What drives your soft and sweet friend into a clawing rage? There are several reasons your cat might be scratching:

• Mitten maintenance. Cats scratch at things to clean their claws and remove worn outer layers.

• Staking a claim. Regular scratching at the same location is a way for them to mark, and maintain, their territory.

• A form of exercise. Hooking into a surface and pulling backward is a way for cats to stretch their bodies.

• Entertainment. Felix isn't intentionally targeting your sofa corner or hands, but scratching is an enjoyable way for cats to burn off some energy.

• A defense mechanism. Though it also occurs while playing, the swipe of a paw may be a show of body language by your cat that you’re petting a little too strongly.

Prevent Cat Scratching

While scratching is as natural for cats as meowing, there are strategies to reduce cat scratching that will keep your arms and couch corners safe from harm:

• Post up the problem. Want your cat and his claws away from the furniture? Entice him with a place where scratching is welcomed. Set up a scratching post near his favorite target to give him a spot for working out urges.
• Deter the desire. Spray repellents or use deterrents, such as foil or double-sided tape, to cover up sought-after places for your kitty’s claws.
• Ready, aim, squirt. Teach, and then regularly train, your cat to reduce cat scratching by standing guard with a squirt bottle of water and giving your cat a light spray each time the claws come out.
• Game time. Divert attention from fabrics by giving your cat a furry friend in the form of a toy. Cat behavior issues won't have time to take place if they are in hot pursuit of a fuzzy mouse.

Some people consider declawing as another option to reduce cat scratching, but we recommend looking for another solution instead. Comfort Zone^® with Feliway^® products are clinically proven to reduce scratching by 95%.* Through the use of the feline facial pheromone, Comfort Zone^® with Feliway^® products can give your cat a calm, relaxed feeling in any environment, even if it is next to your living room sofa. Learn more about Comfort Zone^® with Feliway^® products.

*Data on file.

When your cat sprays, it can cause major problems for you, and also signal stress or fear on the part of your feline. Thankfully, you can reduce feline spraying problems – if you understand why they're happening.

To get started, check out these five facts about cat spraying and urine marking from Comfort Zone^® with Feliway^® products:

1. It's not about the litter box. Urine marking isn't a sign that Felix needs more potty training. Instead of resorting to kitten training methods, treat spraying as a cat behavior problem, not an "accident."

2. All cats can spray. Male cats spray most often – particularly adult, unneutered males. But that doesn't mean they're the only ones who have urine-marking issues. Any cat, including neutered males and spayed females, can spray.

3. There is a root cause. When cats mark with urine, they're generally acting out due to fear, stress or disruptions in their lives. Understanding why your cat is spraying is the first step to finding a solution. Did you move recently? Get a new pet? Buy new furniture? Are there stray cats in the neighborhood or new pets in the next apartment? Seemingly subtle changes in your pet's daily routine or surroundings can cause a big reaction.

4. Keeping clean matters. Before you can stop spraying problems, you have to clean up any urine — and clean it well. Traces of old sprayings can trigger your cat’s desire to re-mark an area, making the problem cyclical. In addition to standard household cleaning products or urine-removal products, many pet parents find vinegar-water mixtures, followed by baking soda, to be effective at removing odor. Whatever you do, don’t use a cleaner with ammonia, which is also a component of cat urine and can trigger further marking incidents.

5. You can fix it. Spaying and neutering your cat – especially early in his or her life – usually eliminates or decreases spraying problems. Even if your furry friend is no longer a kitten, spaying or neutering may still help the problem – just check with your vet for a professional recommendation. We also recommend using Comfort Zone^® with Feliway^® pheromone-based products that can ease your pet’s stress, making him or her calmer and less likely to spray. In clinical studies*, Comfort Zone^® with Feliway^® products have been shown to help reduce spraying and scratching in 95% of cases.

If the cat is directing urine to a vertical surface (marking), Comfort Zone^® with Feliway^® products are effective in controlling this behavior. For best results, it is important to make a proper determination of behavioral urine marking. If the cat is squatting and urinating on a horizontal surface, there are a number of reasons for this behavior, including:

• Urinary tract infection or crystalluria**
• Inadequate cleaning of the litter box
• Unacceptable type of litter or litter box
• Relocation of litter box to busy area
• Accessibility of litter box (Is your cat blocked by another animal?)

*Data on file.

**Proper diagnosis required by veterinarian.

Does your cat hide from guests – or worse yet, act up by scratching, spraying or being destructive when new people come to your home? To avoid unpleasant moments when introducing a new pet and other cat behavior problems, take into consideration the following tips:

• Take things slowly. Don’t unleash your new pet on your home from the moment you walk through the door. That would be one way to surely startle your resident cat. Be patient and make sure to remember to work on your cat’s timetable, not yours.

• Separate your animals’ items. Give your pets their own individual water and food bowls, litter boxes and, if necessary, scratching posts. It’s also best to give your new cat its own area within your home. This will allow for not only your original cat, but both animals to adjust to the new living arrangement.

• Visit the veterinarian. This is mutually beneficial to both pets. You want to make sure the new animal is healthy and, for the sake of your first feline, isn’t bringing any unwanted ailments into its new surroundings.

