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#1
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cat scratching furniture
P.D wrote:
I have 3 cats and they destroyed the furniture we had in our old place (scratched the crap out of the couch, etc). Besides using "Soft Paws" is there any other products that will help in keeping the cats away from the sofa's? From what you have written it is apparent that you haven't given your cats appropriate items to scratch on and so they have had no choice but to use your furniture. The first and most important thing is that you should'nt worry about keeping your cats away from the furniture, but rather make a point of providing *several* attractive items for your cats to scratch so that they have no desire to scratch the furniture. You can't stop a cat from scratching as it is a deeply ingrained and instinctual behavior, but you can redirect their scratching. The secret is to give them things they know are "theirs" and (and I can't stress this enough) make sure these items consist of textures and surfaces that they like. Keeping their claws trimmed regularly will also greatly minimize any damage they might do. If you haven't done this before, there are instructions with photos at my website which is listed in the sigline. What type of fabric is your couch made of? If it is a rough textured fabric you should have good luck with a *tall* sisal or burlap covered post (don't bother with carpeted posts as they are not attractive to most cats.) Height is a very important factor when choosing a post as cats like to stretch up and dig their claws in, then pull down. Taller is better. The Petsmart post in the picture at the following link is a great option (36") and if you can afford it I would recommend you get two or three of them to place in different areas of the house. http://community.webtv.net/zuzu22/scratch There is a also a burlap type post called the Karate Kat or Top Cat post that is nice and is available online. Another important factor is sturdiness. You want something well balanced that isn't real wobbly and the cat won't tip over. If you're handy you can make a post or tree customized to fit your cats' desires. There are several plans available at my http://www.stopdeclaw.com website. I also recommend that you get a couple of flat cardboard scratching pads to place around the house ($5 at Target and Walmart, or $10 for an extra wide one.) Another option is a log with the bark on it. One woman that contacted me asking for tips on scratching sent her husband out to the forest and he brought back a bunch of various size logs and fixed them upright onto a base. Her cat loved this and scratches on it all the time. Having at least one good size cat tree that the cats can really climb and play on is very important, and these generally have at least one part that is good for scratching. I spent about $250 for a gorgeous tree from http://createacatcondo.com and this thing is so well made I have no doubt that it will still be in good shape 25 years from now. Since it's been a scratching "free for all" at your house, once you move it is going to take some time and patience to teach your cats that things are different and certain items are now "off limits." It's a simple matter of redirecting their attention to things they *can* scratch and praising them lavishly when they oblige. If they try to scratch things you don't want them to, you must distract them using a "happy" voice and get their attention focused back on what you want them to scratch, then give more praise when they oblige. One way would be to stand by the scratching post you want them to use and scratch it with your fingernails loud enough for them to hear it. At my house, when I do this several cats come running and quickly dig into the post. My cats don't need redirection as they don't scratch the furniture, but I do this for the hell of it because they clearly have fun and get so much pleasure from digging into the post and that makes me happy. :-) While you are redirecting their scratching you will need to make the items you don't want them to scratch unattractive. There is a product called sticky paws which is basically large strips of clear double sided tape that you apply to the areas of the furniture you don't want them to scratch. Throws are also handy for draping over couch and chair arms temporarily. The scratching posts, etc. should be placed in prominent areas where the cats and you spend time, or close to where the cats sleep as most cats like to get in a good scratch and stretch when they wake up. Placing a post by the entry to rooms they use often would also be good positioning. Part of a cat's scratching is for the purpose of using visual means (and scent from glands in the paw pads) to tell other cats "I was here" and it makes sense that entryways would be where they would want to leave this sort of message. I have a post that is right by the door into my bedroom and it gets used constantly. A post or scratching pad should be placed next to any areas where they are scratching inappropriately as it is an area they like so that's not something you have to guess at. Placing a post in close proximity to the furniture will make it very easy for you to redirect their attention to the post. Rubbing some catnip on the posts from time to time will make then even more enticing. The cardboard scratchers are nice to put in different areas because they are small and very cheap. I have these as well and the cats love them. The fact that you will have made the furniture unpleasant to scratch, combined with the encouragement and praise they will receive for using the things you have provided for them will only make them want to use them more. It is important to never yell at them or do anything like squirt them with water as these methods do not work and will only make your cats fearful. Positive reinforcement is very effective and enjoyable for all. If you are consistent, eventually you should be able to remove the tape and throws. When you get the new furniture, you should take into consideration what your cats have shown interest in and find fabrics that are the very opposite. Usually very smooth fabrics are a good choice and won't entice the cats. HTH. Megan "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." -Edmund Burke Learn The TRUTH About Declawing http://www.stopdeclaw.com Zuzu's Cats Photo Album: http://www.PictureTrail.com/zuzu22 "Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents, meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamt would have come his way." - W.H. Murray |
