Your new living room furniture is in tatters. Your nerves are frayed. Your cat thinks you have morphed into someone he doesn't know and you need a solution to his inappropriate scratching behavior now! Sound familiar? Well, this was our situation a few months ago until we got a handle on a strategy that works.
Cats need to scratch! It helps them excercise their front leg muscles and tendons. It helps to shed old outer layers of the nail sheath. It helps alleviate frustration and boredom and it marks their 'territory' in your home.
Once you realize this it is much easier to arrive at an equitable solution. Rather than concentrating on eliminating the problem ( which isn't going to happen ) you need to find a way to redirect the behavior to an appropriate area in your home.
There are many products on the market which offer a solution. We found a combination of a good quality scratching post wrapped in sisal rope and a set of clear, acrylic shields which fasten to the corner areas of your couch and chair work best. If you need to learn where to purchase these products, visit our website listed below.
The shields are used to cover up areas your cat has already been scratching, in order to redirect him to the post. The scratching post should be tall and heavy enough so your cat can extend his full torso up high enough to offer a good stretch. Most cats are vertical scratchers. They reach up, extend the front arms, claw the scratcher and pull downwards towards the ground. If the post moves around too much they will likely not use it again so make sure it is stable.
If your cat likes catnip, rub some into the sisal rope on the post. Hanging his favorite toy on the top of the post will help get his attention also.
The first time he uses the post you need to heap lots of praise on him, pet him, give him a treat and let him know that he is a 'good boy.' Cats do not relate punishment to the behavior they are engaged in but they do understand very well when they have done something that pleases you if you communicate that effectively. It shouldn't take long for your cat to figure things out if you use this strategy.
Our cat Milo is hillarious! Now when he needs to scratch he sits in front of the post, reaches up to scratch, stops and turns to make sure we are watching him and then does his business. Then he turns to us as if to say, 'hey, aren't I a good boy?'
Brad Knell is the webmaster at http://www.stopcatscratching.com which is one of a series of websites created to help people with their pet problems.
no-contract cleaning service Glenview ..It is important to choose a sugar glider breeder carefully.... Read More
Is your dog a gentleman or lady? If so, you... Read More
Tired of cleaning the cat box? Here are some tips... Read More
There are lots of ways a horse can go lame.... Read More
The teaching and training of dog tricks while not a... Read More
You might think the most important bit of dog health... Read More
Part1: There is Actually a "Wrong" Way to Crate TrainCrate... Read More
Let's say you've made up your mind on the breed... Read More
The most common dog problems:Dog Owner's commonly ask me the... Read More
A couple of years ago a Japanese electronics company came... Read More
Glassily transparent, the lemon tetra (hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis) could appear to... Read More
Dogs and children are a perfect fit. They are what... Read More
Dogs have been known as man's best friend for decades.... Read More
Dear Fellow Dog Lover,I assume you love your dog, or... Read More
If you are keen on breeding Goldfish, you should know... Read More
Congratulations on your choice to bring home a West Highland... Read More
Choosing a dog is a fun adventure. The search for... Read More
With all the companionship and love that our dogs give... Read More
Anyone can put two dogs together and let them breed,... Read More
A dog that is feeling pain can often be highly... Read More
Dog House Training can be simpleTo start your dog house... Read More
Over the past decade, breed rescue groups have become a... Read More
Westies dogs' owners delight in the companionship their dogs give... Read More
You need a strategy for using or disposing of your... Read More
In most cases you should not be too concerned about... Read More
house cleaning company Glencoe ..Last summer, we added a new pet to our family... Read More
My son and I have a cat. Her name is... Read More
Bringing home a Pug can change our life, but it... Read More
Let's take a look at the different stages, but before... Read More
A New Understanding of AllergiesAllergies of all kinds seem to... Read More
Are cats and children a good mix?So, you had a... Read More
You know that cats should always have a supply of... Read More
It's important to understand your dog's sleeping habits and how... Read More
Why is it that cats get no respect? Are they... Read More
Ok, so everyone who stays on top of the show... Read More
What kind of materials should you use when constructing a... Read More
Would you like to save money and have a healthier... Read More
"Dogs have owners; cats have staff," and I have worked... Read More
Over the past 30 years we have learned so much... Read More
Allergies to dogs can strike anyone at any age, yet... Read More
A dog, like a human baby, experiences the world through... Read More
Chocolate. Who can resist it?Your dogs health depends on it!... Read More
Are you just starting to research the BARF diet for... Read More
A well-train dog usually leads a happier and healthier life... Read More
Dog day care programs benefit the dogs of owner's who... Read More
Did you know that your goldfish can live for over... Read More
Playing reinforces the bond between you and your cat.Playing with... Read More
If you take a quick look at this species they... Read More
I've been around many people who try to lead a... Read More
Of all the parasites a dog can catch, worms take... Read More
Pet |