The scratching post
Cats scratch to peel away the dead surface of their nails, to keep their nails sharp, for exercise, and according to some animal behaviorists, to mark their territory. Some surfaces tend to become favorite scratching areas and "smell signals" from the kitten's footpads reinforce the use of these areas. This is why a kitten should be introduced to a scratching post as soon as it has become adjusted to its new surroundings.
Encourage the kitten to use a scratching post to stretch , exercise, and remove claw sheaths. The scratching post should be high enough for the cat to stretch. Rubbing catnip into the post or attaching a toy on a long string to the top of the post will help attract the kitten to it.
Clipping the indoor cat's nails once or twice a month minimizes the damage that can result from scratching a carpet or furniture. Accustom the kitten to having the sharp tips of its claws cut on a regular basis. This can start as early as six weeks of age. Press the paw with your thumb and index finger to expose the claws and to hold the exposed claws to the light to see the pink blood vessel that runs part way down the inside of the claw. With a nail clipper, take off the ends of the claws, staying away from the visible blood vessel. If you accidentally cut the blood vessel, a styptic pencil should stop the bleeding. If you have difficulty with this procedure, ask your veterinarian to show you how to do it.
If the kitten is to be allowed to roam outdoors, trimming the nails should be avoided. The kitten will do this naturally as he stretches and scratches on tree trunks.
The citrus odor in lemon furniture polish is usually offensive to cats. This polish, applied to wood on furniture, frequently discourages the kitten from climbing or sleeping on furniture that is "off limits"
Encourage the kitten to use a scratching post to stretch , exercise, and remove claw sheaths. The scratching post should be high enough for the cat to stretch. Rubbing catnip into the post or attaching a toy on a long string to the top of the post will help attract the kitten to it.
Clipping the indoor cat's nails once or twice a month minimizes the damage that can result from scratching a carpet or furniture. Accustom the kitten to having the sharp tips of its claws cut on a regular basis. This can start as early as six weeks of age. Press the paw with your thumb and index finger to expose the claws and to hold the exposed claws to the light to see the pink blood vessel that runs part way down the inside of the claw. With a nail clipper, take off the ends of the claws, staying away from the visible blood vessel. If you accidentally cut the blood vessel, a styptic pencil should stop the bleeding. If you have difficulty with this procedure, ask your veterinarian to show you how to do it.
If the kitten is to be allowed to roam outdoors, trimming the nails should be avoided. The kitten will do this naturally as he stretches and scratches on tree trunks.
The citrus odor in lemon furniture polish is usually offensive to cats. This polish, applied to wood on furniture, frequently discourages the kitten from climbing or sleeping on furniture that is "off limits"