Chatting Cats: A Scratching Post To Meet Your Cat’s Need to Scratch #ChewyInfluencer

Hey, is anypawdy out there? It’s me, RaenaBelle. Do we have a deal fur you today. We’re so x’cited to be writin’ this review. And even more x’cited to be hostin’ a give away. We so luvs to share, ‘specially when it’s somethin’ every kitty needs. What is it you might ask? Y, I’s talkin’ ‘bout a Scratcher. And not just any o’le Scratcher, but a well built, sturdy, tall, sisal Scratcher.

 

 Dezi with Scratching post

 

 

 

 

          Don’t furget Raena, it’s a Scratcher that would look good in any home’s décor. And, with Christmas just ‘round the corner, it would make a great gift fur any home with a kitty. 

 

 

 Raena lays on scratching post

 

 

 

Fanky fanks sissy. You’re right, the Frisco 33.5” Scratching Post would look great in any home. It’s truly a piece of furniture fur kitty. We meowed ‘bout the impurrtance of Scratchin’ fur all kitties in our Service Cat Monday posty this week. Ifin ya’ missed it, you can read it here. We included Trainin’ Tips to help those dealing with inappropriate Scratching. Whether that’s your issue or not, we’ve got a great Scratcher to meow to you ‘bout today. And, fanky fanks to Chewy, one of our pawsum American readers is gonna have the chance to get one of these Scratchers fur yourself.

 

 Chewy Logo

This is a sponsored post. We received the Frisco Scratching post in exchange for our honest opinion. Neither Chewy or Frisco are responsible for the opinions in this post unless otherwise stated. As always, we tell it like we see it; and only bring products we use or have tried and believe would be of interest to you, our readers and friends.

 

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          We’re really x’cited ‘bout that Raena. But, we need to let everypawdy know a bit ‘bout this Scratcher. The Frisco 33.5” Scratching Post comes in 2 colors, cream and brown. As most of ya’ know by now, mommy likes the browns and earthy colors, so we got our Scratcher in brown. Obviously, the whole Scratcher isn’t brown, cuz the biggest Scratchin’ surface is made of Sisal.

 

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Don’t worry tho’ ifin ya’ like to Scratch carpet, there’s purrlenty of room fur that too. The Scratcher arrived in pieces with everythin’ one needs to assemble it. And let me meow, ifin mommy can put it together, anypawdy can. The box included 4 wooden pieces, screws and an “L” wrench, as well as step by step, easy to read instructions. They even have fotos. MOL   The carpeted base came in 2 parts that attach to the bottom of the Sisal post thru’ purr-drilled holes. Same with the top. Once attached, the base measures 16” X 16”. That makes a nice sturdy piece fur any house kitty. The base and top (7.5” X 7.5”) are made of wood and covered in a nice plush carpet. The Sisal covered post is a 33” tall, 5.5” thick piece of wood.

 

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          Purretty much every inch of the Frisco Scratcher is Scratchable, Raena. It only took mommy ‘bout 10 to 15 minutes to unpack it and put it together. Even with our help

 

 Raena sniffs scratching post

A little nip and vine fur encouragement. As ifin I’s needed any. MOL

 

 

 

That’s true sissy. I’s was a great help. I’s checked out every piece as mommy attached it befur checkin’ out the final purroduct. Mommy did a good job. The Frisco 33.5” Scratching Post is on sale fur $33.99. We gotta be honest and say that we really didn’t x’pect much fur that purrice point. We were purrleasantly surpurrised by the high quality of materials, and size. As Ragdolls and vertical Scratchers, we need a tall but sturdy place to sharpen our claws. The Frisco Scratcher fur sure meets those needs. It’s by far much more than we ever x’pected, and well worth twice the purrice. 

 

 Raena licks paw while laying on scratching post

That’s some good stuffs. I’s gonna luvs this new Scratcher.

