How to Choose Cat Scratching Posts
Most families have at least a pet in their homes and often, this pet is a cat, since what can be more adorable than a cat that we can spoil when we get home? However, although there are many cat lovers out there, one thing is sure: all cats scratch and as a consequence they end up ruining our furniture, our carpets and other of our belongings. If this is your situation, there’s no need to despair because nowadays there is a way to keep your cat from scratching your goods.
Cats scratch all the time and as long as they are not provided with cat scratching posts, they will use your furniture for playing and scratching. If you are interested in a cat scratching post, you should know that the scratching surface varies from a carpet covered with sisal rope or artificial surface coverings. Furthermore, the scratching post can be tall, short, round, horizontal or vertical and it is entirely up to you to decide which of these suits best the needs of your cat.
Before selecting cat scratching posts, we advise you to consider the following tips. First of all, for best results, make sure the scratching post is tall enough for your cat to scratch her full height. Next, keep in mind that a good cat scratching post should have a base which ensures the necessary stability. This is important because if the cat feels insecure on the scratching post she will not use it.
Don’t forget to choose a cat scratching post which combines different covered surfaces. It is not a great idea to train your cat to scratch ion the carpet because they may not distinguish the acceptable carpet from the carpet on the floors. We recommend trying sisal fiber because it is durable, attractive to cats, cheap and lasts much longer than a carpet.
However, if your cat is not accustomed to using cat scratching posts, you will need to train your cat choose the post and not your furniture. Whenever you bring a cat into your home, make sure you will show her how to use the scratching post. Also, show your cat how to scratch and don’t try to physically force it by holding her paws because she won’t like it and she will reject the cat scratching post. The most efficient way of training your cat use the post is by means of rewards and lures.
If the scratching post looks like fun, surrounded by toys and other attractive items, the cat will definitely be drawn to it. Make sure you keep the cat scratching posts nearby to where the cats sleep, because most of them scratch after waking. The location of the scratching post is important because if your cat doesn’t like the place you have chosen for it, she will not use it.
It is not a revelation for any of us the fact that cats scratch all the time, but it might be news for some of you to learn that cats can be trained and shown where to scratch. Thus, by using cat scratching posts, your carpets and furniture will not be damaged any longer. Take into account your cat’s preferences when buying and setting up her scratching post.
Kittens are the most adorable animals and therefore it is a pleasure to keep them into our homes and spoil them as much as we can. Although we understand your love for cats, we are also aware of the fact that they can damage your assets and we are here to put at your disposal our effective cat scratching posts. Once your cat starts liking the cat scratching post, she won’t touch your furniture.
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This post was written by TKB_Editor on July 9, 2011
Cat Furniture Products – New Concepts Great Deals
Just when you thought that you were through buying your own furniture for your home, condo, or apartment, along comes someone that tries to sell you on the idea of furniture for your cat. Whats the deal? Does your cat really need its own furniture and what on earth can it look and function like?
A Place to Call its Own
The truth be told, your cat in fact prefers to have its own soft place or places to recline in. It recognizes its scent on its own bed and will prefer it over anything else in your living space. This means that if you are tired of your cat climbing all over and shedding on your furniture, then chances are it needs its own comfy bed.
A Second Secluded Bed
So, first on your list should be a nice padded cat bed for your furry little house mate to call its own. Next on your list should be a second cushy cat bed to place under one of your beds or in a closet where your cat can recline and relax when it just wants to get away from it all and spend some time alone.
Keep the Fleas Away
Your cat will be happier and more friendly when it has its own soft places that it recognizes as its own territory. Also, your cats bed is an excellent place to sprinkle a little flea powder from time to time to keep it free of these anything pests. Still yet your cats bed is a great place to put its toys when you pick up your place. It will be glad to have them handy and they will be out of the way when he or she isn’t playing with them.
