Why Every Cat Should have a Scratching Post
As unfortunate as it is, some people believe that having a cat declawed is as routine as getting it vaccinated. In the States, the procedure is commonly done on the same day cats are spayed or neutered. Declawing is only banned in a few cities in California. Everywhere else, it is considered normal to have a cat declawed by the average American cat owner.
This terrible procedure was born from a human desire to have perfect furniture and curb a natural cat behavior. In the wild, cats scratch on tree trunks to mark their scent with the pheromones in their paw pads. Scratching also keeps their claws groomed and assists in shedding the outer layer of their nails. Imagine how distressing it must be for a cat to have to use whatever object it can find to see out this natural behavior, only to be scolded for doing so.
Luckily, the cat scratching post was invented so that cats may have a sturdy tool on which to scratch their hearts out. Whether the posts are stand alone pieces made solely for scratching, attached to the corner of two walls, or built into a cat tree or other activity center, cats can learn to love their scratching posts. They will often run to their post when playing, climbing and scratching on it while letting off energy and exercising.
A good cat scratching post will be tall enough for a cat to get a nice stretch while gripping the post with its claws. Some cat trees are so tall, the adjoining scratching post serves as both a scratcher and a way to climb up to a platform. This is an excellent workout and stress reliever for indoor cats. Other vertical scratching posts are flat and hung from door handles. Some cats also enjoy scratching horizontally; especially older cats with a little less pep in their step. For these cats, there are scratching mats that lay on the ground and are equally tempting.
Of course, some kitties might still try to sneak in a scratch on a rug, sofa, or even the wallpaper. Experts suggest offering a cat scratching post in every room of the house. There are also tricks that will deter your cat from scratching in undesirable areas.
The two most common tools used are double sided tape or tin foil. Cats hate them both and will usually not put their paws anywhere near them on purpose. You can cover any area the cat prefers with these materials, and this will usually do the trick.
Some people spray bitter apple or cat deterrent spray, but you might find that the smell deters yourself, as well. Some people swear by squirting a cat with water from a squirt gun, while other cat owners claim it either gets their cat more excited, or is no use because they own the odd cat that loves water. Other cat owners will shake a jar or can of coins in hopes of startling kitty. Again, this just excites some cats, but works for others.
Whenever you catch a cat in the act of scratching something inappropriate, it is best not to scold her. You’ll only confuse her, and possibly teach her that she CAN scratch there, just not while you are home. Instead, lift her up gently and carry her to the cat scratching post in a calm manner. You may even take her paw and scratch it on the post yourself in the beginning. Praise her whenever she comes in contact with the post. Sprinkle a little catnip on it before you leave for work, and hide treats near it. She’ll soon learn the post is her very own territory to treat as she pleases.
Why Does My Cat Need a Cat Tree?
A happy cat is a balanced cat: one whose playtime is proportionate to relaxation time, with a healthy amount of both curiosity and laziness. A bored, unhappy, or stressed cat will tempt you with naughtiness, scratching in all the worst places seemingly just to get your attention, and climbing the curtains so you’ll look away from the computer screen for a while. There are many easy, affordable tools to help keep kitty entertained, but one of the best is the cat tree.
A cat tree offers maximum exercise in minimal space. Cats love climbing and peering down stoically at the world below them. It may as well have been built into their DNA, right next to the prey drive gene. Letting a cat perch up high is telling the cat, “you are safe here. You are the biggest one here, and the most important.” A happy kitty will respect this gift. Not only will she use the tree for climbing, jumping, and romping, but also to rest in a spot that feels safe.
A well-built cat tree will have multiple levels on which to jump and rest. It will be heavy enough to keep stable as kitty rough houses it. It will have posts wrapped in sisal rope–a hard, natural fiber with little stretch, perfect for scratching–or possibly carpeted posts. It may have hammocks, hiding spots, perches, hanging toys, bridges, tunnels, stairs…the possibilities are endless. Some are built like a true jungle gym for your little lion and look so fun you’ll wish you could be a cat for a day!
Your cat will work every muscles as he climbs onto the different levels, which will help keep his muscles and heart toned and his joints limber. In the process, he’ll also keep his nails healthy and off of your furniture. He might work off enough energy climbing to the top that he’ll plop right down for a nap, saving your furniture from cat fur. Hiding toys and catnip in different spots of the cat tree will ensure kitty will keep coming back for new adventures and fun. Placing the tree by a window will offer the perfect spot for bird gazing and world watching.
Another perk of multi-level cat trees is giving cats their own space in a home with multiple pets. If one kitty is feeling less playful than another, she can climb to the top perch to give herself some distance from her rambunctious sibling. If the dog is feeling playful and the cat doesn’t wish to become trampled, climbing up her cat tree will help keep her safe and feel more relaxed.
Having cat trees in separate rooms of the house is great, but even just one tree in a designated area is a gift for your cat that will pay itself off in so many ways. Giving the cat his own play area will keep him intrigued and engaged in a proper manner, saving the delicate items and dishes you’ve placed on shelves throughout the home. This also means he’ll be less likely to get bored and start looking for trouble to get into, and will keep himself occupied when you can’t. And the vertical exercise will help keep his weight down, your veterinary bills low, and your number of years together high.
Top 5 Pet Christmas Gifts Give Away Competition
Win Free Pet Gifts 
Take a look at this competition to win the Top Pet Gifts for this Christmas, hurry entries need to be in by 13th December. We are sponsering the top Cat Prize and hope that one of our customers is the luck winner. We will do our best to get the fantastic Cat Scratching Post to you before Christmas.
Please click on the Image Below or click on The Cat Pet Shop on Rock FM to enter today, good look everyone.
