MY FIRST THREE MUSKETEERS

MY FIRST THREE MUSKETEERS
LOOKING AT YOU.....

Saturday, January 30, 2010

Boarding and Grooming







Pakcu Usual Pet Shop and Clinic ada menyediakan khidmat boarding (penginapan) dan grooming (dandanan). Khidmat tersebut disediakan dengan beberapa syarat yang perlu diikuti.

BOARDING (PENGINAPAN)
* Kucing atau arnab yang umor melebihi 3 bulan dan telah bercerai susu
- yang belum cukup umur hendaklah bersama dengan ibu
* Telah divaksin atau mempunyai bukti (kad) vaksin (kucing sahaja)
- kepada yang tiada bukti vaksin, pihak klinik akan melakukan vaksin dengan kos ditanggung
oleh tuan punya. Kepada yang enggan untuk divaksinkan, pihak klinik berhak menolak untuk
menyediakan khidmat boarding kepada kucing tersebut
* Pihak klinik mewajibkan semua kucing dan arnab di frontline (rawatan kutu) terlebih dahulu
dan semua kos akan ditanggung oleh tuan punya
* Pihak klinik bertanggungjawab menyediakan tempat, pasir dan makan/minum kepada semua
haiwan yang boarding. Dalam kes-kes tertentu umpamanya tuan punya adalah digalakkan
untuk membawa makanan sendiri atau menasihatkan pihak Klinikuntuk menyediakan
makanan tertentu dengan kos tambahan yang dipersetujui
* Pihak klinik sedaya upaya akan memastikan semua haiwan terjaga dan bebas dari sebarang masalah kesihatan. Sekiranya, terdapat kes-kes tertentu dimana haiwan tersebut memerlukan rawatan perubatan, pihak Klinik tidak akan teragak-agak untuk memberikannya dan segala kos akan ditanggung oleh tuan punya haiwan.
* Di Pakcu Usual Pet Shop and Clinic, tempat boarding ada lah terbuka dan sedia dikunjungi, untuk memudahkan pihak yang terlibat melihat sendiri tempat boarding yang disediakan, sebelum membuat keputusan.
* Caj Boarding adalah mengikut hari. Contohnya :- kucing/arnab yang boarding pada hari ini dan diambil esok hari, di kenakan caj boarding dua hari.
Caj Boarding adalah seperti berikut :-
Kucing Dewasa (Lebih 6 bulan) : RM 12.00 / sehari
Kucing Senior (Lebih 10 tahun) : RM 15.00 / sehari
Anak kucing : RM 2.00 / sehari

Arnab Dewasa : RM 8.00 / sehari
Anak Arnab : RM 2.00 / sehari

GROOMING (DANDANAN)
Normal Grooming :-
Mandi gunakan shampoo kucing - keringkan - cuci telinga - potong kuku - bedak anti flea : RM 35.00/seekor
Show Grooming :-
Mandi gunakan shampoo kucing - keringkan - cuci telinga - potong dan bersihkan kuku - nyah kutu / de flea - bedak anti flea and licking : RM 50.00 / seekor

Trimming bulu : RM 50.00 / seekor
Cukur Bulu : RM 50.00 / seekor
Cukur Bulu (Kucing terpaksa di bius) : RM 120.00 /seekor


Interested to adopt adult cats?







Salam semua,
Pakcu ada few cute adult cats for adoption. Kucing ni Pakcu rescue and dijaga dengan baik. Semua dah complete vaccinations and deworm. Ada yang dah dineuter dan ada yang belum. For those interested nak adopts, bole datang ke kedai Pakcu. Syarat adoptions, kena berjanji untuk neuter/spay kucing tersebut and buy something from my shop to go along with the adopted cats. Dalam ertikata lain kucing tu free when you buy something worth more than RM50.00 from my shop.

