|
menu.gif
|
Home > Cat Scratching Post Training Tips
| | |
|
Cat Scratching Post Training Tips
Scratching Solutions
Smart
and caring cat owners know that claws are very important to cats.
Claws give the cat a sense of security, knowing that their defense
system is intact. They also allow the cat to grasp and hold objects as
well as establish footing for walking, running, springing, climbing and
stretching. SmartCat scratching products are designed to maximize your
cat’s scratching pleasure by providing an appealing target for
territorial marking, exercise, and a playful warm-up. By regularly
trimming your cat’s nails and offering a suitable scratching item, you
are providing a natural outlet for a normal, happy and healthy behavior
and you will be rewarded with a satisfied and confident companion.
- To remove old nail sheaths from the claws
- To exercise and tone muscles
- To relieve stress, frustration and boredom
- To "warm up" for a vigorous play session
- To mark territory
- Place
the post in a room where the cat spends a lot of time. Cats often like
to stretch and scratch when they wake up from a nap.
- To
introduce the post to your cat try using catnip as a lure. (For most
cats a lure is unnecessary, but fun.) Rub catnip onto the sisal
material and call the cat over to the post.
- Scratch
your nails along the surface of the material. This will attract the cat
and at the same time teach him where to scratch.
- After
your cat begins to scratch, praise him and give him a food treat.
(Small kittens can be trained to climb the post by showing them food
treats and placing it at the top of the post.
- If your cat has already been scratching a piece of furniture, place the post directly in front of it.
- Temporarily
cover the previously scratched areas with a few strips of double-sided
carpet tape or clear double-sided tape strips that are designed for
this purpose. This will help redirect your cat's scratching activities
to the post.
- Most cats are easily trained but if your cat is the exception, please see catsinternational.org for free behavior counseling.
Scientific
journals refer to declawing as "elective mutilation". It is an
amputation of the cat's toes comparable to the removal of the human
finger at the first knuckle. It handicaps the cat physically, socially
and psychologically for the rest of its life, predisposing the cat to
certain temperament and behavior problems such as shyness, biting and
litter box avoidance. By regularly trimming your cat's nails and
offering a suitable scratching target you are providing a natural
outlet for a normal, healthy behavior and you will be rewarded with a
content and confident companion.
| |
| | |
|
|
|