Cats need to scratch! It helps them excercise their front leg muscles and tendons. It helps to shed old outer layers of nail sheath. It helps alleviate frustration and boredom and it marks their 'territory' in your home.

Once you realize this it is much easier to arrive at an equitable solution. Rather than concentrating on eliminating problem ( which isn't going to happen ) you need to find a way to redirect behavior to an appropriate area in your home.

There are many products on market which offer a solution. We found a combination of a good quality scratching post wrapped in sisal rope and a set of clear, acrylic shields which fasten to corner areas of your couch and chair work best. If you need to learn where to purchase these products, visit our website listed below.

First, let me tell you just a little bit about my two dogs, a short little Bio on each. There are pictures on my dog therapy page. www.mimfreedom.com/dogtherapy.htm

Benny, my black lab, is about 6 years old now. Benny is a wonderful dog (even though he likes to steal my pillows). He loves going to visit our friends in home. His tail is like a rotator as soon as we come near our first “friend”. Clearly, this is where he loves to be. Actually, this is where he belongs. He is gentle, good natured and full of love and affection. And, he is always hungry….yup, a true lab, he is always hungry. Our friends at home love him to death, so to speak. He truly makes their day brighter and better.

Then there is Nikki, my 1 ½ year golden puppy. Nikki is a typical 1 ½ year golden. She is full of life. She keeps me hopping. And, just like Benny, she brings pure gold to our friends.