 

 

 

          Yep Raena, we can get a full stretch on the post even tho’ mommy didn’t actually get any fotos of that. And, with the Sisal bein’ on all sides, we could even use it at the same time. This is a Scratcher fur kitties of all ages and size. And, it doesn’t actually take up a lot of space, so ifin ya’ live in a small home like us, it’s a great option. ‘Member, all kitties have the need to Scratch.

 

Raena lays in front of scratching postYa’ wanna come scratch sissy?

 

 

So true sissy, so true. And you know how much we luvs our Chewy. Lots of great products fur all the anipals in your life. Speedy furee shipping on all orders of $49.00 and up and speedy flat rate shipping on all other orders. And, don’t furget that great auto ship program so you never run out of your furry’s favorites. You can skip, cancel or delay at any time. You know, Chewy also gives back to the community. And, we’re so thrilled that they’re lettin’ us give one of our American readers the oppurrtunity to win one of these great Frisco Scratchers of their own. Just click below to enter. Be sure to leave a comment, and tell us what color you purrfur. I’s gonna go scratch now.

 

 

Give away entry graphic

 

Till the next time……………………………….Be Blest!!! 

 

Raena: Navy Blue  

Dezi: Vibrant Blue

 

 

 

Luvs and Hugs and Kitty Kisses

 

RaenaBelle and Deztinee

Service Cats: Why Cats Scratch And Where

MeOW and welcome to a brand new Service Cat Monday. We thought we’d do somethin’ a little bit different today. This post will still be educational and pawrt of our Service Cat series, as we’ll be focusing on feline behavior along with some training tips. But, we’ll also be introducing you to one of our give away products this month. You’ll have to come back Wednesday fur the give away. So, let me get the business outta the way and we can get right to it. The followin’ post will be written in human English fur reader and translator ease. Our Service Cat Monday posts aren’t intended to be an all inclusive Trainin’ Manual but rather Tips, Tricks and Techniques used/developed by mommy A thru her many years of animal trainin’, cats in purrticular. And to offur insight into your questions about Feline Behavior. Ifin you have any questions or topics you would like us to cover, purrlease let us know in the comments section or send us an email. When asking behavioral questions, purrlease be as specific as pawssible. And, ifin you’ve missed any of the posts in this series, you can ketch up by clickin’ the links at the end of this post. Always remember, Training is all ‘bout Repetition and Rewards.

 

Dezi laying in cat tree in new harness

 

 

Our Service Cat Monday posts include Training topics for all cats, not just Service Cats. We believe all cats can live happier lives with a little basic Training. We previously discussed inherent behaviors that drive each and every cat on the planet whether big or small. Today, we’re going to focus our discussion on Scratching. All cats have the need to Scratch. We are against declawing!!! However, even a declawed cat has the need to scratch. Please, DO NOT DECLAW your cat.

 

Dezi's huge paw reaching for the camera

 

 

Let’s take a look at the feline paw and talk about why cats Scratch. Visible to the eyes are the paw pads, and claws; although mine are hidden by fur tufts. What the eye doesn’t see are the bones, tendons and ligaments that make the feline paw so special. Most cats have the ability to extend or retract their claws at will. Like the human fingernail/toenail, the tip of the cat’s claw is dead. And, just like with the human fingernail/toenail, a portion of that claw is also alive, and connected to the paw by bone, tendons, ligament and muscle. The paw pads also contain scent glands. As we discussed in a previous post, cats see their world through scent more than through the eyes. You can NOT remove a cat’s claws without removing bone. That bone is similar to a humans first knuckle. Do Not Declaw!!!

 

Feline anatomy with close up of paws and claws

 

 

Cats communicate with other cats and animals through Scent. A cat may mark their territory, announce the desire to mate, or send other messages by urinary spray and/or Scratching. Cats also Scratch to sharpen their claws and remove dead claw sheaths. The act of Scratching also strengthens the muscles in the cat’s limbs. Scratching is an innate behavior that Can Not be stopped. Inappropriate Scratching has led to far too many cats being relinquished, killed and/or declawed. Whether you have an only cat or a house full, providing kitty with appropriate surfaces for Scratching is a must. It’s just as important as litter boxes. Think of your cat’s need to Scratch the same way you would their need to eat, sleep and void.

