Tips to Keep Your Cat from Scratching Your Furniture

You're not alone if your cat’s scratching is ruining your furniture! In this post, we’ll explore simple and practical solutions to protect your home while keeping your feline friend happy.

Keep the Environment Stimulating 

Cats scratch to release energy. Interactive toys, perches, climbing spots, and hiding places will mentally and physically stimulate your cat and reduce the likelihood of scratching furniture out of boredom. 

Trim Your Cat’s Claws Regularly 

While this does not eliminate the behavior, regularly trimming your cat’s claws reduces the damage they may cause.

Cover Furniture with Protective Materials 

Use protective furniture covers on common scratching spots, such as the corners of sofas, to reduce the wear and tear on your furniture. Cats dislike sticky surfaces, so double-sided tape may be applied as a furniture asset to keep them away. 

Offer Scratching Materials 

Redirect your cat to scratching materials such as scratching posts or a cat tree to avoid scratching on furniture.    

Feliway Diffusers 

Feliway is a product that mimics feline pheromones and can calm your cat. A calm environment and a Feliway scent plug nearby may reduce your cat's urge to scratch furniture by helping it feel more comfortable. 

Refer to our post about Cat Scratchers and When to Replace Them, to find out more about the timeline of some scratchers! 

5 New Year's Resolutions for You and Your Pet!

As the new year begins, it's the perfect time to set resolutions to benefit you and your furry friends! Whether you’re focusing on fitness or strengthening your bond with your pet, let's set some exciting goals for the new year!

1. Drink More Water

Staying hydrated is essential for both you and your pet as it helps regulate body temperature, supports digestion, and keeps your organs functioning properly. To keep your pet hydrated, you can use a pet fountain, which encourages them to drink more water with moving, fresh water. You can also offer water in multiple bowls around your home.

2. Outdoor Adventures

To embrace a more outdoorsy, adventurous lifestyle with your pets, start by incorporating regular lanai time where you can relax outside while your pets explore safely. Try new hiking trails, visit parks for open space, and enjoy picnics together. Open windows at home too to let your pets enjoy the sights and sounds of nature.

3. Prioritize Playtime

Playtime with your pets, both indoors and outdoors, is essential for their physical and mental well-being. It helps reduce stress, improve socialization, and strengthens the bond between you and your pet. Regular play also provides exercise and stimulation, preventing boredom and behavioral issues.

4. Brush Away!

Regular brushing keeps your cat or dog’s coat smooth, reduces shedding, and prevents mats. It also promotes healthy skin and strengthens the bond between you and your pet. Additionally, it provides a calming routine that can make grooming more enjoyable for both you and your pet.

5. Dental Health

Incorporate dental treats and dog-specific toothpaste this year! They are effective ways to support your pet's dental health. Dental treats help reduce plaque and tartar buildup, while dog toothpaste helps maintain healthy gums and fresh breath.

If you decide on incorporating extra outdoor time with your pet, check out our past blog on Hot Weather Safety Tips for Your Dog! 

References:

Nationwide -- Pet Health Zone

Unleash the Holiday Cheer: Unique Gifts Your Pet Will Love!

It’s the Holiday Season! From interactive gadgets to cozy accessories, here are 6 unique gift ideas that will have your furry friends wagging their tails! 

For Cats: 

Glad Wags kitty loving his corner brush!

1. Self-Grooming Corner Brushes 
   Bring holiday cheer to your cat with this self-grooming corner scratcher, perfect for scratching and grooming! 

2. Heated Cozy Cat Bed 
   A cozy bed with a heating element that keeps your cat warm during the cooler months.

3. Window Perch 
   A cozy perch that attaches to the window, giving your cat a sunny spot to lounge and watch the outside world.

For Dogs: 

Glad Wags pup enjoying his Pupsicle!

1. Snuffle Mats 
   Treat your dog to a snuffle mat! Perfect for mental stimulation and festive fun! Hide treats in its cozy fabric folds to keep your pup entertained and engaged. 

2. Woof Pupsicle Dispenser 
   Cool down your pup this holiday season with a Woof Pupsicle Pop Dispenser, serving up frosty, festive treats in a safe rubber treat container!

3. Jolly Soccer Ball 
   This fun, durable toy is perfect for play, offering endless fetch opportunities and cheer for your pup to enjoy. 

Take a peek at our post about safety tips around the holiday season by clicking on this link here! 

