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These products have Dusty's PawPrint of Approval SCRATCHING FURNITURE “Most people try to change a cat’s behavior by punishing or yelling at them,” said Dr. Nicholas Dodman, BVMS, MRCVS, professor of behavioral pharmacology at Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine and director of the Behavior Clinic. “That approach doesn’t work.” “The fact is that furniture scratching is a natural behavior,” he said. “It is best to re-channel that energy rather than stop it. Some cats do excessive clawing due to stress or boredom.” He suggested placing a scratching post immediately next to the cat’s favorite place of destruction. Once he begins using the scratching post on a regular basis, move it a few inches in the direction in which you would like to keep it, preferably in a high profile location. Sticky Paws for Furniture Visit their website at http://www.stickypaws.com, COMMENTS: Sticky Paws is the most effective and humane deterrent I found. If you want to know if this is one of my cats’ favorite products, I can give you an enthusiastic, “NO!” Cats loathe gummy textures. When used in tandem with a sturdy scratching post or cardboard scratcher, Sticky Paws has put a stop to my shredded sofas. When I placed one of the double-sided non-toxic adhesive strips over my favorite heirloom-turned-cat-tree and, it immediately became less desirable. Offering a stable scratching surface and lots of “good boys” for acceptable scratching saved my furniture. If the kitten exchanges a chair for a sofa, simply slap on another invisible strip of Sticky Paws. They have yet to harm my antique furniture. Cosmic® Catnip Alpine™ Scratcher TYPE: Cardboard scratching pad DESCRIPTION: The 19” X 7½” corrugated cardboard pad comes in an angled cardboard base stands 15½” high. A hole at the base holds a mouse toy. Round opening at the base holds a mouse toy. Comes with extremely potent certified organic Cosmic Catnip. MADE: US SUGGESTED RETAIL: <$14.59-$15.59> WHERE AVAILABLE: PetsMart, Petco, Doctors Foster & Smith (800-323-4208), and independent pet supply LINK: COMMENTS: Kittens love the Cosmic® Catnip Alpine™ Scratcher. When used with scratching deterrents, this Maryland-made product encourages appropriate scratching. The angle really allows the cats to really get into the act of scratching. There’s only one drawback: after a lot of use, the angled platform weakens some and becomes a little misshapen. Clear Packing tape repairs it nicely. The pad is reversible and replaceable. It’s more expensive than other scratching pads but, my worst furniture destroyers have abandoned the furniture (with the help of Sticky Paws) for this pad. Scratch Away® Cat Scratcher TYPE: Carpeted scratching pad DESCRIPTION: Scratch Away® is a 24” x 8½” carpeted scratcher that covers the most at-risk areas of the upholstered furniture. An angled foothold plate slides under the foot of a couch or chair. MADE: US SUGGESTED RETAIL: <$19.95 plus shipping> WHERE AVAILABLE: Direct LINK: http://www.birminghamind.com COMMENTS: Unlike most two-foot tall scratching post, this one is stable when large cats claw at it. I used a catnip spray on the Scratch Away® before introducing it. The cats liked this product and did use it frequently. If you need to fully protect a corner you may need to buy two units. MFG: Birmingham Industries 909-886-1355 Dusty Rainbolt Order Dusty's new novel, "All the Marbles", at http://www.yarddogpress.com/allthe.htm |
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