For cats, scratching is natural and pleasurable as a good stretch is for humans.

It removes the dead outer layer of their claws. Scratching serves as a cat's primary means of defense. And scent glands on their paws enable them to mark territory. In addition, the act stretches their bodies and flexes their feet and claws; and it helps to work off energy.

However, the last thing you want is Felix clawing at your furniture to satisfy this natural instinct.

If such shredding is a problem in your home, provide alternative scratching objects that are appealing and convenient from your cat's point of view, such as rope-wrapped posts or corrugated cardboard scratching boards laced with catnip. Make sure a new object won't fall over or move when used. Place the new object near the off-limits object that he's been scratching.

Cover the off-limits object with something unappealing: double-sided sticky tape, aluminum foil or a plastic carpet runner with the pointy side up. Don't remove the cover until he consistently uses the appropriate scratching object for several weeks. After he's begun using the new object, you can gradually move it — but not more than a few inches each day — to a location you prefer. However, try to keep the scratching object as close to his preferred location as possible.

Punishing your cat doesn't resolve scratching problems and it doesn't teach what is appropriate to scratch. If you do catch him in the act of scratching something inappropriate, reprimand him in a way that prevents him from associating the punishment with you — for example, make a loud noise by shaking a soda can filled with rocks or use a whistle to startle him.

If it came down to a choice between getting the cat declawed or relinquishing your pet, get the front claws removed but certainly not the back ones. Declawing is recommended as a last resort when behavior training fails.

MERNA

TAG NO. 08-10119

Miss Merna is a beautiful little 5-year-old, but she doesn't do a great deal to sell herself. This gray-and-tan kitty with pretty markings is shy and timid with folks but can be handled with some encouragement from you. We think Merna would do best in a household without small keiki, as she likes her catnaps and lots of quiet time.

CANDY

TAG NO. 08-10615

Candy is a cute dog — no question about that. She was turned in as a stray on May 18. She is white and brown, with an alert face and some minor skin problems. She was tick-infested upon admittance and has been treated. So, the condition of her skin will likely improve.

These animals may have already found homes. The Hawaiian Humane Society and McInerny Dog Park at 2700 Wai'alae Ave. are open weekdays 11 a.m.7 p.m., weekends and holidays 10 a.m.-4 p.m. For directions, special events and to see more pets available for adoption, go to www.hawaiianhumane.org or call 946-2187. Call immediately to report lost and found animals, ext. 4.

A 2-FOR-1 SPECIAL FOR CAT LOVERS

The Hawaiian Humane Society this month is offering 2-for-1 adoptions for felines older than six months.

Each cat adopted will come with a special gift including a complimentary bag of Nutro food. For a single adoption fee of $60, cats receive spay/neuter surgery, a health examination, worming, flea and ear-mite treatment and microchip ID.