Friday, January 29, 2010

Late Spaying Opens Door to Cancer

Thinking of letting your cat have just one litter of kittens? Sounds like fun. But before you do, consider the health complications your pet may face later on:

Cats spayed after their first heat (with or without kittens) are at a much higher risk of developing breast cancer compared with cats spayed before their first heat.
Breast tumors are the third most common form of feline cancer, are malignant 80% of the time, and are often fatal.
Feline breast cancer often requires a full mastectomy on one or both sides, and tumors come back 65% of the time.
Lumps found anywhere on your cat's body should immediately be brought to the attention of your vet.

Whispers About Whiskers

Although highly sensitive feelers, whiskers also can clue you into your cat's mood.

Whiskers flattened back against the cheek often indicate fear or anxiety, while whiskers fanned forward are a sign of interest or curiosity. When relaxed, a cat's whiskers will be neutrally set. Leave whiskers alone when grooming; cutting these fragile sensors may hurt your cat and hamper your pet's ability to acclimate and communicate.

Cat Conversion

Moving your cat indoors can extend your furry friend's life.

Cats that spend time outdoors face an increased risk of injury and disease and are more likely to end up in animal shelters. Help your cat adjust to indoor life by keeping him or her active with lots of play games, access to securely closed windows, and places to scratch and climb. Also, spending extra time bonding with your cat can help him or her adjust to indoor life.

Impulse Buys Not the Best Gifts

Think that adorable kitten in the pet-store window will make the perfect gift for someone you know?

Before you put a ribbon around Kitty's neck, consider this: Many pets given as gifts wind up abandoned or in shelters, because owners are unable or unwilling to care for them. Even if the recipient has been considering pet adoption, he or she should be the one making the decision about being the new parent of a fuzzy bundle of joy. Unlike a toy or a toaster, which can be returned, a cat is a living creature that requires a long-term commitment.

Thursday, January 28, 2010

History of Pakcu Usual Pet Shop and Clinic













Telah dibuka dengan rasminya pada 29 March 2009. Nama kedai dipilih sempena nama Ayahanda Pakcu yang kalau diterjemah ke bahasa Inggeris menjadi Usual. Lokasi di no.7, Jalan 15/1D, Seksyen 15, Bandar Baru Bangi. Terletak di pusat bandar Seksyen 15, bersebelahan dengan NIOSH (National Institute of Occupational, Safety and Health) dan Petronas Seksyen 15. Sila rujuk kepada Map yang disediakan.

Asas Perniagaan :-
1. Menjual makanan (basah dan kering) untuk haiwan peliharaan
2. Menjual barang keperluan, aksesori dan permainan untuk haiwan peliharaan
3. Menjual/beli haiwan peliharaan terpilih
4. Rawatan perubatan biasa untuk semua haiwan peliharaan
5. Pembedahan permandulan untuk kucing sahaja
6. Perkhidmatan boarding/penginapan untuk semua haiwan peliharaan kecuali anjing (tertakluk kepada syarat yang telah ditetapkan oleh premis perniagaan)
7. Perkhidmatan grooming dan trimming untuk semua haiwan peliharaan kecuali anjing

