Build scratching post for kitty

Dear Readers: If you're having trouble with your cat scratching anything and anywhere, then here are a few hints that may help you and your kitty:

Cats scratch for many reasons: to get rid of worn, damaged claws so that new, sharper ones can grow; because they have glands in between the pads of their paws that secrete and mark the scratched area; it sloughs off old claws; and it's exercise. To help deter scratching on furniture, put aluminum foil or thin sheets of clear plastic on the spot, as most cats don't like the feel of these. Of course, a scratching post is a must! Place it near the spot where the scratching is happening.

Here are a few suggestions for making a scratching "post":

1. Attach a piece of carpet to the wall closest to where the scratching is occurring.

2. Cover a piece of wood that has a heavy base with carpet so kitty can put his or her body weight against it without it falling over.

3. Cover a cinder block with a piece of carpet.

Entice kitty to the "new" scratching area by dangling a feather from a piece of string to lead him or her to the "new" scratching post, or even applying some catnip on the surface of the carpet. When you see kitty using the scratching post, be sure to offer a verbal or food reward, or a pat. — Heloise

Dear Readers: Jennifer Huss of Crouse, N.C., sent a photo of Belle, a Dalmatian, and Ashes, a rabbit. Ashes is sitting on one of two Harley motorcycles as Belle sits nearby. Jennifer calls them "my Harley-lovin' pets!"

If you have a unique pet photo you'd like to share, or even a pet hint that you have found helpful, send it to: Heloise/Pet, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000. — Heloise

Dear Heloise: When shopping at a local pet store, I overheard a woman praising a man who, I believe, was a dog trainer. A hint he'd given her saved her and her dog from a bad mauling by another dog.

The hint was to carry an unopened automatic umbrella (the type that quickly opens when you push a button). If approached by a vicious dog, pull your dog in close to you and, at the same time, pop open the umbrella in front of you and toward the attacking dog.

The umbrella acts as a barrier, which will confuse the dog — in this case, the dog was so startled when the umbrella popped open that he turned tail and went yelping away.

I'm sure this hint will be helpful not only to dog walkers, but to anyone who walks alone or with children. — Linda D., Ventura, Calif

Dear Heloise: I put a reminder of my pets' heartworm medication into my alarm scheduler on my cell phone, so I will always remember to give them their heartworm preventative on the first of the month. — Ann Rogers, Durham, N.C., via e-mail

---

© King Features Syndicate Inc.