Directing Your Cat's Scratching Instincts

views the best pictures

Cats like to scratch. It is a natural instinct and try as you may, you cannot stop them. You can, however, try to direct them to where you deem it is acceptable to scratch.

Now, let's talk about how we can help your little feline. You should realize that you have invited this kitty into your home; she probably did not invite herself. If you have not owned a cat before, I am sure you have talked with friends who have cats, or you have researched the requirements for owning of a cat. Cats are fluffy little bundles of joy and energy who love to sleep, eat, play, occasionally like to be petty, if they are in the mood, and they have a huge need to scratch. You probably know by now that you really don't 'own' a cat, and that they will eventually 'own' you.

Since you have made the decision to bring this kitty in to your home, you will need to provide items to meet their instinctive needs. Having something on which to scratch before they come into your living space is very advisable. They may automatically go to this scratching apparatus, especially if you have sprayed it with a catnip scent or rubbed it with catnip leaves, so training will be unnecessary.

If, however, you did not provide one at first, she may have scratched your furniture. Now you are upset with what she has done, you decide it is now time to get a scratching post or tree. Let the retraining begin. This will probably try your patience, and patience is exactly what it will take to retrain her. Try using catnip spray or rub catnip leaves on the new tree. This will really help your process, but there is no guarantee. Cats seem to decide when and when they don't want to do something, as you may have already discovered.

Do not punish your cat for scratching on something they shouldn't scratch. They cannot discern that being yelled at or hit was because of their inappropriate actions.. They only know you hurt them and they may eventually not want to be around you because she is afraid of you.

Cats scratch for a couple of reasons:

• It allows them to stretch their muscles
• It allows them to remove the outer layer of their claws
• To mark their scent
• To get attention, even though it may be negative

You do have several options from which to choose in deciding the appropriate item on which to scratch.

You may purchase sticky tape that is designed to deter scratching furniture. It is applied to the surface of the item on which they are used to scratching, like the corner of your sofa. They don't like the sticky feeling on their paws and will find some place else to scratch. You may also purchase a spray for the purpose of deterring their scratching. Felines do not like orange or lemon scents also. Since you are trying to train them away from an undesirable place to scratch, you need to provide an alternative place.

Scratching pads are usually made from corrugated cardboard or carpeting. They are about 15"x20" and can be placed on the floor or attached to vertical surface. If they are placed properly in a vertical position, this will also allow them to stretch out their muscles. We have a scratching pad placed on the floor behind a living room chair and Simba uses it several times a day.

There are scratching posts and scratching trees. Basically the difference is that a tree is taller than a post, but they can have some of the same features.

Cats like to be where you are, in your living space. Placing an acceptable scratching surface for them in these areas is what they really want, or they may not use it. If they have already established a scratching area, you can place a cat scratching post or tree near there and then move the item slowly to where you want the post permanently situated.

You may need several scratching surfaces around your home and you can combine the pads, with a post or a tree.

When selecting a cat scratching post or tree for durability. It needs to be extremely sturdy so it will not wiggle or fall. If that happens when they use it, they will not want to go to it again. It will feel unsafe to them.

Kitties and cats like to play on a tree. They like to climb, they like heights so they can see their territory, they like tunnels, they like perches on which to sleep, and they like dangling things with which they can play. Some trees even have little condos where they like to sleep. Posts are often short, maybe 3' high and allow for some scratching and a platform to sit or sleep. A tree, however, will be approximately 5' high up to ceiling height. The ceiling height trees will be the most fun, but remember, it will take up some real estate in your room.

If you can purchase one that is tall enough for them to stretch their muscles, they will love it. Be sure and measure your kitty before making the purchase. Remember also, that a kitten will grow to a cat and try to allow for their growth. What is good for up to 6 months may not be suitable for an adult cat.

Our cat Simba was a small little kitten of 2 months when we got him. He is now 11 years old, and is over 40" in length when he stretches out, and weighs about 18 pounds. If we would have bought a normal cat scratching tree when he was a kitten, and you can find many online or in a pet store, he would have outgrown it. I agree that he is larger than the average domestic cat, but now he does not fit on most platforms on a tree. So you can see why it is necessary to take into account their size and weight.

The best fabric on the post or tree should be something that doesn't shred easily with fraying threads. Sisal rope or sisal fabric is ideal on which to scratch. With a comfortably carpeted platform on which to rest, it will be his favorite place. If you are making a scratching post, the backing of carpet is good to use for a scratching surface.

The only restrictions you may have in deciding which to purchase are the size of the tree and the price. Some of the designer models are beautiful, and they are accompanied with the price to reflect their beauty. They will, however, look very nice with your furnishing, and your cat will love being where you are.

If you are interested in making a cat post or tree, there are several DIY sites on the internet.

A word of caution: Be advised that de-clawing your cat is NEVER an option! It is too traumatic and harmful to both her emotional and physical welfare. There are websites on the internet that tell why this is cruel, or check with your vet.

If you are having a lot of difficulty in directing her scratching, or any of her unacceptable behaviors, you may want to check with your vet, and maybe a cat physiologist.

Be kind to your kitty; provide for her needs, and she will be a wonderful, lovable companion.

Disclaimer: I am not a veterinarian nor do I have any formal training in any medical field. This article is not to replace the advice of your veterinarian. I am only providing options and ideas that you may want to discuss with your veterinarian.

Having had cats and dogs most of her life, Lori Kniff is concerned about the health and safety of our best friends, our dogs and cats.
Please go to the website http://www.pawsitivepamperings.com, and you will find cat scratching pads, posts and trees that will keep your pets safe, healthy, happy and content.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lori_Kniff