A Carpeted Cat Tree for its Claws
The next time you look up in shock, to see your cat scratching its claws on a piece of your own furniture, you must bear in mind that it would rather have its own carpeted cat tree to use. Once again, it will grow to recognize its smell on it and prefer it over anything else because it is its own territory.
Written by Johnathan Trammil. Get all you need to know about Cat Furniture Products and even Dog And Cat Products
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This post was written by TKB_Editor on July 9, 2011
What Your Feline Friend Will Like About a Large Cat Scratching Post
We all know cats are delightful but they do need to scratch, so to rescue your furniture think about purchasing a which will last your cat into adulthood. Also you will need to consider that cats like to stretch out when scratching so you will want a if it is to last longer than a few weeks or months. As with all things today’s cat furniture goes well beyond a simple scratching post or tree. Cat trees and scratchers now come with built in toys, platforms, houses for sleeping in, as well as steps, rockers and tunnels, these all form part of the available items of added extras to choose from.
A cat scratching post or tree is usually manufactured from a heavy duty cardboard tube that has been wrapped in carpet or sisal rope. It can have many levels (2 or 3 being the most common), each having a platform for the kitten to jump up and down to give it more interest. A cat tree is usually one or more upright posts that have resting places on the ‘limbs’. Sometimes they are shelves, or may look like short boxes. Most often trees are covered in carpet, with the lower part having sisal or burlap to encourage scratching.
Many manufacturers now actually combine cat trees and scratching posts into one piece of furniture, giving kitty a true hidey-hole in which he can look out on the world, but remain hidden himself. If you have a prankster, he will lie in wait until you pass by, then jump out to frighten you, and if it is a kitten sometimes himself!! As well as combining cat trees and scratching posts some manufacturers have also created castles, forts, tree houses and many more designs. Additions include such things as ropes to hang from, toys on flexible rope and on flexible wire, nests and many other items designed to entertain your cat and distract and discourage him from scratching the furniture.
Most cats seem to enjoy the challenge posed by intricate cat trees and scratching post designs. Households where there are two or more cats are often treated to games of king of the castle, where one cat is either at the top of the tree, or in one of the hidey holes fending off attacks from the others.
The big difference between cat trees and scratching posts is that scratching posts are not {very|terribly] stable if you have a cat that likes to jump; most posts do not have a base that extends much beyond the edge of the post. Trees on the other hand are designed to remain upright while the cat climbs and jumps. If you are thinking of buying a cat climbing tree, test it is going to stay up by trying to tip it. If it tips easily, it is not safe for your cat. Cat trees and scratching posts {work|are] best when they allow the cat to reach up to their full extent and really stretch and exercise their muscles while they scratch. Investing in top quality cat furniture will please both you and your feline friends. Variuos makes of cat scratchers and cat trees are available for you to purchase at http://www.petshouse.co.uk so have a browse now and select the ideal{model for you and your feline friends.
Our selection covers large cat scratching post and more the tall models. Cat climbing trees galore available at http://www.petshouse.co.uk .
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This post was written by TKB_Editor on July 8, 2011
How to Stop Cat Scratching
Don’t you wish you could stop cat scratching in your home, weather it’s you he is scratching, or your furniture? You know it when your cat uses his claws (I’m going to use a male cat for consistency sake). You can hear it tear through the threads, or you can feel it penetrate your skin.
I’ve read of other methods, such as getting a scratching post and putting catnip on it to encourage your cat to scratch that instead of the furniture… but I found that my cat would still scratch my arms and some furniture he really liked.
The fact is, cat scratching is a natural thing, and it feels good for your cat (you want your cat to enjoy his life right?). Cats will scratch to mark their territory (leaving scents), stay healthy by removing old layers of their claws, and sometimes as a method of stretching their muscles (which is good for their body).
Stop your cat from scratching with this simple method
My cousin has a 3 year old daughter, so he made me watch an episode of “Super Nanny”. What does this have to do with stop cat scratching? Well, the main trick that the child whisperer uses is a thing called “Time Out”. Simple right? A time out is the last thing your cat wants – because as we all know, cats love that attention!
Here are the step by step instructions:
1. Your cat is scratching the couch, and you want him to stop
2. Go over to your cat, pick him up, and put him in an already designated room that you can close the door to (maybe your laundry room, or the room his litter is in?).
3. Wait 9 minutes (yes, nine minutes exactly) – then let your cat out of the room. And you’re done… easy right?
Now you have to be patient because it could take several times of you using the “Time Out” before your cat gets the point. You want your cat to associate scratching of the furniture to not getting any attention in the form of being locked in a room (for a short period of time).
A personal testimonial to this method – I’ve done it, it works. Every time my cat comes out of “Time Out”, he lays in my lap for a nice petting and purrs his way to sleep. And of course, he has stopped scratching the furniture. Now I must admit, he does have a scratching post that he uses very often. And I did put cat nip on it (and refresh it every month or so), because I want him to scratch to post for his healths sake.
Here are some other good ideas to stop cat scratching:
· Put the scratching post near the furniture or area you cat likes to scratch
· Block access to the couch or place your cat scratches most often
· Put foil, two-sided tape, or plastic wrap on the furniture your cat likes best
· Try both vertical and horizontal scratch posts/pads
· Put that catnip to good use on the scratching posts
I believe that if you use my stupidly simple method in conjunction with some of the other methods mentioned, you can stop your cat from scratching unwanted areas, and keep him happy and healthy at the same time! Hope this helps!
Please also visit http://www.scratchcats.com/ for further reading and more about the cat scratch disease treatment.
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This post was written by TKB_Editor on July 7, 2011
Cat Scratching Posts Turn Your Cat Into A Friend
If you have a cat you will know what good company they can be. A cat makes a wonderful companion. It’s the ideal pet for both adults and children. However cats do have some annoying habits and one of them is scratching.
It’s very common for cat owners to find that their cat loves to scratch. I’m not talking about scratching you, it’s more likely that your cat is scratching the furniture. And most likely is that he is scratching the most expensive and most treasured piece of furniture in the house.
So many cat owners find claw marks all over the legs of their favourite pieces of furniture. Why do cats scratch and how can a cat scratching post help?
Scratching is a normal behaviour for a cat. They do it for a number of reasons, but in particular to sharpen their claws. In fact scratching is a perfectly normal part of their behaviour and it’s not likely that you will be able to stop your moggy from doing it. Much more likely is that you will be able to redirect their attention from the legs of your favourite piece of furniture to a more suitable piece of furniture, namely a cat scratching post.
The way you do that is by making it less pleasant for the cat to scratch your furniture and more pleasant for him to scratch something that can be damaged at no cost to you. A cat scratching post is a piece of cat furniture specifically designed to be scratched so that your favourite feline can relieve his need to sharpen his claws in an appropriate place.
Scratching poles are really very simple. They are usually covered with a simple material such as carpet so that your feline can dig his claws into it and pull away to his heart’s content.
So how do you redirect his attention away from the furniture and towards his scratching pole? Cats respond to positive behaviour from their owners, so don’t punish him for doing what comes naturally. Try a more lateral approach, for example wrapping something around the legs of the furniture to make it less attractive to him whilst providing him with a good scratching post. If he takes the hint and uses the post that’s fine, if not then try rubbing some Catnip on it to attract him to the post.
Training your feline to direct his attention from one piece of furniture to another is sometimes a difficult task, however can be achieved perfectly easily with some patience and perseverance. If you see him heading towards the legs of your favourite furniture with itchy claws then pick him up, take him to the scratching post to see if he gets the idea.
Don’t ever consider de-clawing your cat. It’s a nasty process and something you should never consider. You may however trim his claws from time to time so that he is doing less damage whilst he is being trained. A cat makes a wonderful pet, but they do have annoying little idiosyncrasies. Learn what they are, learn how to deal with them and your cat will be a friend for life. Just make sure he scratches the cat scratching post rather than the furniture.
