Monday, November 29, 2010

Better Scratching Posts

Scratching posts generally are much better than they were when I sawed and pounded the first Natural Scratch post together in the late 70s. This is great news because it has helped save cat claws.

Sisal is a good material for clawing although clearly I think cedar and cork are better.

However, I'm happy so long as cat lovers make a decision not to declaw and then find a post that works for their cat or cats.

As I've written and said innumerable times, my firm belief is that all cats can be trained to scratch approved targets and nothing else.

All it takes is know-how and that is contained in the training method that accompanies all Natural Scratch posts.

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Animal Training

Recently, I received a link to a video clip that shows a woman training a walrus to do a variety of things, from rolling over to clapping its flippers. 

Another arrived that shows a dog getting the paper for its human companion, bringing the slippers, retrieving the TV remote control, and performing other tricks.

It's amazing what animals can be trained to do.

Many cats need little prompting to claw a Natural Scratch product, but others require encouragement and training.  This why Natural Scratch comes with an easy-to-use booklet that teaches people how to train their cats.

Please have a look at http://www.naturalscratch.com/nstraining.html.

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Natural Scratch Cork Gets Plenty Of Use

One of my daughter's college friends, Paige, has a Natural Scratch cork scratching post that her cat uses regularly. 

She took the picture below recently and sent it to my daughter.

Given a good place to claw and a little encouragement, cats will leave furniture alone.

 Duke likes Natural Scratch.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

The Key Ingredient

Many factors play roles when training a cat but probably none is more important than plain, old patience. You have to look for small behavior changes and build on them.

It's counterproductive to expect expect rapid improvement, especially with a rambunctious, high-energy animal. A much better approach with an energetic cat is to engage in tiring games before beginning training.

Most cats respond enthusiastically to food rewards just as many are attracted by catnip. Both are great aids when you are trying to instill appropriate behavior.

Natural Scratch comes with a booklet that teaches a 12-step training method that has worked well for many people. Please have a look at http://www.naturalscratch.com/nstraining.html