 

 Raena scratches on the butterfly cat scratcher

 

 

There are plenty of Scratching options on the market, and we suggest having a few different ones available for your cat.  Some cats like to Scratch vertically and others horizontally. While others like to do both. A good Scratcher is sturdy, and large enough for kitty to stretch, dig in and pull. Cats also have preferences as to the texture of their Scratching surfaces. You may need to try out several before finding kitty’s favorite. Among the most popular Scratchers are Corrugated Cardboard and Sisal. Another popular option is Carpet. Regardless, it’s always good to have two or more options available at all times. Prices are as varied as styles, ranging anywhere from a few dollars to a few hundred. It’s not as important to have the most expensive Scratcher as it is to have one kitty will use. It’s also important to replace Scratchers as needed.

 

 Dezi scratching the cardboard race car

 

 

Most of the time kitty’s curiosity will cause him/her to start using the Scratcher immediately. If kitty is reluctant, you can always add a little catnip or silvervine to the Scratcher to entice kitty to use it. If kitty is Scratching inappropriately, place a Scratcher next to the area and redirect kitty. It’s always best to try to find a Scratcher that closely resembles the texture of the item kitty has chosen. Another way to introduce kitty to a Scratcher is to mimic their Scratching behavior on the new Scratcher with your own fingers while kitty watches. You may also gently put kitty’s paws on the Scratcher and use their paws to mimic Scratching.

 

 Dezi uses sisal scratcher

 

 

 

We suggest purchasing cheaper Scratchers in multiple textures until you find kitty’s preference. Once that’s been achieved, we suggest investing in several Scratchers to place in different areas of the home. Think of your kitty’s Scratcher as necessary furniture. Corrugated Cardboard is among the cheapest Scratchers and come in many different shapes and sizes. Scratchers have come a long way and many are made to fit in to your home’s décor. Sisal Scratchers are among the more expensive, but tend to be a favorite among kitties. Cat trees usually incorporate Sisal along with Carpet to offer kitty options. An important thing to remember when purchasing a cat tree or standing Scratcher, is that it will be sturdy enough for kitty to stretch out or up and pull back or down without it falling and/or moving. The Scratcher’s base should be wide enough to offer proper support and tall enough for adult kitty to fully stretch. A general rule of thumb is about 3 feet tall with a base of 16” – 18” X 16” – 18”. 

 

Raena with the Cat Scratcher from Chewy's Oct. review

Doesn’t this Scratcher look pawsum???

 

 

Just remember, kitty must Scratch, so it’s up to you to provide them with appropriate surfaces if you want to keep your furniture in tact. Never scold kitty for Scratching!!! Redirect, Redirect, Redirect any inappropriate Scratching, and Praise and Reward Kitty for all appropriate Scratching. Please consider a cat’s innate drives before adopting one. You can have nice things, a kitty and a happy home. With just a little Training, kitty will prefer his/her Scratcher to the furniture any day. If you can’t devote the time and energy into Training kitty, or you don’t think you can handle kitty’s Scratching, PLEASE rethink adopting kitty. Declawing is not a solution!!!

 

Lexi and Dezi lay on scratchers

 

 

Well, we’re gonna wrap it up for today. All this talk about Scratchin’ has me itchin’ to visit the Scratchin’ post. Again, ifin you’ve missed any of the posts in this series, you can ketch up by clickin’ the links below. And, leave any questions or post topics you might have in the comments section or send us an email. We look forward to hearing from you.

 

Till the next time…………………………………….Be Blest!!!

