Cats need our help
A visit to any local shelter or pet store confirms that kitten season has arrived and many abandoned and stray little ones and their moms are presently waiting for good homes.
If you are considering adding a kitten or cat to your family, you will want to purchase a scratching post for the first days at home. A large cat tree is ideal.
All cats have a natural need to scratch for many different reasons. The action of attaching their claws to an object allows them to stretch and exercise the muscles in the legs, shoulders and back. A cat will scratch when it is happy or excited to see its owner as well.
If your kitten begins to scratch your valuable items, calmly remove it and take it to the scratching post that has been sprinkled with a small amount of catnip.
Anytime you see the cat scratching on the post, reward with treats. Please do not consider declawing (amputating the ten toes along with nerves, tendons and ligaments). The AVMA recommends declawing should be considered only after attempts have been made to prevent the cat from using its claws destructively.
It is worth noting that there are vets who refuse to declaw throughout the country. If a professional is recommending a declaw and neuter package at your first visit, he or she is not following the standards set forth by their peers. Most importantly, don’t forget to spay and neuter.
Linda Porter
Brownsville