Cat Scratchers and Scratching Posts

Why do cat's scratch?
The outer part of a cat's claws regularly becomes frayed. When the cat scratches, it pulls off this outer part and exposes sharp, smooth claws. Scratching is also a way of fulfilling a cat's strong instinctive need to mark its territory. Not only do cats mark objects visibly by scratching them, but the scratching deposits secretions from glands in the feet that can be smelled by other cats. Scratching can also provide valuable stretching and foot exercise.

About Declawing
Declawing is a painful operation, and it can cause more problems than it solves. Declawed cats are more likely to develop litter box problems. Many become biters. And because they're unable to really stretch the muscles in their backs, they're more prone to arthritis.

Training Your Cat to Scratch Acceptable Objects
You must provide objects for scratching that are appealing, attractive, and convenient from your cat's point of view. Start by observing the physical features of the objects your cat is scratching. The answers to the following questions will help you understand your cat's scratching preferences:

• Where are they located? Prominent objects, objects close to sleeping areas, and objects near the entrance to a room are often chosen.
• What texture do they have-are they soft or coarse?
• What shape do they have-are they horizontal or vertical?
• How tall are they? At what height does your cat scratch?

Now, considering your cat's demonstrated preferences, substitute similar objects for her to scratch (sisal rope-wrapped posts, corrugated cardboard, or even a log). Place the acceptable object(s) near the inappropriate object(s) that she's already using. Make sure the objects are stable and won't fall over when she uses them. Lure her to the post by sprinkling catnip on the base and by playing with her near the post.

Cover the inappropriate objects with something your cat will find unappealing, such as double-sided sticky tape, aluminum foil or sheets of sandpaper. Then once your cat is consistently using the appropriate object, it can be moved very gradually to a location more suitable to you. It's best, however, to keep the appropriate scratching objects as close to your cat's preferred scratching locations as possible.

All of our prices are in Canadian Currency. Please use this Currency Converter to convert to your own currency.

	Door Hanging Scratchy Pad The Door Hanging Scratch Pad offers cats a more attactive alternative to scratching doors or furniture. The Scratchy Pad can be hung on any style doorknob and is made of durable cat-nip treated carpet.
	$6.99	Sorry; temporarily out of stock.
	Cat Heavy Duty Corrugated Scratch Boxes Choose from a single (5 inch by 20 inch) and double width (10 inch by 20 inch) corrugated scratch pad. The pads are 2 inches deep and designed to last longer than other pads. On the back there is a pop-up appendage which raises the pad into a 30 degree incline.
	$9.99 CAD $14.99 CAD	Small Scratcher Large Scratcher
	Kong Naturals Double Scratcher Cat Scratchers encourage healthy scratching activity with a texture that cats find appealing, and help prevent scratching on furniture. This environmentally friendly scratcher is made with renewable resources and is 100% recyclable. Each pad is reversible in no-mess enclosure for extended use. Veterinarian Approved. Includes a bag of North American Mountain-Grown Catnip. Measures: 20" x 9 1/2"
	$10.99
Click for larger image	Kong Naturals Incline Scratcher with Toy Cat Scratchers encourage healthy scratching activity with a texture that cats find appealing, and help prevent scratching on furniture. This environmentally friendly scratcher is made with renewable resources and is 100% recyclable. Each pad is reversible in no-mess enclosure for extended use. Veterinarian Approved. Includes a bag of North American Mountain-Grown Catnip. Measures: 20"l x 8"w x 10"h
	$11.99
	Sisal Scratching Wave Protect the furniture and carpets from the cats natural scratching habits. Sisal scratching surface, for cats of all ages. Size - 50 x 29 x 18cm
	$21.99

Cat Scratching Posts Our cat furniture is highly recommended for cats who are unable to go outside frequently. It is important to recognize that cats need to have daily exercise and the freedom and space to be able to play, stretch and climb.
Be sure to stop by to see what else we have in store. Lots of unique scratching posts in stock at reasonable prices.

All of our prices are in Canadian Currency. Please use this Currency Converter to convert to your own currency.

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