Bayaran adalah secara tunai, kad kredit dan kad MEPS


Sejarah Kucing Ku

Actually, minat bela kucing ni turun temurun dari my father. Ayahanda Pakcu yang minat bela kucing ni tapi dia tak de la so obvious. I realised my father ni sayang kucing ni bila one of those days, bila kucing kat rumah tu sakit, at that time Pakcu ingat dalam 30 tahun yang lalu, ayah Pakcu bawak kucing tu pergi klinik desa sebab ada luka sikit kat kaki kucing. Semua orang gelakkan ayah Pakcu kat klinik tapi dia buat selamba je. Bonda Pakcu pun sayang kucing tapi lebih praktikal, semata-mata nak buat tangkap tikus kat rumah. Pernah dah sampai 12 ekor kucing kat rumah, masa tu Pakcu dengan my twin jer ada kat rumah, Mak Pakcu sembunyi-sembunyi bagi anak-anak kucing tu kat nenek. At that time Pakcu dengan my twin pergi kenduri rumah orang kawin. On the way balik, we all nampak ada satu kotak kat pintu pagar rumah orang kenduri tu, tengok2 ada kucing dalam tu, belek-belek rupanya our kitten!. So we all angkatlah balik kotak tu balik rumah. Lebih kurang 30 minit, nenek pun datang nak tuntut anak kucing tu. Pakcu dengan my twin bergolek-golek nangis tak bagi, last-last sekor pun my nenek tak dapat. Mak Pakcu punyala bengang.... hehehe. Sebab yang bagi makan, bersihkan dia, nak harapkan Pakcu dengan my twin memangla payah. So, at that time my mother ask us to make a promise jaga berak kencing kucing. Terpaksala.... hehehe.
So, bila dah besar, and banyak masa lapang Pakcu belila dua ekor kucing...
so this is my first two cats , yang color blue tabby tu RALDO, amik dari kecik sekarang dah umor 4 setengah tahun and
yang putih namanyer ALFIO. Nama tu amik sempena nama butik ALFIO RALDO, kepunyaan Kak Ngah Pakcu, masa tu Pakcu tolong jaga butik tu. Lebih kurang umor dia orang 7 bulan, masuklah International Cat Show and unsangkarable, si ALFIO tu dapat no.1 untuk kategori K10 Domestic Long Hair kat Maju Junction. Tapi si ALFIO tu dah tak bersama Pakcu lagi, terpaksa bagi kat orang sebab dia moody and kuat merajuk bila Pakcu amik kucing-kucing lain lak. Sampai dia tak nak makan minum. Lepas dari tu Pakcu beli lak Argo, yang color oren tu.
Argo punyer citer lagi best. Lepas dua minggu Pakcu amik, ARGO di curi orang. Pakcu buat police report and jumpa dua bomoh telek. Lepas 10 hari dapat balik. Dia dah travel dalam boot kereta 38 kilometre, and duduk kat dua rumah. Masa dapat tu kurus jer dia, kesian... tapi sekarang dia paling besar dan paling banyak menang dalam International Cat Show. Sekarang Argo dipelihara oleh Kak Cik Pakcu di PJ dan dengar kata kuat buli kucing lain... hehe. After Argo, Pakcu amik pulak stray cats color hitam putih, namanya RIMBA.
Ini kucing shorthair Pakcu yang pertama. Manja sangat dan jugak dah banyak kali menang masa Cat Show. Lepas tu Pakcu beli lak Maine Coon sekor,
namanya KILAU yang color blue tabby tu. Baru dua kali jer masuk Cat Show and masa di MAHA International Cat Show dia dapat award Best Domestic Long Hair. After that Pakcu rescue one stray cat, shorthair and bagi nama dia LITTAIL MIKE,
and surprisingly after two weeks bela, masuk Cat Show terus dapat jadi BEST HOUSEHOLD PET!.. entah apa la judge dari USA and AUSTRALIA tu, minat sangat dengan si kenit ni... hehe. Ekor kontot tapi temperament first class!
So ituler sejarah Pakcu dengan kucing mula2 dulu.
Ekoran dari minat yang melampau tu, Pakcu dengan KakCik bukak la Pet Shop and Clinic kat Bangi, dan alhamdulilah, sambutan dan sokongan amat menggalakkan. Kucing-kucing Pakcu pun dah bertambah, dan award-award cat show pun dah makin banyak. Alhamdulilah.... Pasal Cat Show, nanti Pakcu cerita kat topik khas untuk cat show k.


Deck Your Halls . . . Safely

Want to deck your halls with traditional holiday greenery, but wonder which types should be kept out of paw's reach?

The most poisonous (and possibly fatal) plants include
mistletoe, holly(especially the berries), lilies, and ivy. Symptoms vary -- depending on the plant and the amount ingested -- from nausea and vomiting to heart andkidney failure to coma and death. Less toxic, but still dangerous when eaten in large doses, is the poinsettia, which can lead to stomach upset and throwing up. And beware of aromatic holiday potpourris; they can cause painful burning of the mouth, eyes, skin, and gastrointestinal tract.