Peter has a website all about Cat Scratching Posts where you can get more advice about finding a great Cat Scratching Post to keep your favourite pet happy, and your furniture unscratched
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This post was written by TKB_Editor on July 6, 2011
Cat Trees and Condos
Today’s cat furniture goes beyond scratching posts and pet beds. Cat trees and condos, as well as steps, rockers and tunnels are all part of the available inventory of furniture.
A cat condo is usually made from a heavy duty cardboard tube that has been covered in carpet. It has multiple levels (2 or 3 being most common), each having an entrance hole, and a ‘floor’ between the levels that has a hole large enough for the cat to move up or down while inside the condo.
A cat tree is one or more vertical posts that have resting places on the ‘limbs’. Sometimes they are shelves, or may look like short boxes. Most often trees are covered in carpet, with the lower part having sisal or burlap to encourage scratching.
Many manufacturers now combine cat trees and condos into one piece of furniture, giving kitty a true hidey-hole in which he can spy on the world, but remain hidden himself. (If you have a jokester, he will lie in wait until you walk by, then pop out to startle you.)
Besides combining cat trees and condos, designers also have created castles, forts, treehouses, even trees and mushrooms. Additions include ropes to hang from; stairs; swinging shelves; ½ pipes and nests.
Cat trees and condos are available in many heights and colors. Carpets range from berber to shag and may or may not have a sculpted texture. Colors may be solid or patterned. Finding a tree or condo that fits your décor is easier than you think. Some manufacturers even take orders on colors.
Many cats seem to enjoy the challenge posed by intricate cat tree and condo designs. Multiple cat households are often treated to games of king of the hill, where one cat is either at the top of the tree, or in (one of) the condo(s) fending off attacks from the others.
A big difference between cat trees and condos is that condos are not very stable if you have a cat that likes to jump; most do not have a base that extends beyond the edge of the condo. Trees are designed to remain upright while the cat climbs and jumps. If you are thinking of buying a cat tree, verify it is going to stay up by trying to tip it. If it tips easily, it is not safe for your cat.
Cat trees also make better scratching posts than most scratching posts. They allow the cat to reach up to their full extent and really stretch and exercise their muscles while they scratch.
The ‘crazies’, where your cat(s) race(s) around for no apparent reason, are even more entertaining to watch when kitty goes vertical, and usually don’t last as long as the cats expend more energy climbing and jumping.
also make it easier to play with your cat; they are up where you can get to them, and they are less likely to scratch you when they are hanging from their favorite perch.
Investing in cat furniture will please both you and your feline friends.
At QualityCatFurniture, you will discover an amazing selection of low priced and excellent quality cat trees and condos.
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This post was written by TKB_Editor on July 4, 2011
The Fun of Cat Furniture
Cats love to climb, scratch and jump. That is why cat furniture is the perfect addition to any home. There are so many different styles, colors, and sizes out there that it is very easy to find the perfect piece of cat furniture for your home decor. The large condos, trees and towers are great for multi-cat houses and provide your cats with their own place to have fun. It will save a lot of wear and tear on your own furniture! The small and medium versions are good for tighter spaces and can fit into an empty corner or nook in your home. They are ideal for one cat, though a large one is not out of the question for only one. The larger ones are taller and cats like nothing more than to be up high.
The cat condos, towers and trees of today have so many wonderful features, like cubes for privacy, toys attached to them, sisal scratching posts and different shaped platforms. I’ve found that my cats get along much better after a playful romp on their tower and settle down for a much needed nap on the many levels. All that jumping, scratching, and climbing has a very beneficial extra bonus. It keeps your cat healthier by not only giving their muscles a workout but helping in weight loss too. I have seen some of my slightly overweight cats slim down considerably after I got the cat furniture.