References: 

https://www.akcpetinsurance.com/blog/guide-to-the-best-dog-toys-for-christmas-2022 

https://aercmn.com/top-10-cat-toys-to-get-for-the-holidays/ 

https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/home-lifestyle/pets/g38114325/christmas-dog-toys/ 

A Guide To Verbal Cat Communication

Welcome to the purr-fect world of feline linguistics! Cats boast an impressive vocabulary of up to 21 distinct vocalizations, each a note in the symphony of cat communication. It's not just meows and purrs; it's a real language that can be as complex as a human conversation.

Not all cats are born chatterboxes. Some, like the Maine Coons, tend to be part of the quieter breeds, while others, like the Siamese, are the talkative kitties of the feline universe.

Meowing: The signature soundtrack of feline communication! Kittens use it to summon their moms, but in adulthood, it becomes the cat's go-to language for humans. From greetings to playtime requests, expressions of excitement or frustration, to demanding attention, food, or room access – meows are the most popular of the cat communication world.

Purring: In the world of feline communication, there's one sound that reigns supreme – the purr! This sound is typically an indicator that your kitty is in a state of bliss—think lounging in a warm sunbeam or receiving chin scratches while sitting on their human’s lap. Interestingly, cats purr at a frequency between 25-150 Hertz, known to have therapeutic effects on bones and tissues. Beyond contentment, they may purr to self-heal, reduce stress, and even communicate with humans. The unique purring sound originates from the cat's laryngeal muscles rapidly contracting and relaxing.

Trilling: A trill is a high-pitched musical sound made by some cats during specific situations. Cats reserve this delightful sound for greetings and thanking their human admirers, often for treats or affection. They may also use this when communicating to their favorite feline sibling. It's the cat's way of saying, "You're my favorite."

Chirping: Initially, chirping is a mother cat's call to her kittens, adult cats also use chirps to grab attention and share their whereabouts. When faced with tantalizing prey outside the window, a chirp signifies excitement, tinged with a dash of frustration.

Chattering: Have you ever caught your cat silently chattering away? It's not Morse code; it's their voiceless jaw clash, usually reserved for spotting prey out of reach. It's the rhythm of their imaginary hunt.

Growling and Hissing: Growling is a low rumble signaling threats and impending feline fury. Hissing, its dramatic cousin, is the involuntary response to a surprise threat. Both come with a side of fear-inducing body language – arched back, flattened ears, twitching tail, and the classic Halloween cat posture. When the growls and hisses start, heed the cat's message: "Step back, I'm not in the mood!"

Spitting: More intense than a hiss, this explosive burst signals a peak threat situation. It's the cat's way of saying, "Seriously, back off!" – accompanied by a swift, lashing-out movement for added drama.

Yowling and Howling: Imagine a cat's meow on steroids, and you've got yowling – a prolonged, distressed sound. Howling is its shorter cousin. These are the sirens of cat communication, indicating physical or emotional distress. Separation anxiety, pain, or just a need for attention – it's their way of belting out their feelings.

Caterwauling: A loud, long whine reserved for unspayed females in heat. Directed at human family members, it's their expression of pain, discomfort, fear, or a blatant demand for attention.

In this enchanting world of feline sounds, any change in frequency, intensity, duration, or pitch is your cat's SOS. A trip to the vet might be in order, and for some, a dash of anxiety or pain meds could be the magical remedy. So, listen closely, fellow cat enthusiasts, for in their symphony of sounds, your furball's story unfolds, one delightful meow at a time!

References

Modern Cat

PetMD

Smithsonian Magizine

Why Do Cats Always Land On Their Feet?

Cats possess an incredible ability that has captured human attention for generations: the skill to land on their feet. What’s the science behind this captivating cat superpower? It comes down to a combination of biomechanics, reflexes, and physics. Cats are known for their exceptional agility, and their bodies are designed to facilitate the impressive acrobatics.

Flexible Spine: Cats boast a spine that's much more flexible than that of many other animals. The spine's extraordinary mobility, particularly in the thoracic region, allows cats to twist their bodies with remarkable ease. As a cat begins to fall, its body initiates a twisting motion that sets the stage for a controlled descent.

Vestibular System: Cats possess an intricate inner ear system, known as the vestibular system, which grants them an impeccable sense of balance. This finely-tuned system allows them to gauge their orientation relative to gravity, ensuring they maintain equilibrium even during a fall.

Reflexes and Rotation: Their ability to rotate their front and back halves independently adds an extra layer of finesse to their descent strategy. By manipulating their body's orientation, cats can align their feet underneath them, setting the stage for a graceful landing.

Visual Focus: Cats have a unique ability to maintain visual focus on a specific target. This skill aids them in determining their position in relation to their surroundings. As they plummet, their keen eyesight allows them to calculate the best landing.