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P.D wrote:
I have 3 cats and they destroyed the furniture we had in our old place (scratched the crap out of the couch, etc). Besides using "Soft Paws" is there any other products that will help in keeping the cats away from the sofa's? From what you have written it is apparent that you haven't given your cats appropriate items to scratch on and so they have had no choice but to use your furniture. The first and most important thing is that you should'nt worry about keeping your cats away from the furniture, but rather make a point of providing *several* attractive items for your cats to scratch so that they have no desire to scratch the furniture. You can't stop a cat from scratching as it is a deeply ingrained and instinctual behavior, but you can redirect their scratching. The secret is to give them things they know are "theirs" and (and I can't stress this enough) make sure these items consist of textures and surfaces that they like. Keeping their claws trimmed regularly will also greatly minimize any damage they might do. If you haven't done this before, there are instructions with photos at my website which is listed in the sigline. What type of fabric is your couch made of? If it is a rough textured fabric you should have good luck with a *tall* sisal or burlap covered post (don't bother with carpeted posts as they are not attractive to most cats.) Height is a very important factor when choosing a post as cats like to stretch up and dig their claws in, then pull down. Taller is better. The Petsmart post in the picture at the following link is a great option (36") and if you can afford it I would recommend you get two or three of them to place in different areas of the house. http://community.webtv.net/zuzu22/scratch There is a also a burlap type post called the Karate Kat or Top Cat post that is nice and is available online. Another important factor is sturdiness. You want something well balanced that isn't real wobbly and the cat won't tip over. If you're handy you can make a post or tree customized to fit your cats' desires. There are several plans available at my http://www.stopdeclaw.com website. I also recommend that you get a couple of flat cardboard scratching pads to place around the house ($5 at Target and Walmart, or $10 for an extra wide one.) Another option is a log with the bark on it. One woman that contacted me asking for tips on scratching sent her husband out to the forest and he brought back a bunch of various size logs and fixed them upright onto a base. Her cat loved this and scratches on it all the time. Having at least one good size cat tree that the cats can really climb and play on is very important, and these generally have at least one part that is good for scratching. I spent about $250 for a gorgeous tree from http://createacatcondo.com and this thing is so well made I have no doubt that it will still be in good shape 25 years from now. Since it's been a scratching "free for all" at your house, once you move it is going to take some time and patience to teach your cats that things are different and certain items are now "off limits." It's a simple matter of redirecting their attention to things they *can* scratch and praising them lavishly when they oblige. If they try to scratch things you don't want them to, you must distract them using a "happy" voice and get their attention focused back on what you want them to scratch, then give more praise when they oblige. One way would be to stand by the scratching post you want them to use and scratch it with your fingernails loud enough for them to hear it. At my house, when I do this several cats come running and quickly dig into the post. My cats don't need redirection as they don't scratch the furniture, but I do this for the hell of it because they clearly have fun and get so much pleasure from digging into the post and that makes me happy. :-) While you are redirecting their scratching you will need to make the items you don't want them to scratch unattractive. There is a product called sticky paws which is basically large strips of clear double sided tape that you apply to the areas of the furniture you don't want them to scratch. Throws are also handy for draping over couch and chair arms temporarily. The scratching posts, etc. should be placed in prominent areas where the cats and you spend time, or close to where the cats sleep as most cats like to get in a good scratch and stretch when they wake up. Placing a post by the entry to rooms they use often would also be good positioning. Part of a cat's scratching is for the purpose of using visual means (and scent from glands in the paw pads) to tell other cats "I was here" and it makes sense that entryways would be where they would want to leave this sort of message. I have a post that is right by the door into my bedroom and it gets used constantly. A post or scratching pad should be placed next to any areas where they are scratching inappropriately as it is an area they like so that's not something you have to guess at. Placing a post in close proximity to the furniture will make it very easy for you to redirect their attention to the post. Rubbing some catnip on the posts from time to time will make then even more enticing. The cardboard scratchers are nice to put in different areas because they are small and very cheap. I have these as well and the cats love them. The fact that you will have made the furniture unpleasant to scratch, combined with the encouragement and praise they will receive for using the things you have provided for them will only make them want to use them more. It is important to never yell at them or do anything like squirt them with water as these methods do not work and will only make your cats fearful. Positive reinforcement is very effective and enjoyable for all. If you are consistent, eventually you should be able to remove the tape and throws. When you get the new furniture, you should take into consideration what your cats have shown interest in and find fabrics that are the very opposite. Usually very smooth fabrics are a good choice and won't entice the cats. HTH. Megan "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." -Edmund Burke Learn The TRUTH About Declawing http://www.stopdeclaw.com Zuzu's Cats Photo Album: http://www.PictureTrail.com/zuzu22 "Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents, meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamt would have come his way." - W.H. Murray |
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Fantastic post, Megan. Lots of good information here.
