop them from scratching up your furniture, drapes, or anything else is give them something else to focus their scratching energies on.

This is where toys and scratching posts come into play. Scratching usually has to do with a need to either sharpen their claws or combat the sheer boredom that can come along with inactivity. In this sense, spending a bit more quality time with your cat and providing them with safer alternatives to scratching is a great way to save your furniture from the cat, and save the cat from you.

So, what can you do to stop all of your worldly belongings to stop from being marred with scratches and gouges from your favorite feline friend? Cork board and carpeted scratching posts are a great alternative, but playing with your cat is equally important. Cats love things that stimulate their hunting and survival instincts and incite them to chase and pounce. They can use their claws during this play, decreasing their desire to use them inappropriately in the future.

Also, keeping your cats’ claws well trimmed and groomed is another important and useful way of keeping your things from being shredded at the whims of your feline companion. This takes some time to learn on your end and a bit of patience and perhaps a few scratches to get right, but in such a case the services of a groomer can be sought after.

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By Jennifer Akre

Soft and warm and lots of fun can be a welcome addition to your household. That is if you provide them with their own furniture so they don’t scratch up yours. Cats have a natural instinct to stretch, scratch and pounce so why not give them something they can romp and play on without giving you a headache.

Cat trees range from 2 to 8 feet in height and are usually made of wood and covered in bark or carpet. The center post supports any numbers of limbs with platforms to jump and perch on to watch the world go by from above. There is usually a scratch post or posts built in. Some have tunnels to climb and hide in and some have beds or hammocks for kitty to rest and play.

There are any number of combinations available allowing you to purchase one that will best suit your feline’s finicky ways. Some are one piece; some are modular and the styles range from modern to rustic. Shop online to get the best prices and choices for cat trees. Instead of trudging from pet store to pet store you can find the tree of your cat’s dreams from the comfort of your own home with the click of a mouse. Search and compare the many types available to find the right fit for both you and your cat. Does your cat like to jump and play? Then get one with more tunnels and platform. Does she like to lounge and observe? Than get one with a high plat form and a bed or hammock. Do they like to scratch? You can get one with ten scratch posts. The possibilities are endless.

Now, once you get your cat tree your cat or kitten might not shy away from it at first. In this case you need to coax them onto it by pretending to scratch it yourself or capturing their attention by pulling a string slowly up it for them to pounce on. If they catch on quickly give them lots of praise and maybe even a treat. Most importantly you need a lot of patience. Eventually you will break them of their old habits of scratching your furniture and drapes. In fact you will probably have a hard time getting them to come down off of their tree.

Perfect if you have one or more cats, cat trees are a necessity for a happy cat. Whether it is tall or short, has a hanging toy or just one scratch post or ten, both you and your cat will enjoy a cat tree. You’ll enjoy their antics as they romp and play on it and they’ll enjoy the exercise and fun they get when they play on it. Make sure you choose a tree that offers your furry friend enough variety for hours of rest and play. Treat your cat to a cat tree that suits them and they will thank you daily with a warm snuggle and a purr.

As a pet owner and owner of cat supply sites, Jennifer Akre shares online consumer reviews and information on cat products, giving the consumer a chance before they purchase to learn more on cat furniture and cat houses. Show your kitty the comfort and fun she or he deserves. Click today - Simply: cat trees.

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By Neil Groom

Cats have a natural instinct that will lead them to climb and scratch. If you are not providing the proper tools for the cat to use, they will use what they can find to scratch. For most, the times it will be furniture, drapes, counter tops or any thing that they can scratch.

Why does a cat need to scratch? Scratching is an enjoyable activity that a cat likes to do. Helps remove old layers of nails on the cat’s claws. Cats do scratching also to mark their territories in the home, so if there are other animals or cats in the house that is a way of telling them this is their area.

Lets look at what can we do to help the cat learn good behaviors for scathing. First, do not spray a cat if they are scratching on the counter as they will jump off, run, and think it is a game. Take them off and let them know that this is not acceptable for them to do this. A firm voice can accomplish this. Alternatively, use some ways like a pop can secured with tape with coins in the can this will makes noises to let them know you do not want this done and they should not be up there.

Providing a scratching pole or tree for the cat would be the best solution. With a scratching post, they are able to do this and not have your furniture ruin. There are many different types of scratching post on the market to get for the cat. Some are standing alone with carpeting on them to deluxe kind that the cat can scratch and climb with cubbyholes for them to nest in, nap, or hide. Also when purchasing a pole or tree for the cat, watch the carpeting on them as the cat will hook their claws on the loop if that is the type of carpeting that is on there.

Teaching a cat to scratch on a pole or tree does not come easy. You will have to show the cat what the pole is for and what options that can do on it. You yourself will have to scratch at the pole to show them that this is ok to do there. Providing good playtime with a cat with the pole will show the cat that they are able to use this. With rewarding the cat with a massage or healthy treat when they do use the pole. This will let the cat know that the behavior is acceptable.

Another thing that you could consider to help a cat not to scratch at your furniture is wrap the furniture in aluminum foil. Cats do not like the feel or the touch of aluminum foil. Putting netting or some type of woven fabric over it can help also, as cats do not like to snag their claws.