Cat-Friendly Decorating

To your cat, the holidays mean a home brimming with irresistible sparkles, jingles, crinkles, and yummy smells. So keep a close eye on your curious kitty while keeping these things in mind:

Cats climb trees, so make sure yours (your tree, not your cat) is secured to a wall, curtain rod, or railing.
Tinsel, ribbon, popcorn strings, metal hooks, pine needles, andglass, if ingested, can obstruct or even perforate the intestines. Use alternatives or hang out of reach.
Electrical cords, if chewed, can electrocute. Encase in tubing made of thick plastic.
Chocolate, alcohol, and cooked bones are toxic and potentially deadly if swallowed.
Candles can be knocked over, leading to obvious hazardous results.

Brrrmeeoowww!

Think that coat of fur will protect your feline from the chill of winter? Think again. Like people, cats face risks from exposure to the cold. Here are some possible hazards:

Hypothermia, which can be fatal (shivering is the first sign)
Frostbite (ear tips, tails, and toes are especially prone)
Injury or death as a result of resting on a warm car engine (your cat may not have time to move when the engine is restarted)
Disorientation in winter storms, making it difficult to find the way home
Falls through thin ice on ponds, streams, etc.
Ingestion of antifreeze, a deadly poison

Keep your kitty indoors during cold weather. If he goes outdoors year-round, provide a warm, dry bed in a shed or garage that protects against the elements.

Prevent Obesity, Prevent Disease

A fat cat, while cute to some (and the brunt of misplaced humor to others), can develop the same life-threatening diseases that obese humans do, including heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and liver disease, and may have a shortened life span.

The solution? Don't let sleeping cats lie, especially if they're plus-sized. Consult your vet to develop a plan that will help your cat safely and gradually lose weight. (
Rapid weight loss can lead to hepatic lipidosis, or fatty liver, which is often fatal.) Offer small meals at specific times rather than a bottomless bowl of kibble left out 24/7. And encourage playtime -- either with you or a younger cat or kitten -- to get your flabby feline up, moving, and burning calories!

What Is Cat Scratch Disease?

It's rare that a human catches a cat's illness, but one that your kitty may pass on to you is cat scratch disease (CSD), a bacterial infection resulting from a scratch or bite. Signs of CSD range from swelling at the wound site to flu-like symptoms such as achy muscles, headache, fever, poor appetite, andswollen lymph nodes (typically in the neck, under the chin, or in the armpits). To lower your kitty's -- and your own -- risk of CSD, keep her indoors, banish fleas, and avoid rowdy play that could lead to a bite or scratch. If your skin is broken, wash the area well with soap and water, and call your doctor if you develop symptoms.

Cues for Vet Visits

Cats are experts at hiding pain, making it tough to know when they need a trip to the vet. With early detection and disease prevention in mind, here are some early signs of illness in felines:
  • Prolonged vomiting, constipation, or diarrhea
  • Fever, poor appetite, decreased or increased water consumption
  • Rapid, shallow, labored, or raspy breathing
  • Poor motor coordination, staggering, lameness, or collapse
  • Panting, pacing, or agitation
  • Lethargy, withdrawal, or hiding
  • Persistent sneezing or coughing, runny nose and eyes
  • Bad breath or body odor
  • Pale gums, tongue, or ears
  • Lumps
This list is by no means exhaustive, so if you're ever in doubt, call your vet.

When Vomiting Spells Trouble

Gack . . . gack . . . gack. Your first thought as you're awakened at 3 a.m.: "Oh, no! Gotta get Ginger off the bed before . . ." Too late. Your second thought? "Why is Ginger throwing up?" There are numerous reasons for feline vomiting. Trouble is, the cause could be as benign as a hairball that needs dislodging or as dangerous as an intestinal obstruction. An occasional bout of vomiting is often nothing to worry about. But acute or chronic vomiting -- especially if accompanied by fever, lethargy, poor appetite, diarrhea, or constipation -- may indicate a serious underlying condition, giving you ample reason to call your vet. Immediately.

