Monday, September 3, 2012

Cat Scratch Posts Help Preserve Your Furniture

By Ladonna Franklin


Using cat scratch posts helps you keep your furniture safe from your kitty's scratching. This is an instinctive need of all felines, whether a large cat in the wild or your little kitty at home. This is the way they relieve stress and to get their claws sharp for catching that wild animal, whether its a mouse for you pet or an antelope for that wild feline.

Using the proper outlet will not come naturally. You will have to go through some training. Starting with the small kitten with the training is much easier, but you can start with an adult as well. The main consideration is to make it a pleasant experience. Be sure to praise and pet the animal when they choose to use the proper place to do their scratching. Make it enjoyable for them.

It takes training and special encouragement to get your pet to cooperate in choosing a different place to do their scratching. It has always worked fine for them to use your furniture. Using a couple of strategies will help change their mind, however. Hang a favorite toy, or one that is new and fascinating, in the area. Also, a catnip toy or a quick spray of catnip will encourage them to go there. They can't resist catnip.

Give your pet an outdoor play time every day. This will keep her stimulated and happier. She will then be less likely to relieve her boredom and protect your furniture. You can let her play out by herself, if you have a safe area. Otherwise, go out with her. If it is not safe even with you along, you can teach her to walk on a leash and then take her out on one for her daily playtime.

It a known fact that all felines hate water. They will run to keep from getting water sprayed on them. Use that fact to protect your furniture. Keep a spray bottle of water handy, and at the first sign of offense, squirt your disobedient pet. It doesn't hurt them, but will discourage the behavior in which they are engaging.

Sticky things and a strong citrus scent are also distasteful to your pet. To keep him away from your prized possessions, attach a strip of double sided tape. He can't stand the feel on his paws. Additionally, spray a dilute solution of lemon juice. If you don't want to put it on your item, then just soak a paper towel in the solution and put it next to the area. Your pet will keep his distance.

Use you tone of voice to let your pet know what you want. He may not understand everything you say, but he will get it from you firm tone that he is doing something wrong. He will interpret you as being angry about what he is doing. Try a firm "no" and look for him to stop.

The proper use of cat scratch posts, combined with other measures, will help you protect your fine furnishings. You don't have to let your cat rule the roost and claw whatever and wherever she wishes. Use a gentle guidance to direct her behavior.




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