• Use Comfort Zone^® with Feliway^® products. One of the easiest ways to make certain your original cat doesn’t have any cat behavior issues is to take advantage of Comfort Zone^® with Feliway^® pheromone-based products. Comfort Zone^® products are known for helping alleviate fear and stress experienced by cats and reducing the negative behaviors that are associated with these situations.

With a sensitive yet devoted commitment to the comforts of both your furry friends and the use of Comfort Zone^® with Feliway^® products, don’t be surprised if you find your pets playing together in no time. Learn more about Comfort Zone^® with Feliway^® products and find a retailer near you.

For transport in a cage, Comfort Zone^® with Feliway^® Spray is still your best application. Spray the inside of the cage with Comfort Zone^® with Feliway^® Spray about 20 minutes before introducing the cat. Take it along to keep cats cool, calm and collected in the car, on the plane -- even at the vet!

Remember, your pet is unlikely to behave in a new environment as he or she does at home. Psychologically preparing your pet for long stays away from home by boarding them for a day can be a good way to prepare them for your longer trips. For transport in a car or other vehicle, spray 3-4 times around the cat's usual place in the vehicle before placing the cat in it.

Traveling Without Your Pet? You can also help ease your pet's transition — and ensure his or her health and safety by providing your pet’s caretakers with these important essentials:

• Healthy Feeding Guides: Be sure not to feed your pet for four hours prior to dropping him or her off, and for three hours after picking him or her up. This will help to avoid over-feeding and digestive problems. Also make sure your pet's caretakers know the appropriate feeding schedule and food needs.

• Favorite Toy: Help your pets stay stress-free by leaving them their favorite toys while boarding or when left alone. Having a trusted buddy around will help your pet feel more comfortable without you.

• Familiar Scent: Dogs' and cats' stress levels are also affected by scents. By leaving a Comfort Zone^® with D.A.P.^® (Dog Appeasing Pheromone) Diffuser or Spray for dogs and Comfort Zone^® with Feliway^® Diffuser or Spray for cats with those taking care of your pet, they'll have a pet behavior solution on hand in case your pet gets scared or acts up. If you plan to leave your pet at home with someone checking in from time to time, you can also prepare your living space a couple days in advance with a Comfort Zone^® Diffuser, which will spread a comforting pheromone throughout your living space.

• Veterinary Records: Make sure that family, friends or your local kennel have all of your pet's veterinary records in case of an emergency or a medical problem.

• Medical and Special Needs Information: It is vital to inform those taking care of your pet about any medical issues or special needs your pet may have and how they should be addressed. If your pet has medication, make sure caretakers know the directions for use.

• Emergency Contact Information: In case of emergency, leave all of your contact information with the person providing your pet's care in your absence. Knowing how and where to get in touch with you will help ensure your pet's safety.

Find even more cat and dog advice from the pet experts at Comfort Zone — or learn more about the cat behavior modification and dog behavior solutions available with Comfort Zone^® products.

.*Data on file.

As an animal lover, naturally you ask yourself what is the harm in adding a second pet to your home. For you, adding a new cat or dog is only a matter of joy and excitement. Yet the same probably can’t be said for your current cat. For all the time cats spend by themselves, you would think they would be happy with the addition of a permanent playmate. But bringing a new pet into your cat’s domain is a delicate process that could lead to negative consequences and cat behavior issues, such as your cat disappearing into the far corners of your home, a stop in litter box use or stress resulting in growling or clawing.

Loud noises — such as explosions from fireworks, loud horns and storms – can cause severe stress in your pet, leading your normally calm four-legged friend to act frenzied, upset or even destructive.

In fact, you should also think twice about simply locking pets in the house while you head out for holiday fun — the sound of loud explosions may create even more fear and stress for a confined animal left alone, causing cat or dog stress symptoms such as:

• Shaking, trembling
• Excessive barking, howling
• Trying to hide or get into or out of an enclosure
• Refusing to eat
• Scratching, chewing or other destructive behaviors
• House soiling

Prevent Pet Stress

Keep loud celebrations or events from ruining the evening for your cat. With fireworks, storms and other noises and distractions, your pet could easily become disoriented, lost or scared. Instead, follow these simple prevention tips:

• Never ignite fireworks around your animal.

• Keep pets indoors on the Fourth of July and make certain the animal is in a confined and secure area such as a pet carrier or small room.

• Turn on a TV or radio to drown out outdoor noise and keep the shades closed so the animal can't see what's going on outside.

• Use a leash or animal carrier if you need to transport your pet.

• Take your dog out to do his business before fireworks begin.

• If your cat or dog exhibits the stress symptoms outlined above, don’t reinforce behavior by offering sympathy. Instead, divert its attention by playing a game or stroking your pet.

• Make sure your animal's ID is current. July 5 is one of the busiest days of the year at animal shelters. Dogs can end up miles from home, confused, disoriented and exhausted. Proper tagging will help expedite your reunion.

For additional help, try pheromone therapy. Comfort Zone^® with Feliway^® products for cats can be helpful aids in relieving stress. Available in easy outlet diffusers, you can plug in your Comfort Zone^® product one to two weeks in advance of your event or thunderstorm season, giving your cat time to become more comfortable and secure and reducing his or her urge to act out destructively through chewing, excessive barking or house soiling.

* Data on file