Cat Cold

Cats get colds just like humans do, with sneezing, lethargy, and even runny noses. As with people, the cold virus is conquered by a healthy immune system in about a week (but check with a vet to see if antibiotics are needed). In the meantime, you can help relieve your kitty's discomfort by keeping her warm and turning on a humidifier in the room where she catnaps. To cope with a flagging appetite, offer a salmon or tuna flavored canned cat food, which is also rich in moisture. Be sure to change the water bowl frequently to encourage her to drink. Keep your sick kitty away from other pets and always wash your hands after handling her to avoid spreading the cold.

Feline Fitness

Although naturals at napping, cats need exercise to be physically and mentally fit. To get your expert ZZZ-catcher off the couch, schedule at least 10 minutes of playtime with your kitty each day. Fluttery feathers, a darting laser light, and other teaser toys will have your feline jumping and pawing with delight. Along with enjoying quality bonding time with you, she'll be burning calories to stay slim and combating stress and depression (yes, cats have blue moods, too). And when you're not around, nothing keeps a cat entertained like an obstacle course of boxes in which she can play.

High-Rise Syndrome

If it were true that cats always land on their feet, there wouldn't be a name for the behavior that often leads to injury. High-rise syndrome describes what sometimes occurs when a cat becomes so focused on an object of interest -- an insect or bird, for example -- that she tumbles from a windowsill, balcony, or terrace that is two or more stories high. Even if a kitty manages to land on her feet, she can still be seriously injured, sometimes fatally. Keep your cat safe by enclosing all upper story windows, balconies, and decks with tight-fitting screens or security netting. If that's not possible, those areas should be off limits.

Safety: Fleas and Ticks

We all learned from the Menu Foods debacle that things that seem safe sometimes aren't. Be extremely careful about flea and tick products. Some contain ingredients backlogged for evaluation by the EPA that some experts believe may be toxic to your cat's nervous system. The ingredients to beware of are carbamates and organophosphates, including chlorpyrifos, dichlorvos, phosmet, naled, tetrachlorvinphos, diazinon, malathion, carbaryl, and propoxur. Consult with your vet before using any flea- or tick-fighting product. And never use one on a sick, pregnant, or very young or old cat or apply a dog spray or powder on your cat.

Claw Clipping How-To

You may think a pedicure is divine, but your cat probably doesn't share your view. Nevertheless, you should trim her front claws (the back claws tend to wear down on their own) once a month. To keep the cat from freaking out, wrap her in a soft towel, with only her head and one paw visible. Press on the pad beneath each claw to extend it; cut straight across, taking care not to go closer than one-eighth of an inch from the quick (the pale pink vein that runs through each claw).

Scratch-Proof Your Furniture

Is your cat a chronic furniture scratcher? Before you take the drastic step of declawing her, try to find a post that will be as appealing to her as your sofa is. Provide a unit that doesn't wobble and is tall enough that she can't reach the top when she's standing on her hind legs. Texture is also key: Fabric, sisal, burlap, corrugated cardboard, and cork have the "give" that allows the cat to leave her mark. Position the post prominently; you can move it later, after she bonds with it. And if you have more than one cat, get a scratching post for each.

Give a Cat a Home

For a cat, being adopted from a shelter is like winning the lottery. But to boost the chances that you'll be a winner, too, let your emotions be your guide. (Caution: Don't adopt a kitten if you aren't prepared for high energy and months of midnight leaps onto the draperies.) When you've settled on the cat of your dreams, make sure that his eyes are clear, his ears and gums are a healthy pink, and there's no sign of diarrhea under his tail. Ask if he's been vaccinated, treated for parasites, and tested for feline leukemia. And consider adopting two cats -- they'll keep each other company.

What's That You're Saying?

