FELISCRATCH,
a brand new product to encourage appropriate scratching behavior, is now
available at Fox Valley Cat Clinic.
Feliscratch
works in 3 different ways:
1.
The
pheromone message directs the scratching to the surface where the product has
been applied.
2.
Catnip
contributes to attract your cat to the scratching post
3.
Blue
stained lines that mimic the visual message of the scratch marks
Feliscratch is proven effective!
1.
With
unwanted scratching on both vertical and horizontal surfaces
2.
In
cats exhibiting unwanted scratching or newly adapted cats/kittens
3.
With
single or multiple cats in the same household
Once you have successfully drawn your
cat to the appropriate scratching surface or post, rewards should be readily
available to encourage repeating the appropriate behavior.
Training a cat to use a scratching
post can be a challenge. It is
accomplished by enticing/rewarding the cat when it uses an appropriate surface.
Rubbing catnip or a desired treat on the post and/or holding treats or toys
part-way up the post can encourage stretching and scratching. A recent addition
to the battle of inappropriate scratching, Feliscratch
can easily be applied to the post to entice your cat or kitten to scratch where
you want them to scratch!
Scratching is very instinctual for
cats. The act of scratching is believed to act as general maintenance for the
claws, a way to stretch their muscles, as well as to leave visual markers for
other cats.
Working with a young kitten may prevent
inappropriate and destructive scratching as an adult. Start FELISCRATCH early! Provide your cat with both vertical and horizontal services
that are appropriate for scratching. Vertical scratching posts must be sturdy
and able to support your cat's full adult weight and tall enough to allow your
cat to stretch out completely.
Most cats prefer wood, cardboard, rough rope
or fabric. Place scratching posts in areas that are agreeable to your cats such
as in view of windows or in sleeping areas, and close to feeding stations. Multiple
cat households need plenty of scratching locations –remember, cats do not like
to share.
To deter inappropriate scratching it may be effective to
place double-stick tape on surfaces that you want the cat to avoid. If
scratching continues, restrict your cat's access to specific rooms or areas
that contain the objects. Trimming the nails often and/or the use of products
such as Soft Paws may also be effective in protecting surfaces you want your
cat to avoid.