The Cat Scratching Post - A Few Basic Tips
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Is your leather sofa scratched? Are your curtains shredded? Do you jeans have that special 'vintage' look, having lots of holes in the most inappropriate places? In this case, I'm sure there's a kitty in the house! Unfortunately, most cat owners tend to get angry with their furry friends when such unpleasant things happen. They usually forget that their pets do not scratch in order to annoy them - scratching is a healthy and necessary instinct that helps cats keep their claws in good shape, being also a form of exercise and communication.
That's why punishing your cat or worse - declawing her - will not solve the problem. In the first case she'll simply ignore you and continue her scratching, while in the second you'll irreversible damage her health and sense of balance.
The simplest solution is to acquire and install a cat scratching post. This useful invention allows a cat to scratch, sharp her claws, stretch and play for as long as she likes without damaging your belongings and your nerves.
You can find many different types of scratching posts on the market. The most common one is the vertical sisal-covered pole which is perfect for most cats, reminding them of the base of a tree. However, for pets with more 'exquisite' tastes there are also carpet or cardboard covered scratching posts and also simple wooden posts. The more sophisticated types (especially appropriate for little kittens) include cat gyms, cat condos and cat trees.
You might ask - so how do I choose the best scratching post? After all, there are so many models! First of all, observe your cat's habits and preferences. Choose the material that she likes the most, and don't forget that while most cats prefer to scratch vertically, there are some who enjoy horizontal surfaces. In this case, you can choose a scratching pad.
Don't forget to measure your cat when she's standing on her hind paws - the post should be taller! A short post will not be appropriate for stretching and playing. Also, make sure you choose a sturdy post that will not collapse when the scratching becomes more serious. If you have a little kitten, consider attaching a few toys to the post - they will increase its appeal, guaranteeing many hours of playing.
After buying the scratching post, it's important to install it in a proper place. Kitties are creatures of habit. If your cat enjoys scratching your living room sofa, that's where you should install the post - near her old scratching 'passion'. Don't store it in a dark, little room among the clutter - this way your pet will surely play with something else, much more appealing - for example, the leg of your wooden desk!
When you teach your kitty to use the scratching post, don't forget that you're dealing with a feline, not a dog! Cats don't know what 'obedience' means - they are proud and independent creatures that do only what they want. That's why strictness will not have any positive results. Use patience and encouragements instead - this way the cat will understand on her own that scratching the post feels much better than damaging your new couch!
With a scratching post, you'll soon forget about the stress of seeing how your new things are being destroyed. You'll be calm and your kitty will be extremely content, being able to manifest her natural needs. However, don't forget that cats are very clean animals. They will not scratch a filthy, smelling post - that's why you have to give it a good wash when you notice that it got dirty.
Article Source: Articlelogy.com
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