Watching them play is just an added joy. Cat furniture is not only fun for them, but fun for you too! The antics go on and on and you will probably be tempted to grab your camera to capture the cuteness. Your cats will love that they have their own playground and also a place to escape to when they want some down time. The sisal scratching posts are an answer to saving your own carpets or couches from being used as scratching areas. Cats love sisal and will usually use this instead. It is truly an added addition that has come along in recent years. So, grab some cat furniture, sit back and enjoy all the benefits of it!
Hi! I’m Sheila Bergquist and I love animals, cooking and writing. I am always interested in finding ways to share this with others.
Check out my website for fabulous furniture for cats!
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This post was written by TKB_Editor on July 3, 2011
How To Build A Cat Tree
Cats are wonderful pets. They are independent, affectionate and make loving companions. However, they do have habits that humans may not appreciate too much such as scratching the furniture, and clawing personal possessions. Learn how to build a cat tree or cat furniture and not only save money, but also the family sofa.
Cats simply have a natural instinct to scratch and claw things. It is a behavior that you will not be able to change as it is just what cats do. Cats scratch their claws for a variety of reasons including to exercise, keep their nails clean and trimmed, and to mark their territory. If you provide your cat with ample scratching posts and furniture, they will be less likely to destroy the house. Cat trees are my personal favorite. They are available in a wide variety of sizes and styles and cats just love them. Your cat will quickly take to the tree for climbing and conditioning claws. Place the cat furniture next to a window for the ultimate happy kitty. They love to sit looking outside at the birds. Having more than one cat tree is highly recommended as it will further prevent unwanted scratching by offering the cat a choice of heights, styles and shapes. The only downside is that cat furniture can be very expensive. No sense in spending a lot of money on something your cat will ultimately destroy. Learn how to build a cat tree and save a fortune while providing your cat with a professional quality tree they are sure to love.
If you provide your cat with their own furniture, you will see how easy it is to direct the unwanted behavior of scratching your good furntiure. Cats are very intelligent creatures and will recognize the appropriate places to scratch and claw with a little reinforcement from you. You want your cat to be healthy and happy and providing your cat with its own possessions is a must. You will be surprised to see how easy it is to make your own cat tree. Basic tools you already have in your home, wood, and sisal rope is what you’ll need to get started. Next, you need some professional quality step by step construction plans and you’ll soon have quality cat furniture in every room. There is an e-book available for immediate download that shows you exactly how to build a cat tree, and not just one tree but several different trees in a variety of styles.
Please visit my blog for more information: http://pet-products-reviews.blogspot.com
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This post was written by TKB_Editor on July 2, 2011
Cat Trees Don't Have To Break The Bank
can variety drastically in size and price. Do a small explore forward of time and get an concept of how considerably you are inclined to commit just before you get there at the store.
A vacation to the pet store can be a really overwhelming experience, particularly if you do not perceive exactly which you are looking for. If you possess cats at home, you perceive how tough it can be to predict what these folks could enjoy. There are a good number of options such as , condos, scratching posts and playgrounds. What you lead to selecting can rely enormously on your pet’s persona and habits. If they frighten very easily or don’t enjoy uncommon spaces, you may need to begin little and work your way up.
You must additionally be very aware of the dimension and form of some pet furnishings. Most folks may rather not muddle the typical regions of their homes with larger objects prefer cat trees. Be aware of how significantly space you have or are ready to give up for your pet. If you have an extra bed room or perhaps vast office space in your home, that might be an best area to stick your new pet furnishings. It may take a small extra coaxing for your pet to uncover and employ these issues in unusual places, so you could program to shell out some extra time with them.
Prior to you head to the pet keep, you could decide how much you are prepared to commit. Not surprisingly, pet furniture can actually add up as you go for larger top quality choices. That is why it is perfect to set a finances just before you go to keep by yourself in check. Determine what form of components and construction you are looking for to be capable to set your expectations. If you aren’t satisfied with what you find, don’t be afraid to shop around. There are a majority of cat trees and various pet furnishings available online. You may also be capable to uncover a greater cope by having the chance to comparison shop online.
Jade Greene writes about pet products including cat trees.
