Tree Cat Scratcher

Tree Cat Scratcher

Reasons why cats scratch

Reasons why cats scratch.

1. Maintain and sharpen the nails

Scratching is an important and complex part of life as a cat. Many owners have the misconception that scratching is merely the cat's attempt to sharpen his claws or that the behavior is rooted in some spiteful attempt to deliberately misbehave. In truth, scratching serves many purposes. Scratching is actually more akin to grooming than sharpening, as the purpose is often to shed old claw sheaths from the front claws (cats usually chew the sheaths from their back claws).

2. Marking area Cats tend to pick a small number of conspicuous objects in their environments to scratch such as trees, fence posts, the corner of the couch, etc., and return to them repeatedly. The scratched surface leaves a highly visible mark that can be easily seen by other cats. In addition, cats have scent glands in their paws so that when they make scratching movements they leave odor cues that the cats can smell. The fact that cats leave scent marks by making scratching movements may be the reason that cats will continue to try to scratch objects. Marks left by clawing also let other cats know by sight who owns a given object or area.

3. Muscle strain Cats also claw to comfort themselves during times of fear or stress. Single cats may never or rarely scratch, and then become scratch-maniacs when more cats enter the home. Clawing also feels good. It provides great aerobic exercise to stretch the shoulder and foreleg muscles, and keeps nails healthy. Read more http://adf.ly/9KYx
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wingcomx

HOW TO BUILD A BASIC Cat Tree with rope scratcher.

Tree Cat Scratcher

Do You Know Your Cat's Specific Play Type?

Have you ever wondered why there are so many different types of Cat Toys? Sure, it goes without saying that cats love to play but did you also know that there are different cat play types? Every cat has a propensity towards one or more types of play and there are cat toys that make for better or worse toys based on your cat's play type. Here is how you figure out exactly what play type your cat really is.

Most cats are most active either at dawn or dusk so try this little experiment at either of those times. Put all of your cat's toys away for now and just start with one. Play with your cat with that toy for five or ten minutes and see how your cat reacts. Are they engaged? Does the toy keep them amused? Try the exercise again with a new toy the next day. There is a good chance that your cat will be drawn to one or more of the toy types listed below.

Interactive:

These include toys such as fishing wand toys with birds, feathers or string at the end of a stick. These toys require you to be involved for two reasons - one obviously to move the stick, the other because feathers and the like present a choking hazard and string could get swallowed or tangled around your cat. Make sure to put these toys away after use to be safe.

Another type of interactive toy has some kind of moving part, such as a toy attached to the top of a scratching post on a spring, or a ball that moves around a groove in large round plastic piece as the cat pushes it. These toys are often connected to scratchers and can often be enhanced with catnip.

Chase:

These are usually balls, either plain or stuffed with some type of treat or bell. Be careful of the quality of the toy. Make sure that the ball can't come apart easily, or if it could, that there is nothing inside the cat could choke on. Light "bouncy" balls are usually favorites, as cats love to jump and try and catch them, and they are easier for the cat to bat around and chase than heavier balls.

Fabric:

The most common type of fabric toy is the standard mouse. Some have a squeaker, noisemaker or catnip inside. Find ones that are small enough for your cat to toss in the air, but big enough that they can "bunny kick" the toy once they catch it. Make sure there are no small beaded eyes that could come off and cause a choking hazard and be sure that the tail is fastened securely.

Light toys:

Many cats absolutely adore lights and shadows. As a result laser toys have become very popular with cats and some felines can play with this endlessly. Of course, you need to be careful not to allow your cat to look directly into the laser or you risk damaging the eye but if you're worried about this, a small mirror and a ray of sunshine works well too.

Make sure to put all the toys away at the end of each day. It shouldn't take you more than about a week to figure out your cat's preferences. Once you know your cat's play type you can stock up on those types of toys and you'll be able to rotate different toys throughout the week. This will keep your cat engaged and anything but bored. As we all know, nothing good happens when cats get bored.

About the Author

Eric Haaranen is the owner of an online store specializing in
cat trees
,
cat enclosures
and other accessories for discerning cats. He is also a part-time source of entertainment to Cheetos and Corona.