Cat Scratching SolutionsWritten by Kathy Burns-Millyard
For a cat, scratching is a natural, necessary act. Besides keeping her claws in top shape, stretching involved in a good scratch keeps her upper body strong and loose. Also, every time a cat scratches a surface, scent glands between her toes leave her signature smell for others to find. In this way, she marks her territory, even if that happens to be in your living room.Just because a cat must scratch doesn't mean she must destroy your furniture. Redirecting a cat's scratching to an appropriate object simply requires patience, flexibiity and time. To keep your cat from grooming her claws on your couch, you must give her some furniture of her own. Scratching posts come in a wide variety of sizes and textures. If your cat doesn't use scratching post you have purchased, observe what she does scratch. Most cats have a preference as to texture they scratch on. Experts discourage providing carpet-covered posts, especially if you have carpeting in your house. Your cat won't understand difference between carpet on scratching post and that on floor. They both feel good to her. Some cats like to extend their entire bodies when they stretch to scratch. Others just work their shoulder muscles. If your cat is one of former, you'll need to provide a tall, sturdy scratching surface. No matter what height your cat likes to use, be sure scratching surface is stable. If your cat begins scratching and post or board falls, it will frighten her and she will likely not use it again.
| | Dog SafetyWritten by Jessica Mercier
Summer is coming and more and more people are putting tops down on their convertibles, letting their dogs get fresh air out of an open automobile window, or letting dear dog ride in back of an open pickup truck.This seems like a great idea and dogs do love wind in their fur; but! It can be a very dangerous thing to allow your dog to do. Cigarettes thrown out of windows, rocks falling from construction trucks, stones being kicked up by cars and blowing sand can all be very harmful to your dogs well being. Your poor pup can land at vet due to sand or rocks in eye, or debris in their nose.
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