subject: A Few Simple Tips - The Scratching Post And Its Features [print this page] Scratched furniture, shredded curtains and carpets - all these 'facts' are signs that the house is 'owned' by a cat! The majority of cat lovers get really angry with their pets when these little disasters happen, yelling at them and trying to make them stop scratching. However, we should remember in such circumstances that scratching is a healthy habit and a natural instinct - it helps cats stretch, exercise, sharpen their claws and mark their territory.
Punishing your pet for being a normal feline is not the answer. Declawing her (surgically removing her claws) is even worse: this painful procedure will destroy the cat's sense of balance, irreversibly affecting her health and well-being.
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.
There are different kinds of scratching posts available on the market. The most popular remains the post covered with sisal rope, being preferred by the majority of cats. You can also find scratching posts and pads covered with carpet or cardboard - especially created to match even the most 'exquisite' tastes. Cat trees, gyms and condos are sophisticated models - little kittens go crazy for them!
Even if it seems difficult, choosing the right scratching post is a simple matter. The first thing you should do is observe your kitty's preferences. Some cats prefer to scratch horizontally, others - vertically. Some prefer sisal rope, others the soft texture of carpet, others - cardboard. All you have to do is choose the post accordingly!
Another good idea is to measure your cat - literally - and make sure that she is not taller than the post. In fact, the post should be higher than your cat, allowing her to stretch fully. Don't forget that a good post is sturdy - light posts can easily collapse when scratched with a little more 'enthusiasm'. For little kittens, toys are extremely beneficial, triggering even more playing, climbing and stretching.
It's also important to install the post in a 'strategic' place. If your cat's favorite scratching spot is the kitchen wooden cabinet, that's where the post should be placed! Avoid installing it in a dark storage room - kitties with normal self-respect will never go and play in such a place. After all, they like to socialize and show off a little - why not use this to your own advantage?
The next step will be to teach your kitty to scratch the post and forget about your furniture. Play with your furry friend near the post and praise her each time she scratches it. Teaching a cat is not difficult - you just have to remember that yelling and punishing do not work. With affection and patience, she will soon learn how fun and convenient her new toy is.
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.
