This sweet kitten is one of the kittens and cats at the Washington- Wilkes Animal Shelter. They all need nice warm loving homes. Come and visit.

Scratching is important for cats. People think cats scratch to sharpen their claws, but it's the way they shed the old outer sheaths of their nails. Scratching is also a marking way of leaving their scent. It's a stress reliever for cats as they stretch their muscles.

Train your cat to use a scratching post. Place it near where your cat spends a lot of time. Rub the kitten or cat's paws down the post a few times. Be gentle. Don't force it. Pet and praise your cat.

Call the Animal Shelter at 706- 678-CATS to adopt both cats and dogs.