A look at scratching behavior in cats and how Petstages’ latest range of scratching toys can help keep your cats entertained while caring for their claws. By Dr. Sarah Brown, co-author of book ‘The Behaviour of the Domestic Cat’ (2nd edition) by Bradshaw, Casey and Brown, published by CABI 2012. Preview the book here!
Climbing, pouncing, balancing, scratching…cat’s claws are used constantly throughout their busy (oh, to be that kind of busy!) lives. Most cats have 18 claws – each of their front feet has five toes with five claws whilst each back foot has only four toes and claws, (apart from polydactylous cats that is, who have various extra toes!). Claws are actually retracted when at rest, only being protracted (or extended) when the cat needs to use them. They are composed of layers of keratin just like human nails and as these layers are renewed the outer ones become worn and begin to shed.
Although cats use their claws for many things, we humans tend to see them in action mainly when scratching. Free-roaming cats, outdoors, are attracted to scratch on vertical objects such as fence posts and tree trunks along the routes that they habitually walk. Over a period of time, scratching sites may become noticeably grooved. Indoors this behavior may be directed towards furniture, much to the annoyance of their owners! Scratching in this way leaves both a visual signal (very familiar to owners of sofa-scratching cats!) and also a scent signal, derived from the sebaceous glands of the feet. In this way scratching provides a form of communication for cats.
New from Petstages: Fold Away Scratching Tunnel
Another reason why cats scratch is to remove the worn and broken outer layers of their claws to reveal the new, sharp layers underneath. This is known as ‘stropping’ and is very important for maintaining the health of claws in cats. They should not, therefore, be discouraged from scratching but rather have their scratching behavior directed towards more appropriate objects. Ideal products for this include: the Easy Life Hammock and Scratcher; Easy Life Scratch, Snuggle and Rest; Wobble and Scratch; or the Fold Away Scratching Tunnel, all made by Petstages. Cats also use their claws while playing, often ‘scooping’ up an object with one of their front paws, curving the paw under the object and grasping it with their claws. Petstages has produced a new range of ‘Scratch for Nail Health’ toys, which combines the cat’s love of playing with the opportunity to do a little pedicure work at the same time!
The toys are made of corrugate, an ideal material for ‘stropping’ those claws on, and come in 5 different designs to encourage different types of play:
Spin & Scratch is lightweight and tempting to bat and chase – the corrugate disc around the spinner enables the cat to more easily grab the toy with her claws, scoop it up and throw it around.
Bat & Scratch with its rattle and streamers rolls around enticingly, encouraging the cat to chase, grab and scratch it.
The Scratching Top rolls around in a different way – when the cat pounces on the streamers her claws can dig satisfyingly into the corrugate.
For those that like their ‘prey’ a little larger, the Kick & Scratch with its tempting furry tail provides the opportunity to pounce then wrestle, while kicking and scratching the toy with both front and back claws.
The Wrestle & Scratch takes this a step further, giving the cat a big item of prey to wrestle with whilst she digs her claws into the layers of corrugate.
Watch a video of the Petstages Scratch For Nail Health toys here:
Founded in 2003, Petstages works with veterinarians and animal behaviorists to develop innovative products that address different behavioral and physiological needs
of companion animals of all ages and sizes. Petstages has been the first to introduce new concepts that improve the safety, interest and appropriateness of pet toys.
Helping pet parents address specific developmental needs, Petstages has developed unique products that have a purpose, enhancing the life of the pet and owner alike. By focusing on solutions, Petstages solves common issues that have not been addressed in the marketplace.
First to market with innovations for cat:
First to develop unique cat bowls with room for whiskers
First to infuse toys with long lasting catnip oils
Petstages is dedicated to providing continuous innovation in toys and other categories. As clinical trends emerge in the future, Petstages will work with pet experts to develop meaningful products that address the needs of the future.
Providing PRODUCTS WITH PURPOSE is the cornerstone of the Petstages philosophy, now and in the years to come. This year Petstages is introducing our enhanced color pallet and patterns, our expanded clinical and behavioral need categories, as well as our reimagined packaging. Look for future innovations as we continue to grow with you.
Enhanced Pallet
Our fun and whimsical patterns and colors have always had “a purpose” and now they are even better! Incorporating patterns that act as optical illusions and imply movement, we add action to attract a pet’s interest. Our new colors provide greater contrast that is more easily distinguished by cats and dogs. The updated pallet is fashion forward and fresh, while remaining classic and gender neutral.
Enhanced contrast and vibrancy
Optical movement in patterns
Updated, fashion forward colorations
Expanded Categories
As pioneers in the categories of cat and dog toys, we know it is time to better direct pet parents to products that will truly meet their expectations. Keeping with our proven behavioral categories, we have drilled down to more specific behaviors in each, offering solutions that can pinpoint difficulties faced by pets and pet parents. Our enhanced consumer education will continue to be invaluable to retailers and pet owners alike.
Specific solutions for dogs and cats
Addressing clinical and behavioral needs
Communicates clearly to pet parents
Exceptional Package
Our award winning packaging has just been improved even further. Keeping our standardized footprint approach, Petstages has incorporated our new categories on all of our products. In addition, each product has a benefits violator that calls out an important feature that consumers like. The back of our card offers in-depth consumer information regarding the specific category. Lastly, we have added a QR code to every card that links to videos, photos, testimonials and more!
Petstages is proud to announce its new line of toys that promote nail health. Durable corrugate is combined with sounds, texture and movement that cats love. Designed to be grasped by front and back paws, these toys keep claws clean and strong during play.
Can be scratched using both front or back claws to help keep nails healthy
Finally…A SAFER STICK! Petstages is excited to announce its innovative line of DOGWOOD® chew toys. These toys combine real wood with durable, synthetic material to create a stronger, safer stick. They won’t split or splinter and, because DOGWOOD® toys contain real wood, they have a natural smell that dogs love!
The non-toxic Sticks, Pine Cones and Mini Acorn Chain are available in a range of sizes, and are sure to keep a dog’s interest.
Petstages proudly announces the launch of CRUNCHCORE™ chew toys. This patented design provides a crunchy layer that surrounds a durable core. For hours of crunchy fun, CRUNCHCORE™ toys are the perfect solution for dogs that love crunching water bottles but become frustrated and lose interest when they collapse after chew.
kajalundevall
Petstages
pfriddle
shadowpetstages