Cats meow only to people, not to other cats, and one meow can be as different from another as a raised eyebrow is from a pout. The question is whether your translation skills are up to the task. After documenting 100 different cat vocalizations, Cornell University researchers found that urgent meows last longer than friendly ones, and they tend to be lower-pitched. A chirpy little "m'yow" is what a cat will utter when she's passing you on the stairs. But come morning, a throaty "me-o-o-o-o-w" is likely to mean, "Come on, get up, it's breakfast time. NOW."

Facts on Feline Immunodeficiency Virus

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is in the same family as feline leukemia, and while cats can live for 5 years after FIV is diagnosed, the infection is debilitating. Try to prevent it by keeping cats indoors, where carriers of the virus can't bite them, and have a new cat tested before bringing him into your home. If your pet has the virus, never feed him raw meat or eggs, because his immune system can't handle the bacteria in contaminated food. Take him to the vet at least twice a year, and monitor his weight (weight loss is an early sign that FIV is progressing).

Outside In

Indoor cats are healthier. They're safe from cars, ticks, contagious diseases, toxic substances, and fights with other critters. But from an outdoor cat's point of view, such a risk-free life can be downright dull. If you're acclimating an outside cat to life on the inside (or raising a kitten indoors), you'll need to ease the transition. Here are some tricks that can help:

Allow your pet to keep an eye on things by giving him a space on the windowsill.
Plant catnip or alfalfa in a pot for noshing.
Provide a variety of toys, a scratching post, and maybe even a kitty condo.
Consider a companion animal.

All About Cat Whiskers

Those hairs sprouting from your kitty's face aren't merely decorative, nor are they used for balance, as many people believe. Whiskers, found on your cat's cheeks, eyebrows, chin, and forelegs, are actually feelers. Because these hairs connect to nerve endings deep within the skin, they act like tiny transmitters, allowing your pet to find her way in her environment, even in the dark. These fine hairs are sensitive to touch and can detect the slightest movement of air, which helps kitty avoid running into chair legs or the branches of a tree. And mice better beware: Once those whiskers are aimed toward her prey, your cat not only knows where the hunted are but also can make a good guess about where they might go next.

Air Fresheners: Trouble for Curious Cats

Cats love to leap tall counters in a single bound, snoop into things that are none of their business, and strut like runway models. But those traits can spell trouble in homes scented with liquid potpourri. If your pet manages to get a taste of the liquid, the hot oils, detergents, and other ingredients can damage nerves, burn his tongue, and create painful lesions in his mouth and gastrointestinal tract. For a sweet-smelling house and a healthy kitty, stick with air-freshening sprays.

Fur Fussing

Wouldn't it be nice if we had as much time to pamper ourselves as our cats do?

Spending nearly half the day grooming might seem like a charmed life, but too much attention to coiffing might be a sign of a bigger problem for your cat. If your pet seems to be licking more than usual, check her for fleas, lice,
hair loss, or skin irritation. If this doesn't provide any clues, contact your veterinarian, and be sure to mention any recent changes to your cat's living situation or environment -- she may be licking as a way to soothe stress or anxiety.

When Good Cats Smell Bad

Tuna breath can happen to anyone. But when a cat has a persistent aroma that's downright stinky, it's time for a trip to the vet.

Cats are known for their grooming skills, so if strange smells are emanating from your kitty, do some investigating. Persistent
bad breath in a cat is usually due to more than a tangy lunch. It could be her gums need tending to. Also, ear infections, abscesses (which aren't always visible through fur), skin conditions, or encounters with skunks can cause unpleasant odors. If the problem is caught early, your pet will smell like KittyCologne #9 again in no time.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Custom Made Cages


CWC : N
This one for those actively participating in cat shows and bringing in more than 3 cats.

