2007-11-29 01:13:06 · 17 answers · asked by mizzy2ca 2 in Pets ➔ Cats
Add a variety of scratchers to your home. You want flat, slanted, and vertical scratchers. I prefer the cardboard scratchers so their is no confusion with the carpet or other fabric. They come with some catnip to rub on the scratchers too. Cats just don't understand why they can scratch some carpet and not the rest, so I don't ever use those carpet scratchers. You may also want to try a siscal post, my cats never liked them, but some LOVE them. Just make sure it is sturdy because once a post falls over, the cat will never touch it again.
One of my cat prefers to scratch on a flat surface, but also wants a vertical stretch and scratch. The other cat prefers a vertical or slanted surface. This is why you need to have more than one scratcher. I have 2 flat (actually 4 looking around, but 2 are almost used up), 2 vertical (attached to doors, refills cost $2-$4 at Target), and 1 slanted. They are cheap and last a couple months at least since they are double sided. The refills are cheaper than buying the whole think, but if you have a chewer like me, you will have to replace the other cardboard box every once in awhile, but overall it is a very cheap process.
Trim your cats nails at least monthly. The vet can show you how to do it, and you can get a kit from the pet store. Basically you are just cutting off the tips. I never do deep trims because I would hate to hit the vein. Just grab the cat when it is really sleepy and start trimming. It did take a little while for the cats to see that we were not hurting them and to let us do our job. Now they just sit for the trim and accept the treats we give them after (we don't give treats daily, just when they deserve a treat such as after interactive play or a nail trim or brushing).
There is "Sticky Paws" which is a mild double sided tape to use as a deterrent, or you can get the roll of generic that Target sells in the Cat aisle for much less. The roll costs $4-$5 for the brand Target sells. They work, but remember to change them weekly or they will stick and ruin your furniture.
I am not a fan of water bottles because all the cat learns is to fear you, and when you are not around, they will still do the bad act. You need to be consistant, and things like the tape and alarms do the work when you are not around.
2007-11-29 01:28:27 · answer #1 · answered by Crystal 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I tried scratching posts and every other thing they had out there my cat still likes the furniture or carpet best. I didn't believe in getting cat's declawed. Now they can declaw them with a laser which is alot less painful. New kitty got declawed and neutered at the same time. He didn't have a bit of problem.
2007-11-29 01:27:56 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
You should put a scratching post (or get a piece of wood and wrap it in carpet for a cheaper alternative)and put it in the place where the cat scratches the most.If it does it in several places try to get a post for these to.If you see them scratching somewhere else or on the furniture still move them quickly to the scratching post and say no in a firm voice.If they use the post stroke them and give them treats.Hope it works for you
2007-11-29 01:56:38 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
get him his very own scratching post, just a chunk of wood with a bit of carpet tied to it would do the trick. Everytime he/she scratches on your furniture, remove him to his post, cats do learn despite having a mind of their own
2007-11-29 01:17:36 · answer #4 · answered by OzDonna 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
A course in "swatology" works for me(however, they usually need more than one session) till they figure out what it is that you do not want them to do.... Or an immediate and loud "no" and immediate toss outside> They will relate scratching to getting cold(and no cat likes the cold) and they will put it together and stop and will go back to your leg.
2007-11-29 02:17:20 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Buy a scratching post and show the cat how it is used , keep the nails cut too...
2007-11-29 01:16:44 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Get him a scratching post and if at all possible try trimming his nails. They do this to mark their territory so try to train him to use a scratching post they sell them at local pet stores.
2007-11-29 01:39:16 · answer #7 · answered by whisper2ya 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
If your cat stays indoors only get him/her declawed, only on it's front two paws. Do not get your cat declawed if it goes outside too because then it wont have any defense mechanism. Or get your cat a carpet scratching post. =)
2007-11-29 01:29:00 · answer #8 · answered by Laura Pavlicek 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Buy a scratching post!!
Worked for my cat instantly!
2007-11-29 01:16:15 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Put something on your furniture to keep it from itching, then your cat shouldn't need to scratch it.
Actually, you'll probably have to declaw you cat.
2007-11-29 01:16:08 · answer #10 · answered by TopPotts 7 · 0⤊ 3⤋