MaryL |
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Fantastic post, Megan. Lots of good information here.
MaryL |
#6
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in article ,
at wrote on 7/12/03 10:29 PM: P.D wrote: I have 3 cats and they destroyed the furniture we had in our old place (scratched the crap out of the couch, etc). Besides using "Soft Paws" is there any other products that will help in keeping the cats away from the sofa's? From what you have written it is apparent that you haven't given your cats appropriate items to scratch on and so they have had no choice but to use your furniture. The first and most important thing is that you should'nt worry about keeping your cats away from the furniture, but rather make a point of providing *several* attractive items for your cats to scratch so that they have no desire to scratch the furniture. You can't stop a cat from scratching as it is a deeply ingrained and instinctual behavior, but you can redirect their scratching. The secret is to give them things they know are "theirs" and (and I can't stress this enough) make sure these items consist of textures and surfaces that they like. Keeping their claws trimmed regularly will also greatly minimize any damage they might do. If you haven't done this before, there are instructions with photos at my website which is listed in the sigline. What type of fabric is your couch made of? If it is a rough textured fabric you should have good luck with a *tall* sisal or burlap covered post (don't bother with carpeted posts as they are not attractive to most cats.) Height is a very important factor when choosing a post as cats like to stretch up and dig their claws in, then pull down. Taller is better. The Petsmart post in the picture at the following link is a great option (36") and if you can afford it I would recommend you get two or three of them to place in different areas of the house. http://community.webtv.net/zuzu22/scratch There is a also a burlap type post called the Karate Kat or Top Cat post that is nice and is available online. Another important factor is sturdiness. You want something well balanced that isn't real wobbly and the cat won't tip over. If you're handy you can make a post or tree customized to fit your cats' desires. There are several plans available at my http://www.stopdeclaw.com website. I also recommend that you get a couple of flat cardboard scratching pads to place around the house ($5 at Target and Walmart, or $10 for an extra wide one.) Another option is a log with the bark on it. One woman that contacted me asking for tips on scratching sent her husband out to the forest and he brought back a bunch of various size logs and fixed them upright onto a base. Her cat loved this and scratches on it all the time. Having at least one good size cat tree that the cats can really climb and play on is very important, and these generally have at least one part that is good for scratching. I spent about $250 for a gorgeous tree from http://createacatcondo.com and this thing is so well made I have no doubt that it will still be in good shape 25 years from now. Since it's been a scratching "free for all" at your house, once you move it is going to take some time and patience to teach your cats that things are different and certain items are now "off limits." It's a simple matter of redirecting their attention to things they *can* scratch and praising them lavishly when they oblige. If they try to scratch things you don't want them to, you must distract them using a "happy" voice and get their attention focused back on what you want them to scratch, then give more praise when they oblige. One way would be to stand by the scratching post you want them to use and scratch it with your fingernails loud enough for them to hear it. At my house, when I do this several cats come running and quickly dig into the post. My cats don't need redirection as they don't scratch the furniture, but I do this for the hell of it because they clearly have fun and get so much pleasure from digging into the post and that makes me happy. :-) While you are redirecting their scratching you will need to make the items you don't want them to scratch unattractive. There is a product called sticky paws which is basically large strips of clear double sided tape that you apply to the areas of the furniture you don't want them to scratch. Throws are also handy for draping over couch and chair arms temporarily. The scratching posts, etc. should be placed in prominent areas where the cats and you spend time, or close to where the cats sleep as most cats like to get in a good scratch and stretch when they wake up. Placing a post by the entry to rooms they use often would also be good positioning. Part of a cat's scratching is for the purpose of using visual means (and scent from glands in the paw pads) to tell other cats "I was here" and it makes sense that entryways would be where they would want to leave this sort of message. I have a post that is right by the door into my bedroom and it gets used constantly. A post or scratching pad should be placed next to any areas where they are scratching inappropriately as it is an area they like so that's not something you have to guess at. Placing a post in close proximity to the furniture will make it very easy for you to redirect their attention to the post. Rubbing some catnip on the posts from time to time will make then even more enticing. The cardboard scratchers are nice to put in different areas because they are small and very cheap. I