Built-in Safety Feature: Ever notice how a cat's body opens up like a parachute during a fall? This instinctive response isn't just for show. By spreading their limbs out, cats increase air resistance, effectively slowing down their fall. This additional time allows them to adjust their position mid-air, enhancing their chances of landing safely.

The next time you watch your feline friend navigate their environment with unparalleled elegance, remember that their astonishing acrobatics are the result of an intricate interplay of biology, physics, and evolution.

REFERENCES:
Scientific American
A-Z Animals

Why Do Dogs Circle Before Lying Down?

You've undoubtedly observed the routine of scratching, pawing, and meticulous circling your pup performs before settling into slumber. But what lies behind this endearing quirk? Let's dig into the intriguing motivation behind your dog's nighttime or nap-time antics.

Getting Comfy: In the wilderness, your dog's ancestors precisely customized their sleeping spots by carefully flattening grass and leaves, eliminating any trace of items that may prick them during the night.

Ensuring Safety: This behavior is also a dance of vigilance and preparedness for the unknown. Through their circling ritual, they position themselves strategically against potential threats. They also align themselves to capture any sensed dangers the wind may carry as a warning. Moreover, these circular movements present an opportunity to scan for potential predators one last time before settling in for sleep.

Assessing the Pack: Circling is a tool for pack leaders to evaluate the group's arrangement and survey the surroundings, ensuring that no individual has fallen out of sight. Interestingly, sleeping in a close dog pile where each touches the other facilitates the pack's communication, signaling wakefulness amongst the pack in the face of danger; when one wakes, it wakes the rest of the pack to potential danger.

Regulating Temperature: Temperature regulation is another skill embedded in this ancient behavior. In warmer environments, the scratching motion unveils cooler soil, while in chillier regions, dogs curl up, conserving warmth. Nature's thermostat, choreographed by instinct!

Too Much Twirling? But what if your dog's twirls transform into an all-night performance? This could be a sign of discomfort or pain. Excessive circling might point to issues like arthritis or neurological challenges such as dementia. In such instances, seeking a veterinarian's guidance becomes essential to ensure your pup's well-being and the restoration of bedtime tranquility.

So there it is—every twirl, every scratch, and each pawing motion creates a bridge to the past, connecting our four-legged comrades with their untamed lineage. As you observe your dog's nightly ritual, remember that beneath the cozy blankets lies a narrative spanning generations—a tale of survival, comfort, camaraderie, and timeless rituals.

References:
VCA Animal Hospitals
Live Science

How To Dog Proof Your Home While You're Away

Whether your dog is a puppy, a newly adopted pup, or a dog that’s been part of the family for years, be sure to add, “dog proof the house” to your to-do list before you’re off on your next vacation. Doing so can save you money on household damages or even more importantly, a trip to the vet when you buddy “got into something.

No worries, we’ve got you covered:

Sweet pup anxiously awaiting his treat from his Glad Wags’ sitter.

Nom-noms: Stash away all food, including their own, so they aren’t tempted to counter-surf. Pay close attention to hiding away toxic foods such as chocolate, avocados, grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, onions, and garlic. For a more complete list of toxic foods, visit the ASPCA website by clicking here .

PRO TIP: If you are the parent to an expert counter-surfer, consider putting foil on your countertops. Once Buddy places his paws on the loud material he will be less inclined to continue. You might also try lining your countertop with double-stick tape. Pups don’t like the sticky tape and are likely to stay away.

Get to the point: Securely put away anything sharp that your little rascal may snatch up such as knives, scissors, razors, blades from a blender or food processor, box cutters, and pins.

Sweat the small stuff: Twist ties, bread clips, rubber bands, batteries, buttons, hair-ties, jewelry, thread, crafts, or anything tiny can be enticing to a doggo who is left unattended. Although these things seem harmless, they can get lodged in your pup’s throat or digestive tract.

Lakewood Ranch is full of beauty, even on the side of a neighbor’s recycling bin!

A load of rubbish: Secure your trash cans! Take the trash out before you leave or figure out a way to keep Buddy’s nose out of the trash’s business. Some common solutions are putting it in a pantry/cabinet or placing a gate around it.

PRO TIP: Don’t forget about the small trash bins in bathrooms and offices; these can be even more dangerous because they don’t often have a lid and can contain dangerous items such as floss or old razors!

Down to the wire: Cords, wires, and chargers are popular items for pups to chew on and can be very dangerous as they can electrocute and burn your fur-friend. If possible, unplug any devices that your pup will have access to. Consider tucking the cords under cord concealers or completely removing the items from the room. It may be a time consuming task but this is a very important one!

PRO TIP: If you think your pup will mess with the outlets, try using outlet covers.

