He is an eight year old siamese cat that loves scratching the carpets and couches but won't get near a scratching post.
2007-03-21 04:48:12 · 13 answers · asked by Eric S 2 in Pets ➔ Cats
He is an eight year old Siamese cat that loves scratching the carpets and couches but won't get near a scratching post. I've had him since he was almost two months old and I've tried to make him scratch the post but doesn't like it.
2007-03-21 04:51:09 · update #1
I got my cat declawed it was the best thing I ever did
2007-03-21 04:50:28 · answer #1 · answered by mncltrr 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Keep a scratching post near where the cat usually sleeps or, if he has already picked out a corner of your sofa, keep it next to that chosen spot. You may need to train your cat to use his scratching post. Do not pick him up and put his paws on the scratching post (that will only make him want to avoid it). Make the scratching post appealing to him: rub catnip on it or mist it with catnip spray; drape a heavy string (a long leather shoelace works great) over it and wiggle it to catch his interest; put treats on the very top.
Invest in a scratching post that is 24" or 30" tall, with a sturdy base - your cat may be using the arm of the sofa because he can stretch higher than his scratching post will allow. Most of the ones you will find at the store are only 18" high so you may need to visit a pet supply store.
buy a scratching post made out of rough sisal (NOT the rope, a weave!). It's tall (29 inches), doesn't fall over, doesn't wobble, and doesn't slide across the floor. And, of course, the best part: all the cats love it. It's called the TopCat Sisal Scratching Post.
A few cats don't like scratching on a vertical post, but will scratch willingly on a flat scratching pad. If your cat prefers a flat surface, you can either buy one of the cardboard scratching boxes (typically available from mail order or pet stores), or buy a scrap of plywood and a carpet remnant, large enough to fold around onto the back of the plywood. Cut the corners on an angle, fold the carpet remnant over the wood, and tack the carpet on using carpet tacks or heavy-duty staples.
2007-03-21 05:36:49 · answer #2 · answered by Hapi =) 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
He's 8 years old so he might be stuck in his ways (just like us when we've had a certain routine for most of our lives.) Now my cats were just babies when I did this, but I would pick them up and put them at the top of the post, and all 3 of them immediately grabbed the post with all 4 sets of claws. They'd hang there a few seconds, and then leap off. Just so they became familiar with how they could use their claws on it.
Today, 2 of them are declawed, and those 2 STILL use the scratching post as if they were trying to sharpen their claws on it, only they're a little more gentler, almost like they're kneading it. The oldest one who is not declawed still claws the carpet once in a while, but it's either the carpet or it's the scratching post. One is horizontal (the floor) and the other is vertical (the post.) Usually he uses the post when he's worked up, and the floor when he's stretching. I don't care so much about him clawing the carpet since we're going to eventually replace it anyway, but after he's done I just go and run my foot over it to even it back out where's he's seemingly dug it up. Just as long as he's not doing it on my furniture!
2007-03-21 05:40:23 · answer #3 · answered by Krista B 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Well I know that they sell this spray at any pet store, that its like cat nip but in a spray form, maybe if you sprayed some of that on the scratch post it will attract him to it, and as for the scratching the carpet and the couches I would suggest clipping his nails and if that doesnt help, you could look into getting him declawed (that is if he is an indoor cat.) , you can get more info at the vet about that. Well Good Luck!
2007-03-21 05:16:55 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
DON'T DECLAW!
I just answered a question from someone with a declawed cat who was upset because the cat was not using the litterbox and was aggressive. That's typical of declawed cats.
They also get arthritis from having to walk on their knuckles because the first section of their toe gets surgically removed with the claw.
I can direct you to some websites through my email, I am also a vet tech and cat behaviorist. email me, it's a bit of a process but it's easy.
kery@felinezen.com
2007-03-21 04:54:06 · answer #5 · answered by kary e 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Do not declaw it's cruel, and it's very painful, maybe try to buy soft paws, this will not hurt the cat , try cat nip spray on the post , and these Safe things will work
2007-03-21 09:29:20 · answer #6 · answered by kitty 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First, don't declaw you cat. What you might try is rubbing catnip and the scratch post to entice it. You can't really train cats. They may listen to you when you're home, but when you're not home, they'll do what they want, the the catnip may work to make then WANT to use it.
2007-03-21 05:03:45 · answer #7 · answered by shelly 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I never figured my Siamese out his whole life. The scratch post wasn't as fun for him as my leather couch.
I refused to have him de-clawed in case he got outside which the sneak always seemed to do.
2007-03-21 04:54:45 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
My cat wouldn't use the scratching post either so I got one of those cardboard ones. It's cardboard pieces that lay on their sides and my cat loves it. You can even sprinkle cat nip on it.
2007-03-21 07:05:13 · answer #9 · answered by Brownie 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Have you tried cat nip?
I trained my cat (Manx) with a spray bottle and water. She learned what was acceptable and what was not.
As for declawing.... I have seen declawing a cat change it's entire personailty.
2007-03-21 04:52:22 · answer #10 · answered by Lady 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