 

Luv and Hugs and Kitty Kisses

 

Deztinee and RaenaBelle 

 

Service Cats

What to Look For      Training Foundations      Train Kitty To Massage

Smelling Disease      Do You Need One      Who Bears the Cost

Housing Laws & Exceptions      Accommodations & Common Sense

When the Handler Dies      Proper Training Methods Pt. 1 & Pt. 2

Easiest Task to Train      Getting Kitty Ready for an Outing

Discipline: Stop Countersurfing Kitty      Internal Disputes

Calling Emergency Help      Just What Is Kitty Capable of

Shad: Original Service Cat      Harness, Vest, Leash or Stroller

Dezi, the Wheelchair & Chest      Round and Round We Go

Tumble & Fall Response      Raena Calls for Help

The Rest of the Story     Raena & the Wheelchair Pt. 1 Pt. 2 Pt. 3 Pt. 4

When to Train      Explaining Rewards & Kitty’s Feelings

Stop Kitty’s Begging     Calling For Help Options Pt. 1

Medicating Kitty

Training the Pig Headed, Stallion Strong, Submissive Pup & Conniving Cat

Cats Love Training & Social Media Downfalls

Reintegrating the Scared or Bullied Cat      There’s No Bully Cat Breed

Going for a Walk When in a Wheelchair     Calming the Tiger Pt.1 Pt. 2 Pt. 3

Surviving A Remodel      Taming A Feral Cat

Designer Cats & Scent      DNA Doesn’t Change      Fighting or Posturing

Clicker Training & Operant Conditioning      Wheelchair Training

Basic Training Continues      Managing Without A Wheelchair

Are Spray Bottles Effective      Hands Are Not Toys

Does My Cat Need A Friend     Helping Your Bullied Shy Cat

Blest Sunday: No Nonsense Blessings

Hissssssss RaenaBelle!!! Stop jumpin’ on me. It’s time to write our Blest Sunday posty. 

 

 Blest Sunday purple kitty clip art graphic

 

 

          But sissy, I’s wanna play. You’re no fun. 

 

Dezi and Raena check out the Kitty Kick Stix

 

 

There’ll be purrlenty of time to play later Raena. Right now, it’s posty time. And, we’ve gotta get to writin’ while mommy’s still awake to take meow-tation. Ya’ know, she kept conkin’ out yesfurday.  

 

 Dezi lays atop the liberty cat tree while Raena stands sniffing at the shelf

 

 

          She does that all the time sissy. ‘Specially when she’s tired. I’s guess she was really tired yesfurday, cuz even after takin’ that nap, she still conked out over the keyboard. All we can do is hope we weren’t visitin’ one of our furiends at the time. Ifin so, our meow-tation wouldn’t make any sense. I’s just hope she’s ketchin’ up on all that sleep she missed. Mine’s eyes are doin’ much better, and I’s feelin’ all spry and happy now. 

 

 Dezi and Raena laying atop the liberty cat tree

 

 

          Yeah, you’re feelin’ a little too spry ifin ya’ ask me. You’ve been doin’ zoomies and bouncin’ off the walls fur the last couple of days. Not to mention jumpin’ all over me ever chance ya’ get.

 

          I’s just feelin’ sooooooo good sissy. All I’s want is fur you to play with me. But noooooo, you’re just bein’ an old fuddy duddy. By the way, what ‘zactly is a fuddy duddy? The weather’s coolin’ off and I’s got all this energy inside, and I’s just gotta let it out. MOL 

 

Dezi sniffs her nip toys

 

 

Yeah, it is getting’ cooler isn’t it Raena?. Ifin ya’ don’t know what somethin’ is, then ya’ might think twice ’bout meowin’ it. Anyways, it’s also startin’ to turn dark earlier too. That means we’ll get to eat dinner an hour earlier. 

 

          We will sissy? Did anypawdy tell mommy that? Cuz I’s know I’s can’t tell time, but I’s purretty sure we ate dinner an hour later than usual last night. 

 

Well, mommy’s just gotta ketch up with the time, that’s all.

 

 Dezi and Raena atop the liberty cat tree

 

 

          Hmmmpht  By the time she does that, it’ll be time to change all our clocks. Ya’ know, crazy humans think they need to play with time. They should just do what us kitties do…run on tummy time.

 

Yep Raena, that’s purrobably the smartest thing you’ve ever said. Anyways, we’re here to meow ‘bout our blessings, not meow the fat ‘bout time and other such nonsense. 

