Scratching Solutions

Smart and caring cat owners know that claws are very important to cats.  Claws give the cat a sense of security, knowing that their defense system is intact.  They also allow the cat to grasp and hold objects as well as establish footing for walking, running, springing, climbing and stretching. SmartCat scratching products are designed to maximize your cat’s scratching pleasure by providing an appealing target for territorial marking, exercise, and a playful warm-up.  By regularly trimming your cat’s nails and offering a suitable scratching item, you are providing a natural outlet for a normal, happy and healthy behavior and you will be rewarded with a satisfied and confident companion.

SmartCat™ training tips:

• Place the scratching ramp in a room where the cat spends a lot of time. Cats often like to stretch and scratch when they wake up from a nap.
• To introduce the scratching ramp to your cat try using catnip as a lure. (For most cats a lure is unnecessary, but fun.) Rub catnip onto the sisal material and call the cat over to the scratching ramp.
• Scratch your nails along the surface of the material. This will attract the cat and at the same time teach him where to scratch.
• After your cat begins to scratch, praise him and give him a food treat. (Small kittens can be trained to climb the scratching ramp by showing them food treats and placing it at the top of the scratching ramp.
• If your cat has already been scratching a piece of furniture, place the scratching ramp directly in front of it.
• Temporarily cover the previously scratched areas with a few strips of double-sided carpet tape or clear double-sided tape strips that are designed for this purpose. This will help redirect your cat's scratching activities to the scratching ramp.
• Most cats are easily trained but if your cat is the exception, please see catsinternational.org for free behavior counseling.

Important note about declawing:

Scientific journals refer to declawing as "elective mutilation". It is an amputation of the cat's toes comparable to the removal of the human finger at the first knuckle. It handicaps the cat physically, socially and psychologically for the rest of its life, predisposing the cat to certain temperament and behavior problems such as shyness, biting and litter box avoidance. By regularly trimming your cat's nails and offering a suitable scratching target you are providing a natural outlet for a normal, healthy behavior and you will be rewarded with a content and confident companion.