Comfy cozy: Pups can look at blankets, rugs, and fabric armrest coverings as big toys. If you think Buddy will go after the couch cushions and pillows, block off couches with dining chairs or limit their access to rooms with these pieces.

Dapper boy is always stylin’ in one of his bow-ties!

Best dressed: Depending on what type of packer you are, you might leave your clothes spread out on the floor or leave behind a pile of dirty laundry in your hamper. We won’t add “do laundry” to your to-do-list but at least put all your clothing out of reach from your pup, particularly dirty laundry. They enjoy working on (aka chewing on) buttons, strings, and zippers, stinky socks, and the all-time favorite….shoes! Save your clothes, shoes, and your dog’s intestines and stow these types of things far from reach.

Pick your poison: Our homes are filled with toxic hazards such as cleaners, detergents, bleach, moth balls, pesticides, medications, cosmetics, perfumes, and toiletries. Keep these types of items far, far away from your solo pup. Put them in a closet they do not have access to or a high cabinet that has some type of lock on it. Check out these child-proof cabinet locks that can also be used for nosey noses snooping around.

Fast friends: If you have small critters in the house, such as fish or hamsters, think about moving them to a new location if you aren’t sure how your pup might do alone with them.

Having a snooze after her outside time.

Beauty sleep: Some owners like leaving their bedroom open for access during their time away because Buddy likes having a snooze on their bed. Some canines love to tear up anything soft (uh, have you seen what they can do to a stuffie toy) so not granting them access to your bedroom would be ideal. But, if you are still adamant about having them keep your bunk warm, remove your pillows, quilts, comforters, sheets to spare them from becoming the next casualty!

Potty mouth: Shut your toilet lids! Although your pup doesn't care about manners, the latrine lid should stay closed. The chemicals used to clean the toilet can make a thirsty pup very sick. Tiny pups could even drown in the bowl! If your headstrong bud knows how to lift the seat, try one of these nifty devices.

PRO TIP: As gross as it is, Buddy might raid the cat’s litter box. If this is on your dog’s favorite foods list, find a home for the box that Buddy can’t get to.

Blind spot: Vertical blinds, particularly ones made of fabric, sway side to side and can become quite a tempting toy! Block these strips with chairs if possible.

Playtime with one of his favorite toys!

Toy story: Leaving Buddy’s toys out is very important but if your pup is likely to rip up their toys (which is fine) first remove any squeakers, strings, and stuffing, if you believe your pup will consume it after it’s ripped up.

Reality TV: Hide your remotes!! You’ll thank us.

Pretty as a picture: Figurines, vases, and any decor that is within reach (even as high as your dog can reach on his hind legs) should find a new home while you’re away.

Arts & crafts: Have you ever seen what a pup can do with newspapers, magazines, books, cash money, paper towels, napkins, or toilet paper? They can create homemade confetti in seconds flat! Double check that you put away all these tempting paper products.

Fresh Air: Air fresheners & candles are a big “no-no” for pets when home alone. Your pup is more important than a nice smelling house.

Handsome Havanese posing during a Glad Wags’ walk.

Green thumb: Many pet owners are the parents to indoor house plants too but you will be disappointed to find your plants dug up and even consumed. Move these plants to an off-limits room, even succulents are fair game to Buddy! Non-toxic plants can still cause lesions in the digestive tract. For a full list of toxic plants, check out our Toxic Plants and Flowers To Avoid For Dogs And Cats blog.

Off limits: If doggie proofing your home is still not enough to save your stuff, try limiting the space in which your dog is allowed to roam. Close doors and only allow access to the main living area. If you need to limit space even further, put your pup in a large penned area of the house.

PRO TIP: Remember that a tired dog is a good dog so be sure to use a sitter who can tire your dog out physically and mentally.

Tips To Keep Your Cat Mentally Stimulated and Physically Fit

Exercise and entertainment for your feline friend is a crucial part in keeping them healthy physically, mentally, and emotionally. Cats snooze more throughout a 24-hour time period than their dog counterparts but when they are awake they are ready to hunt, chase, bounce, pounce, think, bat, and explore! Without entertainment and stimulation, they have a greater chance of becoming overweight, unhappy, and more likely to find a way to entertain themselves by tearing up a fresh roll of toilet paper or scratching the corner of your couch!

Cats are crepuscular creatures, meaning they are most active during the dawn and dusk. Making the most of their awake hours can be done through interaction between kitty and human, as well as setting up the house to ensure your furry pal can keep themselves busy while you are away from your home or catching up on your human sleep!

