When buying a scratching device there are several factors to consider. Don't just buy the first one you see.
Surface (carpet, cardboard, natural wood, corrugated cardboard, panels of sisal twine)
Vertical of horizontal
Sturdy. Cats will scratch vigorously if it wobbly or unstable the cat will not like it.
- vertical posts must have a wide base,
- horizontal devices need to have a heavy base
The choice depends on the space available. In a small space, panels can be fixed to the wall.
Other factors to help attract a cat to a new post
Some commercially available posts are impregnated with catnip.
catnip
flyway
the best advice is to try a few and pick one he likes
This is a herb that is attractive to some cats and its presence will often draw attention without much effort.
Once the cat has approached the scratching post a simple predatory-type game (involving a piece of string attached to a feather, for example) around the base will encourage the claws to make contact with the surfaces. Often this will be sufficient to encourage further visits. If the scratching post has several levels then placing treats on the modular surfaces may encourage the less playful cat to investigate.
covered with carpet there is no evidence that the cat's scratching habits
1. if he uses the sofa - want a vertical one
look where the damage is done high up need a post at least that tall
2. if he uses the carpet want a horizontal one
Many cats target the lower step on staircases and scratch horizontally whilst lying down. Place low tack double-sided adhesive tape over the damaged areas (warn the family not to tread on it!) and provide a scratching area nearby. If the cat grips the stair on opposite sides of the right angle, providing both vertical and horizontal scratching surfaces, it is important that the alternative offers the same opportunity. For example a breeze block covered in carpet will be heavy enough to resist the pull of the scratching action, can be used for both vertical and horizontal scratching and is easily located nearby.
3. if he uses wooden surfaces like door frames or banisters
it is important to remove all cues- of the scratch marks by rubbing down with a fine sand paper and treating the area with a thick layer of furniture polish once the surface is smooth again. Suitable posts or scratching panels should be located nearby.
If the area is not ideal for a free-standing scratching post on a permanent basis then it can be relocated slowly (an inch at a time!) to a more convenient position once it is being used regularly.
4. if he uses wallpaper
a sheet of plastic can be placed over the damaged area
This surface will be unattractive to scratch since it is smooth and it is also easily cleaned to remove any scent deposits. Double-sided adhesive tape can also be used over the affected area if the wallpaper is sufficiently damaged to require replacing.
Whichever deterrent is used it is essential to provide a vertical scratching panel of a similar height nearby.
cat scratchers
vertical
horizontal
Creme Brulee the Cat playing with Bergan Turbo Scratcher Cat Toy Very cute!
<div class="player-unavailable"><h1 class="message">An error occurred.</h1><div class="submessage"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KaeGQ35m404" target="_blank">Try watching this video on www.youtube.com</a>, or enable JavaScript if it is disabled in your browser.</div></div>
One of the most important things that we can do to improve the quality of an indoor cats life is to increase the frequency and quality of play time. Without making the effort to entice your cats to be active cats they may not bother. Plus its lots of fun for everyone.
As interactive cat toys go this one is very simple but super.
To find out more click HERE.
To get a PetzTrendz Cat Scratch Chaser - Scratcher Plus Toy for your cat click HERE.
- vertical posts must be tall enough to allow scratching at full stretch
- horizontal
Location. It should be located in an area your cat frequents and where he scratches at present
Cats often scratch after waking up so it should be located near his bed
Number of posts-In multi-cat households it is advisable to provide one scratching post per cat (plus an additional one for choice) positioned in different locations.
Design Commercially available scratching posts range from a basic single upright structure to an elaborate floor-to-ceiling modular unit that provides many opportunities for play, exercise and resting as well as a variety of surfaces to scratch.
Other factors to help attract a cat to a new post
Some commercially available posts are impregnated with catnip.
catnip
flyway
the best advice is to try a few and pick one he likes
Once the cat has approached the scratching post a simple predatory-type game (involving a piece of string attached to a feather, for example) around the base will encourage the claws to make contact with the surfaces. Often this will be sufficient to encourage further visits. If the scratching post has several levels then placing treats on the modular surfaces may encourage the less playful cat to investigate.
covered with carpet there is no evidence that the cat's scratching habits
1. if he uses the sofa - want a vertical one
look where the damage is done high up need a post at least that tall
2. if he uses the carpet want a horizontal one
Many cats target the lower step on staircases and scratch horizontally whilst lying down. Place low tack double-sided adhesive tape over the damaged areas (warn the family not to tread on it!) and provide a scratching area nearby. If the cat grips the stair on opposite sides of the right angle, providing both vertical and horizontal scratching surfaces, it is important that the alternative offers the same opportunity. For example a breeze block covered in carpet will be heavy enough to resist the pull of the scratching action, can be used for both vertical and horizontal scratching and is easily located nearby.
3. if he uses wooden surfaces like door frames or banisters
it is important to remove all cues- of the scratch marks by rubbing down with a fine sand paper and treating the area with a thick layer of furniture polish once the surface is smooth again. Suitable posts or scratching panels should be located nearby.
If the area is not ideal for a free-standing scratching post on a permanent basis then it can be relocated slowly (an inch at a time!) to a more convenient position once it is being used regularly.
4. if he uses wallpaper
a sheet of plastic can be placed over the damaged area
This surface will be unattractive to scratch since it is smooth and it is also easily cleaned to remove any scent deposits. Double-sided adhesive tape can also be used over the affected area if the wallpaper is sufficiently damaged to require replacing.
Whichever deterrent is used it is essential to provide a vertical scratching panel of a similar height nearby.
cat scratchers
vertical
horizontal
Creme Brulee the Cat playing with Bergan Turbo Scratcher Cat Toy Very cute!
<div class="player-unavailable"><h1 class="message">An error occurred.</h1><div class="submessage"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KaeGQ35m404" target="_blank">Try watching this video on www.youtube.com</a>, or enable JavaScript if it is disabled in your browser.</div></div>
One of the most important things that we can do to improve the quality of an indoor cats life is to increase the frequency and quality of play time. Without making the effort to entice your cats to be active cats they may not bother. Plus its lots of fun for everyone.
As interactive cat toys go this one is very simple but super.
To find out more click HERE.
To get a PetzTrendz Cat Scratch Chaser - Scratcher Plus Toy for your cat click HERE.
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