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This post was written by TKB_Editor on July 1, 2011
Six Means to Prevent Cats From Scratching Furniture
Scratching is an integral part of the feline personality. It’s impossible to live with cats and not encounter the scratching issue in some form. The real goal is to prevent cats from scratching furniture and redirect their attentions to where it’s ok to scratch.
1. The first thing to stop cats scratching furniture is providing at least one scratching post, several would be better. Cats like stretch and scratch after sleeping or after meals. It makes sense for a scratching post to be near the cat’s food bowls. Cat trees provide for a number of feline activities at the same time. Cats can scratch and climb them rest on them and even use them as observation posts.
2. It can also help to reduce the cat’s need to scratch by keeping the claw tips trimmed. After all one of the reasons cats need to scratch is to get rid of excessively long claw tips.
3. Keeping them entertained is another way to prevent cats from scratching furniture. Boredom and lack of exercise can lead to frustration and silly ideas which is often taken out on the furniture. Actively playing with the cat promotes the bonding process, and the cat gets rid of excess energy. Creating a comfortable spot near a window can provide mental stimulation for when the human is absent.
4. Yet another trick to prevent cats from scratching furniture is to change the texture of the item. Usually cats decide what to scratch based on how it feels under the paws. Taking that away can be very effective. Double-sided tape as well as silver or plastic foils can be used for the purpose. But this method is only recommended with cats the don’t chew or even eat non-edible things. Where this is a problem citrus or eucalyptus oils can be applied to the endangered objects. Such oils are non-toxic, but they will keep most cats at a distance. (Tea tree oil must be avoided!)
5. When they’re caught in the act, one can stop cats scratching furniture with a direct squirt of water or a shout. But cats are smart. This will not deter them in the human’s absence.
6. A new invention, soft vinyl claw caps, can help cat owners in their effort to prevent cats from scratching furniture. Many happy customers testify to the effectiveness of this method. Though it should be considered that a cat’s personality can play a role in the success.
Declawing:
Some readers may wonder why declawing surgery isn’t listed as a recommended method to prevent cats from scratching furniture. Here is why:
Declawing surgery can’t be compared to a manicure because a cat’s claws are more than nails are to a human. The surgery itself is major, with a long and painful recovery period, as claws are direct extensions of the bone. Declawing in fact amputates the last joint of a cat’s toe.
While recovering form the surgery a cat would have no alternative to the continued use of its injured paws. There would be great danger of blood poisoning from digging in the litter box, not to mention excruciating pain. Cats are very sensitive to pain, just as all their senses are very keen, even though they disguise it as much as possible.
Claws are an important part of a cat’s anatomy. Amputation severely changes the paws’ conformation. Both that and being without the primary defense mechanism, its claws, would cause a cat to be at a major disadvantage when facing rivals or predators.
It has been reported that a cat’s personality changes after being declawed due to the surgically imposed limitations. Sadly not all professionals recognize this further side effect.
This brief overview should adequately illustrate why it is an inhumane choice. Notably, it’s also illegal in many countries, and even where it isn’t many vets refuse to perform it.
A genuine cat lover would not resort to mutilation for the sake of their furniture. Admittedly, valuable antiques should be protected. Or people may just be a lot more house-proud than the author of this article.
Keeping valuable items in cat free rooms and using one or several of the above suggestions will bring the desired result.
If all these solutions are not enough to reassure some people that they can prevent cats from scratching furniture, there are still ways to interact with cats and do them good. Most people have at least some friends with cats. It can be very enjoyable to make friends with one’s friends’ cats. Sponsoring cats with reputable charities is another great way to help felines in need and keep one’s furniture safe.
Amy Watson is the author of this article. She shares her life with a husband and two Siamese cats. They own the cat care site http://www.solvecatproblems.com/prevent-cats-from-scratching-furniture/; it is run under the pseudonym Kat Summers. Feel free to visit for more cat care tips.
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This post was written by TKB_Editor on June 30, 2011