Custom Made Cages


CWC : M

Custom Made Cages


CWC : L

Custom Made Cages


CWC : K

Custom Made Cages


cwc : J

Custom Made Cages

cwc : I

Custom Made Cages

CWC : H

Custom Made Cages

CWC : G

Custom Made Cages

CWC : F

Custom Made Cages


CWC : E


Custom Made Cages


CWC : D

Custom Made Cages

CWC : C

Custom Made Cages

CWC : B

Custom Made Cages


Kembar Pakcu yang giler kucing tu pandai buat sangkar/kandang kucing. Berikut adalah saangkar/kandang yang dia buat, samada untuk kegunaan sendiri/kegunaan kedai Pakcu/ untuk tempahan/jualan. Mana yang nak tempah tu boleh email kat pakcupet@yahoo.com or jadi member blog Pakcu kat sini and terus tulis..... hehe.
CWC A

All CWC shown can be disassemble and fit into your car....

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Telltale Signs

Help your cat get the most out of petting sessions by giving him what he likes.

It's a simple matter of body language. If your pet purrs or presses into your hand, you're doing something right. If he pulls away or pushes you away, he's telling you he'd like you to move on. Sweet spots: most cats really appreciate strokes on the head and around the cheeks and chin. Another favorite for many: shoulder massages. Some also like a light scratching where the lower back and tail join. Use petting time to look for any matted areas or other irregularities.

Keep Your Cat from Scratching Furniture

Trying to completely stop your cat from scratching is like trying to keep a squirrel from gathering nuts: You won't succeed. It's what he's programmed to do. But with our four-step process, you can train your cat to leave the furniture alone and scratch his post instead. This week, we'll lay the groundwork with the first two steps.

Step 1: Understand Why Cats Scratch
Cats
love to sharpen their claws. It's a completely instinctual, natural, and enjoyable behavior. It's also healthy (for your cat, if not your couch) and fulfills these needs:

  • Stretching and strengthening back and leg muscles. Cats crave this healthy form of exercise and toning, and scratching is the perfect way to do it.
  • Establishing their territory. Visible scratch marks and secretions from scent glands on their paws leave the territorial "This is my turf" message. Cats tend to repeatedly scratch the same spots to reinforce it.
  • Getting regular pedicures. Scratching helps strip away the worn, chipped outer claw to leave a sharp new one in its place.
Step 2: Protect Your Stuff
During the initial training period, it's wise to put something between kitty's claws and your furniture. Measures like these can help:
  • Apply double-sided tape to items into which your kitty likes to sink his nails. It's available at most pet stores.
  • Place throws or blankets on the arms and backs of sofas and chairs.
  • Spray a bitter smelling mist, such as bitter apple, to help keep your cat from using his claws to repeatedly mark a certain piece of furniture.
  • Trim and cover claws. Have your vet show you how to safely trim your cat's nails, and ask about soft, protective nail coverings, such as Soft Paws.

Step 3: Deter Bad Behavior
Not all experts agree on the specifics of how and when to use positive and negative reinforcement to train your cat. Here are a few of the most commonly recommended do's and don'ts:

  • Do try to distract your cat by making a loud noise whilehe's scratching the furniture -- not after -- so he makes the connection between the startling noise and the undesired behavior.
  • Don't take your cat to the post immediately after distracting him from inappropriate clawing. Your kitty may learn to associate his post with the loud noise.
  • Don't ever physically punish your cat. This could cause a fear-driven, aggressive response and weaken your cat's trust in you.
  • Don't force your cat to scratch the post by placing his paws on it. It might backfire and make him avoid it altogether.
  • Do give praise and treats whenever he scratches the post.
Step 4: Find the Perfect Post
To make your cat's post more enticing, follow these suggestions.
  • Provide the right angle. Offer both vertical and horizontal scratchers.
  • Find the right surface. Experiment with a variety of textures -- including corrugated cardboard, carpet, sisal rope, and soft wood -- until your cat finds one he prefers.
  • Go for sturdy, stable, and tall. If your cat can't stretch to his full body length when scratching, he'll more likely choose the back of your dining room chairs rather than a too-short post. Also, a wide base prevents wobbling.
  • Add some height. A tall cat tree may keep kitty from climbing screens and drapes.
  • Have extras. Put a few posts throughout the house in easy-to-get-to spots.