SmartCat Inclined To Scratch 45? Cardboard Scratching Ramp

SmartCat Inclined To Scratch 45? Cardboard Scratching Ramp

Scratching is a natural and functional activity that all cats do no matter how big or small. That's why it is important to give your cat a place to scratch. By providing them with an appropriate item or area for scratching you can save yourself the fustration over damage to furniture, draperies and upholstery.

It's also important to remember that cats scratch for a variety of reasons, none of which are to be nasty, destructive or "disobedient." Scratching is a natural activity that performs several innate functions. It tones and stretches the muscles and ligaments that run from the cats' paw all the way down the spine. It also relieves stress, removes old nail sheaths from the claws and markes territory-all activities that cats do in the wild and is part of their instinctual behavior.

Inclined to Scratch Features and Benefits: Cats love the unique angled design, Super stable non-slip ends hold firm against any surface without adhesives, Tear-away cover allows for maximum scratching area, Colorful graphics, Replaceable inserts (sold separately).

Things to consider when purchasing a cat scratcher:

The size of your cat: Make sure to purchase as scratcher that is large and stable enough for your cat. A cat will not use a scratcher that does not accommodate a good stretch or that appears as if it is going to fall over when used. Those dime a dozen carpeted posts sold at most petstores are only appropriate for kittens and very small cats, so if you've tried one of those and it "didn't work" please try upgrading to a larger, sturdier model.

Materials Used: Cat's like a variety of materials like sisal rope, cardboard and carpet. You may need to try several types of material to find the one that feels good to your cat's paws.

Vertical or Horizontal Style: Cat scratchers come in a variety of styles as well. A cat that is fearful of a post falling over may enjoy a scratcher that lies horizontally on the floor (such as SmartCat's All in One Scratcher that can be used upright or on the floor.)

SmartCat Training Tips:

• Place the scratcher in a room where the cat spends a lot of time. Cats often like to stretch and scratch when they wake up from a nap.
• To introduce it to your cat try using catnip as a lure. (For most cats a lure is unnecessary, but fun.) Rub or spray catnip onto the sisal material and call the cat over. Scratch your nails along the surface of the material. This will attract the cat and at the same time teach him where to scratch.
• After your cat begins to scratch, praise him and give him a food treat.
• If your cat has already been scratching a piece of furniture, temporarily cover the previously scratched areas with a few strips of double-sided carpet tape or clear double-sided tape strips that are designed for this purpose, such as Sticky Paws. This will help redirect your cat's scratching activities to its new appropriate area. Most cats are easily trained but if your cat is having difficulty, please visit catsinternational.org for free behavior counseling.

Important Note about declawing: Scientific journals refer to declawing as "elective mutilation". It is an amputation of the cat's toes comparable to the removal of the human finger at the first knuckle. It handicaps the cat physically, socially and psychologically for the rest of its life, predisposing the cat to certain temperament and behavior problems such as shyness, biting and litter box avoidance. By regularly trimming your cat's nails and offering a suitable scratching target you are providing a natural outlet for a normal, healthy behavior and you will be rewarded with a content and confident companion. For more information click here.

The following is the Position Statement by The Association of Veterinarians for Animal Rights: