Introduction to Cat Care - Your New Cat: Lesson 5 - All-Important Scratching Needs of Cats

If you can't see this email, click here

Introduction to Cat Care - Your New Cat Lesson 5 - All-Important Scratching Needs of Cats From Franny Syufy, your Guide to Cats Next to litter box avoidance, undesirable scratching behavior is the top reason for shelter surrenders. Actually, scratching is as essential to cats as eating and breathing. When you complete this lesson, you'll have all the tools you'll need to ensure your cat the scratching, stretching exercise he needs, without sacrificing your hard-earned carpet and furniture. Basic Claw Management Scratch This! Pussycat The gripping, pulling, stretching exercise a cat gets through scratching is essential to the development of his skeletal and muscular structure. You'll understand by observing his supple muscles when he scratches. This article covers: Why cats need to scratch What never to do How to trim your cat's claws Basic scratching post tips Ways to discourage undesirable scratching The importance of rewards A Word About Declawing You may have adopted an already-declawed cat, or had your cat declawed before you fully understood what it entailed. If either of these scenarios applies, skip this section, as it does not apply to you. However, if you've even remotely thought of having your cat declawed, this is information you simply must not miss, so that you can make an informed decision about this irrevocable surgery. More on Scratching Posts There are many fine scratching posts on the market, and these are just a few that I like. You and your cat will get along fine with just a simple post or two for starters, but you may eventually want to buy him a multi-tiered "cat tree." If you or a relative are handy with saw and hammer, consider building one yourself. You've worked hard today; have some ice tea and give your cat a scratch. :) Lesson 6 will be all about playing with your cat. Believe it or not, there are right and wrong ways. This email is written by: Franny Syufy Cats Guide Email Me | My Blog | My Forum Missing a lesson? Click here. About U. is our collection of free online courses designed to help you learn a new skill, solve a problem, get something done, or just learn more about your world. Sign up now, and we will email you lessons on a daily or weekly basis. You are receiving this email because you subscribed to the About.com 'Introduction to Cat Care - Your New Cat' email. If you wish to unsubscribe, please click here. About respects your privacy: Our Privacy Policy Contact Information: 249 West 17th Street New York, NY, 10011 © 2010 About.com Advertisement