Making an environment when the cat is at home its self is a good idea to do, especially if they are still scratching at furniture, climbing the drapes or jumping on and off the counters and tables. This way you know the cat is safe and they can learn that they have to use only the items that you allow them to play with when you are gone or when you are at home. The environment should contain the only items that the cat able to play with. Scathing pole, toys, strings, balls, most important cat litter dish. One thing we do not want to forget is do not leave the water or the food out for the cat to get too as they will need to use the litter box and if you have not trained them yet you could have a surprises when you get home.

Cutting the cat claws to a proper length is another thing that will help. Cutting them to much down to the pink area will hurt the cat and could cause them to get infection. There are plenty of trained pet groomers to do this for a very small reasonable charge. You could ask the vet for a good groomer in your area.

I would love to share my cat training secrets with you and my new special articles on cat training do just that! Everything you need to know to train your cat is included in these special reports: See our Special section on Cat Breads.

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By Arthur Royal

So you have a cat that loves to scratch. Well, there is nothing wrong with that as it is natural for cats to love to scratch furniture and other objects. So what do you do if there is destructive scratching? For example, when your $5,000 sofa is the object of your cats claws? Well the simple answer is train them to scratch appropriate items.

Cats scratch for a variety of reasons. Some cats scratch furniture to burn energy or to stretch. After all, who doesn’t like to stretch now and again. Scratching also helps remove the dead outer layer of claws, similar to humans clipping your finger nails. Another possibility is territory marking as scratch marks are a visible sign and scent glands (in the paws) add olfactory smells to say this is my spot/territory/area.

As scratching is natural, it is not right to punish your cat for what it instinctively does. Punishing your cat for scratching only makes him or her more likely to be more aggressive and fearful of you as the trust between you can be destroyed. It also does not help because your cat doesn’t know any better if they have not yet been trained to scratch another item. The best form of punishment, should you feel it’s absolutely necessary, is to make a loud noise or squirt it with a squirt bottle if you catch your cat in the act of scratching the wrong object. However you must have given the cat an alternative to scratch beforehand or the cat will not understand. If the cat learns to associate the noise with you, then the cat may stop scratching while you’re present, but probably resume once you’re gone. This is why training your cat to scratch scratching posts and other proper objects is so important.

Now that you know why your cat scratches and what not to do, you can train him or her to scratch appropriate objects and not your prized furniture. The first step involves seeing what objects your cat likes to scratch. What type of material is the object – is it smooth, coarse, rough? The height of the object and how high up the cat scratches is also important information. Is the object flat or upright? Finally, knowing where it is located is another important step – sleeping area, entrance area of a room, etc. Observing the characteristics of items your cat likes to scratch means you can find or buy a similar item for your cat.

Put whatever stationary object you end up getting – a scratching post, a rope, a log, etc. – very close to the object you do not want your cat to scratch. However, make sure it will not fall over or otherwise move as your cat uses it or else your cat will not use it again. Then cover up the item your cat scratches with something he or she does not like – some material (double-sided tape or aluminum foil works well) or a non-harmful odor that he/she doesn’t like (try citrus). Your cat should now work its way to the new object as it resembles what your cat likes and will start scratching it instead.

As your cat starts scratching his or her new object, you can slowly move it to a new spot. However, only move it a couple inches each day as your cat won’t like sudden changes. Best results can be achieved when the object is as close as possible to what you do not want your cat to scratch. As a reminder you do not want to remove whatever covering you have put on your valuable furniture, drape or object for many weeks, even up to a month! When you do start removing your coverings, do so gradually to reinforce in your cat that he or she is not supposed to scratch it.

A final piece of advice on training is to start when the cat is young as it is easier to train a kitten than an old cat. Regardless of age, a cat can always be trained if you put in the time.

Congratulations! You now know how to train your cat to scratch objects you want, not your $5,000 sofa.

By Arthur Royal Technicial Writer for Only Petcare http://www.onlypetcare.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Arthur_Royal

By Jay Grey

Cat behavior problems are more common than you think and there are many different solutions for them depending on your cat’s personality. Cats can be trained and bad habits can be broken. Cat behavior problems are solvable but it is easier to correct your cat’s bad behavior problems when they first occur.

The top two cat behavior problems revolve around the litter box and the destruction of furniture and carpets due to scratching.

Proper litter box maintenance is a must. Cats are clean animals and many will not use a litter box that is dirty or used by other cats. Use clumping litter for your kitty and make sure the litter box is clean twice a day by using a scoop to remove and dispose of the clumps and solid waste… Replace with more litter as needed. When using non-clumping litter you will have to dump the box of litter several times a day which is no fun. Perfumed litters are meant to please humans but not the cat. A cats sense of smell is far greater than ours and most don’t like the scent of heavy perfume. Many cats don’t like sharing a litter box with another cat. So how many litter boxes do you really need in a multi-cat household? Well you may have to have one litter box for each cat.

Cat will scratch furniture because of an instinct to scratch or from boredom. A scratching post provides many benefits. Scratching posts and toys will give an outlet for your cat. Scratching posts are made with many different materials but they are mostly made from just a wood frame covered with carpet. Not only will a scratching post protect your furniture and belongings but it also builds the cat’s neck, shoulder, stomach and back muscles.

Cat behavior problems are normal and difficult for owners to deal but can be dealt with in times. Cat behavior problems are more common than you think & there are many different solutions depending on your cat.

Jay Grey has owned and cared for his own pet cats for years. He is also owns and runs Cat Training in 10 Minutes.

http://catcarezone.com/10-must-have-cat-training-tips.html

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