How do you stop cats who do not have access to the outdoors from scratching wooden doors and frames please - they are adult cats - long term pets - average age 4 years old - multiple cats - all cats are related to each other - have litter trays, all very healthy and vet checked - previously had a garden - now in accomodation without access to a garden ? Realise that they need to scratch to renew and exercise their claws !
2006-08-07 06:35:43 · 26 answers · asked by beiterspace 2 in Pets ➔ Cats
sadie 69 - my wife says why don't you grow up and take your childish opinions to someone who's interested, and in future you should consider that people don't always have options in life and make the best decisions they can. Our cats are actually very happy - unlike you - you seem to be part of the too-tightly-wrapped brigade !!!
2006-08-07 08:43:42 · update #1
try scratching posts that you can buy, or if they prefer wood (since the commercial ones are usually carpet covered), try putting a few 2x4's near where they scratch. reward them when they use their posts and squirt them (gently) with a bit of water when they scratch on the doorframe. make sure they get lots of play time each day and that their nails are trimmed. congrats on keeping them indoors - they'll be heathier in the long run!
ps. cats also hate the smell of citrus - you might be able to dissuade them from scratching the doorframes if you spray them with a citrus-based (and non-fdangerous!!!!) cleaner or scent.
2006-08-07 06:42:36 · answer #1 · answered by Catalina 3 · 8⤊ 0⤋
I have 4 indoor adult cats
2 new sofas (one I covered the back to deter them)
1 child's Cradle they are slowly destroying!!!
2 Scratching posts(occasionally they use them)
We have tried sprays, water guns, yelling*, and stern threatening looks. All to no avail!
The 2 things that do work----prepare yourself for they are dangerous!!
1. I trim their claws while my husband holds them wrapped in a towel. He has lost a little blood but its worth it! (This will minimize their need to scratch)
2. A product I ordered on-line (Soft claws) When my daughter was young so they wouldn't scratch her.
---the downside of this product is you first have to trim the claws then apply glue and the lil gel tip!
My advice is to learn how to trim their claws and do it every month!
Good luck
2006-08-07 06:47:58 · answer #2 · answered by MindinChaos 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get them a scratching post embedded with catnip. When they scratch it, say nothing. Do not scold them, do not praise them, just say nothing. If you catch them scratching furniture you should either call their name and say "no" in a firm but gentle voice. Scratching is a private and instinctive action. They do not like being observed because they, as predators, are slightly "vulnerable" while scratching. When you ignore the scratching of the intended post, they will see that it is ok.
2006-08-07 06:41:53 · answer #3 · answered by wizard8100@sbcglobal.net 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Deff try the citrus spray on the door frames - i had 2 cats indoors for many years and they went for the door and window frames until i used the spray on them, but you will need to cut their claws quite often in my experience the scratching posts didn't really work, and be carefull of catnip it used to make my cat so excited she used to wee... lol bless
2006-08-07 06:58:06 · answer #4 · answered by kinkyprincess75 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My answere is the same as eveyone elses, SCRATCHING POST and SQUIRT BOTTLE. Another nifty trick if your cats are getting on counters and high places that they should not be going put up shelves on your wall in a step pattern. Cats get on high things to survey thier territory and unfortunately it's usually our kitchen counters and knick nack shelves that they choose. But I put up shelves just for them in my living room and they love it! They go up one side of the wall all way to the top corner of the other side. They love being able to get almost to the cieling and then just laying there. This has kept them off my other shelves and counters!
2006-08-07 06:51:31 · answer #5 · answered by queenfanara 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sorry you cant cats are free spirits and will all-ways scratch the furniture.
Its what cats do. I am not being funny but try putting a large log in the front room, about 2f 6ins high and about 20ind round it worked for me.
2006-08-07 09:52:30 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
its weird, but my cat does that too. she's also about 4 years old, has a litter tray, healthy, and scratches wooden door frames.
maybe your cats need scratching posts. mine has one. she uses it half the time, but it does keep her from messing up door frames and furniture
2006-08-07 07:41:40 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
best bet is to get a big cat climbing frame. its covered in a material that cats love to scratch and you can get them in all good pet shops.
the bigger the climbing frame the more it'll cost.
squirt the areas where they scratch with orange smelling stuff cats hate the smell and shud stop.
2006-08-07 06:46:25 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have two cats and I got both of them declawed because they are indoor cats and never go outside. Worked for me. My furniture and doors stay nice and my cats can scratch all they want. Everyone stays happy.
2006-08-07 07:49:33 · answer #9 · answered by kerri_lynn01 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Saw in the papers today a new product... Little colours plastic cups to put on cat claws
2006-08-07 06:47:52 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