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Cat Claws
Scratching Posts & Toys - For Your Cat's Workout
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Scratching Posts
A scratching post is a good investment  even with clipped claws, a cat needs his own place to
scratch.
When cats scratch, they are getting necessary exercise for their upper body, including paws and legs,
and helping to shed the outer claw.
Claws actually grow in with points. When the point is clipped, a new claw point begins to
grow. If the claws are clipped regularly, the point has no chance to grow out.
What Kind?
There are many types of scratching posts or toys. Some are covered with carpet, some with rope.
Some are just wood. Some are tall posts, some are cones, some lie flat
on the ground, some can be attached to a doorknob.
It is well worth trying another type if your cat is not interested in the post you have.
Consumer Cat Note:
Some of our cats would like to see scratching posts made with a larger
base so they can really get a heartfelt workout without the post tipping over. A sturdy post
competes better with a couch, which is sturdy. You may want to attach the post to a larger
base, or wedge its edge under furniture to make it more stable.
Using It From Scratch
All well and good, but how do you get your cat to use the darn thing?
Cats have the same dislike we do of being told what to do. So taking your cat's paws and
putting them on the post is likely to simply make the scratching post unpopular.
Some Things To Try
- Rub catnip on the scratching post
- Tie a favorite toy to a piece of sturdy sewing elastic and tie the other end of the elastic
around the top of the scratching post
- Play "string" with a shoelace, fat yarn, or other cord your cat can get his paws into, by
dragging the string on the scratching post so he or she can get their claws into the post.
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Furniture Protection
- Tape a piece of square plastic on the target area, and spray it regularly for awhile with a "cat away" product
- Purchase clear plastic "corners" that are held on with upholstery pins. These may be available from your local
upholsterer, or they may be able to make them for you. They are not noticeable, and they really help!
- Double-sided sticky tape, applied to the areas your cat likes to scratch, is also
a tactful deterrent.
Praise your cat every time it plays with or uses its scratching toy.
Cats Love Praise, Too!
Get Your Paws Outta There!
While you are luring your cat to use it's scratching post, it is a good idea to make any other
scratching targets less attractive.
- Put some inexpensive "silk" greenery in the pot, around the plant, and spray it with a
"Cat Away" repellent spray regularly for a few days
- Posting some inexpensive bamboo chopsticks firmly in the soil (with or without the above
greenery) can keep kitty from getting a good footing
- Cover the soil with the larger decorative pine cones
- Cover the soil with aluminum foil; while this is not as aesthetic, it does discourage some cats.
Please Don't Chew The Daisies:
The best trick is usually a spray called "Bitter Apple". It does not hurt plant leaves, does not
harm kitty, and from all appearances, is horrible to feline taste buds. "Bitter Apple" is available
at pet stores, and one spraying lasts quite a while.
You may also want to try spraying vinegar (it is cheap) on the leaves some cats have exotic
tastes and don't mind vinegar, but most cats don't find it to their liking.
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