Here are some tips and tricks:

Cardboard Boxes & Bags

This isn’t a surprise to most cat owners. The object of your cat’s affection tends to be the cardboard box your pet’s new bed came in or the paper bag that carried home their cat food. Although it is trash in a human’s eye, let them play in their new paper forts before clearing them from the room. These items are the perfect tools for a round of hide & seek or to slide across the room. Throw a toy or cat nip inside to make things even more lively!

Window Watching

Cats are infatuated with the great outdoors! It’s not a coincidence that you may see your neighbor’s kitty perched in the window watching the wildlife buzzing around. Leave a blind open and position a cat tree or bench near the window if the sill isn’t wide enough for them to lounge upon. Consider adding a bird or squirrel feeder near your window to encourage the critters to get closer to your kitty when they’re watching from inside.

Digital Entertainment

YouTube is for cats too! Using your TV, computer, tablet, or cell phone can be a source of merriment for your cat. Here are a few of their favorite channels:

Apps: Cat Fishing 2, Relax My Cat, Games for Cats!, Mouse for Cats, Friskies JitterBug, Laser Pointer for Cat
DVDs: Cat Dreams , Mewvie
YouTube Videos: Birds , Fish , Other Cats , Wildlife , Laser Pointer
TV: National Geographic (found on Cable & Disney+)

Toys & Games

Pet stores are full of toys that cats love but you don’t have to spend a fortune to humor your kitty. Try some of these inexpensive ideas:

• Throw ping pong balls into your bathtub or sink and watch your kitty go wild batting and bouncing them around.

• Hang a shoe lace from a door knob. They won’t be able to resist the dangling new item.

• Induce their hunting skills by running into a different room and hiding behind a door. After they hunt and “attack”, run into another room.

• Roll aluminum foil into a ball and shoot it across the room. Some cats, specifically Siamese cats, will retrieve the ball to start a game of fetch.

• Cats can get bored of a toy that they see and sniff often. Store a few wand toys out of reach from your cat for a while; when you bring them out again your cat will think new prey has entered their territory!

Cat Garden

You don’t need to have a green thumb to grow your kitty’s favorites! Here is a short DIY video on how to create an indoor cat garden.

Popular, non-toxic plants include:

• Wheatgrass “Cat Grass”

• Cat Nip

• Thyme

• Rosemary

• Parsley

Cat grass and cat nip plants can usually be found at your local pet store and can be replanted into your pot.

**Always check the ASPCA site to ensure you never offer a toxic plant to your cat.**

Cat Wheel

Have you ever seen an outdoor cat run? They are fast! They can only run short lengths while inside so consider purchasing a cat wheel where they can sprint as far and as long as they’d like!

Feeding Time

House cats still have their wild streak, wanting to stalk, hunt and forge their food so having it served into a bowl isn’t as stimulating as meal time could be. Try offering their breakfast in a puzzle feeder or hiding a portion of their meal in a toilet paper roll, egg carton, or Kong.

Trees & Scratching Posts

A cat’s instinct is to keep their claws sharpened and ready to attack if needed. Although keeping their claws well-manicured is one reason they scratch, it is also a way for them to self-soothe, fight boredom, strengthen their paws, and leave their scent behind. Each cat tends to have a preferred scratching method, either horizontally or vertically, but it’s important to offer both.

Cat trees tend to have posts that are perfect for vertical scratching while scratching boards & mats provide a horizontal option. Allow your cat freedom to jump, scratch, and stretch on structures that are specifically for them. This also deters them from scratching your furniture!

Catio

Allow you kitty to explore on your screened-in patio so they can experience the outdoors safely. If you don’t have a screened-in patio, you can build or purchase a free standing enclosure!

Tricks

It’s true! Armed with a high reward treat, you can teach cats tricks by using the clicker method. Watch Jackson Galaxy give a crash course on how to use a clicker to train your furry kid.

Leash Walking

Some cats are willing to give leash walking a whirl, but it’s important that you introduce it to them slowly. Allow them to get used to wearing their harness by allowing them to walk around the house for long periods of time over the course of a few weeks. Once they seem comfortable in their harness, attach the leash and practice walking around the house so you both become comfortable. Depending on the curiosity level of your cat, they might want to stay close to home on the porch, sidewalk, or driveway. Don’t push your cat into exploring more than they are comfortable with. Leash training takes time and patience!

Cuddle Time

Providing your kitty with affection also makes for a content cat. On top of catching some zzzz’s or binge watching a Netflix series together, brush their fur or even offer them a fresh warm blanket from the dryer.

Hire A Pet Sitter

When you are away from home for more than 24 hours, hire a professional pet sitter who can step in and take care of all the wants and needs of your kitty while you are gone! You’ll come home to a calmer, happier cat.