Do you have a habitual scratcher on your hands? Well you’re not alone. According to recent studies, more than 50% of cat owners in the US have experienced their cat scratching in unwanted locations. Living with a cat that claws unwanted surfaces, such as couches and wood furniture can be frustrating; not to mention costly.
We are excited to announce that we are now carrying a new product for cats called Feliscratch. This product is made by the same company that produces Feliway--a pheromone diffuser and spray intended to help relieve stress in cats as well as control inappropriate urination. It’s natural for cats to scratch, but Feliscratch could be your answer to eliminating your cat from scratching on unwanted surfaces.
How Feliscratch Works
Cats have scent glands in their feet and foot pads which leave a pheromone scent on surfaces after scratching. Cats use this pheromone to communicate with other cats. Unfortunately, many of our indoor cats prefer to use couches and chairs as scratching posts which can be a problem for the owner. Feliscratch uses these pheremones to encourage cats to use a designated scratching post instead of household furniture.
When applied on the desired scratching surface, Feliscratch sends a message to the cat, both visual (the blue lines mimic scratch lines) and invisible (“territory messages”) that encourages the cat to scratch there.
In a recent study with the product, 74% of the cats who had previously scratched on unwanted vertical surfaces completely stopped using anything other than the assigned scratching post, after using Feliscratch.
How to Use Feliscratch
FeliScratch is a liquid that is applied to the wanted scratching site following a set regimen over the course of 28 days. Start by placing your scratching post over a sink or newspaper and slowly apply the liquid product by drawing 2 or 3 vertical lines on the post. Let it dry for 5 minutes and place the post close to the area where your cat scratches or usually rests.
Simply use 1 pipette every day for the first week, and 1 pipette at the beginning of week 3 and 4.
For cats that have been destructively scratching for a long time, you may want to combine Feliscratch and Feliway together for more effective results. To do this, apply Feliscratch to the scratching post following the recommended guidelines. In addition, apply 8 sprays of Feliway where the cat is exhibiting unwanted scratching daily until the behavior resolves.
Please contact us if you would like more information on this new product or if you have other behavior concerns about your cat. For those living outside of San Diego, CA, please contact your local veterinarian.
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