 

Dezi and Raena eat Primal Freeze dried Cat food

 

 

          There ain’t nuffin’ nonsensical ‘bout noms and dinner time sissy. But you’re right, such blest kitties as we are should fur sure meow ‘bout ‘em. Even tho’ I’s didn’t wanna go to the V E T, I’s feelin’ much better now that I’s did. Altho’, fur some reason you and mommy keep complainin’ ‘bout mine’s smell. 

 

Oh Raena, you’ve got a nose. And me knows you can smell it too. Y, You even grumble right befur you pass that wind. Ya’ almost ran mommy and me outta bed last night with the smell.

 

          Seems that vaccination made me a little gassy, sissy. I’s grumble cuz mine’s tummy’s rumblin’. I’s sure hope it goes away soon. 

 

 Dezi profile atop the liberty cat tree

 

 

So do we, Raena, so do we. But, me knows mommy and me are fur sure happy you’re feelin’ better, stinky or not. Me believes you’ve even put on a few pounds since your visit to that pawful place. 

 

          Yeah sissy, mommy’s had to make both of us seconds at each meal the last few days. she says she’s so happy we’re eatin’ so good. I’s just grateful we have enuff noms to get those seconds. ‘Specially when just a few short days ago, we ran out.

 

We are blest Raena. We’re blest to have so many pawsumly amazin’ furiends too. Me knows we’re behind in our visits, but me sure hopes things slow down a bit now and we can get ‘round to see everypawdy soon. We miss so much when we can’t visit.

 

 Dezi and Raena atop the liberty cat tree with Yeowww toy

 

 

          That’s the truth sissy. Even tho’ we might not make it by to visit with them, they’re always in our thoughts and purrayers. We are all so blest to have each other. I’s sure wanna say a meowsy big fanky fanks to all of them fur their purrayers fur me.

 

 Dezi licks lip as she looks around the corner from the dining room

 

 

Well, Raena, let’s link up with the Kitties Blue fur Sunday Selfies and go play. We also wanna remind everypawdy to take a minute today and every day to give thanks fur the many blessings in your lives. 

 

Till the next time…………………………………………Be Blest!!! 

 

Dezi: Vibrant Blue 

Raena: Navy Blue 

 

Luv and Hugs and Kitty Kisses

 

Deztinee and RaenaBelle   

Chatting Cats: Alive and Kicking

Hey, is anypawdy out there? It’s me, RaenaBelle. I’s still alive!!! They tried their bestest to do away with me, but they failed!!! Fanky fank da cats mommy was there to purrtect me. She’ll bare the scars of her luvs and devotion to me furever. Sorry, ‘bout that mommy, I’s was just sooooooo scared, and you were right, mine’s claws do need clippin’. 

 

Dezi looks at Raena from atop the liberty cat tree

 

 

          RaenaBelle, fur kittens sake, nopawdy was tryin’ to kill ya’. (whispers under her breath) ‘Cept maybe me when ya’ jump on me’s back. (meowing audibly again) Anyways, what was up with you? You luv goin’ to town with mommy. But yesfurday you were tryin’ to hide, and escape the stroller and meowin’ to high heaven. Mommy says you even made a scene in the car. you could’a caused ya’ll to have an accident ya’ know?.

 

 Raena with goopy eyes

See mommy? Mine’s eyes look so much better. I’s don’t

need to go anywhere.

 

 

 

 

Oh sissy, after askin’ all our furiends to purray fur me, mine’s eyes were doin’ much better, and I’s decided I’s didn’t wanna go to the (whispers) V E T. And, I’s was right. They were just pawful. It smelled and there was this poor kitty somewhere in there that meowed to me how they were torturin’ him. Bless his heart, I’s couldn’t help him at all, so I’s scurried back into the stroller and pleaded with mommy fur us to leave post haste. What did she do? She just sat there luvvin’ on me like it was just any other day. Like I’s didn’t know what was gonna happen. The doctor came in with a needle bigger than me to stick me with. 

 

          A needle bigger than you huh? 

 

 Raena lays on the back of the chair

 

 

Okay, so maybe it wasn’t bigger than me, but it was still huge. You know, I’s lost some weight cuz mine’s eyes and all the drainage makes me not wanna eat so good; so any needle is too big fur mine’s poor little bony body. 

 

          Yeah, you might be built different than me Raena, and thus smaller, but there’s nuffin’ poor, little or bony ‘bout your body. Ifin that was the case, mommy would’a took ya’ to the V E T much sooner. You know mommy doesn’t get any joy outta takin’ us to that place. But you also know you’ve kept us all awake all week rubbin’ your eyes. Mommy’s exhausted and scared you might go blind ifin she doesn’t find a way to fix ya’. So, did you get any medicine? 

 

 Raena lays on cat tree

 

 

Yes sissy, I’s did. Fanky fanks to awnty Vonda who sent some green papers in case the charges were more than we could charge. Ya’ know we can only charge a hunnerd dollars, and mines medicine alone was almost $25.00. They sent home some of those pawful eye drops I’s hate so much. They help, but mommy doesn’t wanna use ‘em long term. The V E T told mommy to see how I’s do when winter comes. And ifin mine’s eyes clear up, we’ll know it’s fur sure allergies. But, ifin they don’t, I’s gotta go back. Hmmmmpht Can you believe they want me to come back? 

 

Dezi lays atop the Liberty cat tree

 

 

          Yeah Raena, they do like takin’ our money. But, your eyes are very ‘purrtant, so ifin ya’ need to go back, then ya’ need to go back. We’ll just purray things get better and you don’t have too. Did the V E T say anythin’ else? Guess with you clingin’ to mommy so, she didn’t get any fotos  

 

Dezi watches Raena atop the Liberty cat tree

 

 

Oh sissy, I’s healthy, happy and gawjus she said. You know they couldn’t get enuff of me. All grabby and stuffs they just kept wantin’ to touch me and coo over me. As fur the fotos…ya’ know, the funniest thing happened. I’s was so busy tryin’ to avoid getting’ dressed and you were so busy hidin’ UTB so you didn’t have to go, that neither of us reminded mommy to put the camera in her purrse. We were halfway to Ardmore when mommy realized she furgot it. By that time, it was too late to turn ‘round. So, there’s no foto evidence of mine’s horror visit. But, meowin’ of fotos, we got a great box that we’re gonna be tellin’ everypawdy ‘bout this month and we decided to share some of it with our new furiend Nubs. Mommy asked ifin she could take fotos of Nubs and Ms. A said it was okay. So, we have a foto of Nubs to show everypawdy. By the way, we’re gonna be givin’ one of those pawsum boxes we got away this month too. I’s think we’ve told ya’ll, we have a few great give aways comin’ up this month. Any of the items would make a pawsum Christmas gift fur your bestest feline furiend. As a matter of fact, we’ve got one comin’ up fur ya’ next week.

 

Nubs the black and white manx cat looks at the cameraHere’s Nubs. He’s a black and white Manx kitty.

 

 

          We sure do Raena. All these give aways are a build up to me’s birthday. We’re so x’cited. Ya’ know we luv sharin’ so anytime we can share our blessin’ with our furiends, we’re really happy. Meowin’ of Christmas as you were Raena, we’d also like everypawdy to know that awnty Ann from Zoolatry is takin’ orders fur Holiday PhotoArt. You know, even ifin ya’ don’t have a bloggy, she could design somethin’ pawsum fur you to use as your Christmas Cards. Check out some of the amazin’ work she does here. And, you can contact her directly at: zoolatry@gmail.com. What do ya’ say we go play? 

 

Dezi sleeps in the seat of the chair while Raena lays on the back of the chair

I’s right behind ya’ sissy. I’s think we purrobably oughtta keep it down tho’, I’s think mommy might need a nap. 

 

Till the next time……………………………………………Be Blest!!! 

 

Raena: Navy Blue 

Dezi: Vibrant Blue 

 

Luvs and Hugs and Kitty Kisses

 

RaenaBelle and Deztinee