have these as well and the cats love them. The fact that you will have made the furniture unpleasant to scratch, combined with the encouragement and praise they will receive for using the things you have provided for them will only make them want to use them more. It is important to never yell at them or do anything like squirt them with water as these methods do not work and will only make your cats fearful. Positive reinforcement is very effective and enjoyable for all. If you are consistent, eventually you should be able to remove the tape and throws. When you get the new furniture, you should take into consideration what your cats have shown interest in and find fabrics that are the very opposite. Usually very smooth fabrics are a good choice and won't entice the cats. HTH. Megan "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." -Edmund Burke Learn The TRUTH About Declawing http://www.stopdeclaw.com Zuzu's Cats Photo Album: http://www.PictureTrail.com/zuzu22 "Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents, meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamt would have come his way." - W.H. Murray I was recently speaking to a co-worker whose father made one for the porch. THey have a country cat, and though he is indoor outdoor, he would scratch the paint off the posts on the porch. Since he made the tree for the porch, the paint stays in place. So this *even* works on farm cats. Karen |
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thanks for the info. I do have 2 rather large scratching posts now that
have rope or something wrapped around them. They do use it quite often, but still go back to the couch sometimes. wrote in message ... P.D wrote: I have 3 cats and they destroyed the furniture we had in our old place (scratched the crap out of the couch, etc). Besides using "Soft Paws" is there any other products that will help in keeping the cats away from the sofa's? From what you have written it is apparent that you haven't given your cats appropriate items to scratch on and so they have had no choice but to use your furniture. The first and most important thing is that you should'nt worry about keeping your cats away from the furniture, but rather make a point of providing *several* attractive items for your cats to scratch so that they have no desire to scratch the furniture. You can't stop a cat from scratching as it is a deeply ingrained and instinctual behavior, but you can redirect their scratching. The secret is to give them things they know are "theirs" and (and I can't stress this enough) make sure these items consist of textures and surfaces that they like. Keeping their claws trimmed regularly will also greatly minimize any damage they might do. If you haven't done this before, there are instructions with photos at my website which is listed in the sigline. What type of fabric is your couch made of? If it is a rough textured fabric you should have good luck with a *tall* sisal or burlap covered post (don't bother with carpeted posts as they are not attractive to most cats.) Height is a very important factor when choosing a post as cats like to stretch up and dig their claws in, then pull down. Taller is better. The Petsmart post in the picture at the following link is a great option (36") and if you can afford it I would recommend you get two or three of them to place in different areas of the house. http://community.webtv.net/zuzu22/scratch There is a also a burlap type post called the Karate Kat or Top Cat post that is nice and is available online. Another important factor is sturdiness. You want something well balanced that isn't real wobbly and the cat won't tip over. If you're handy you can make a post or tree customized to fit your cats' desires. There are several plans available at my http://www.stopdeclaw.com website. I also recommend that you get a couple of flat cardboard scratching pads to place around the house ($5 at Target and Walmart, or $10 for an extra wide one.) Another option is a log with the bark on it. One woman that contacted me asking for tips on scratching sent her husband out to the forest and he brought back a bunch of various size logs and fixed them upright onto a base. Her cat loved this and scratches on it all the time. Having at least one good size cat tree that the cats can really climb and play on is very important, and these generally have at least one part that is good for scratching. I spent about $250 for a gorgeous tree from http://createacatcondo.com and this thing is so well made I have no doubt that it will still be in good shape 25 years from now. Since it's been a scratching "free for all" at your house, once you move it is going to take some time and patience to teach your cats that things are different and certain items are now "off limits." It's a simple matter of redirecting their attention to things they *can* scratch and praising them lavishly when they oblige. If they try to scratch things you don't want them to, you must distract them using a "happy" voice and get their attention focused back on what you want them to scratch, then give more praise when they oblige. One way would be to stand by the scratching post you want them to use and scratch it with your fingernails loud enough for them to hear it. At my house, when I do this several cats come running and quickly dig into the post. My cats don't need redirection as they don't scratch the furniture, but I do this for the hell of it because they clearly have fun and get so much pleasure from digging into the post and that makes me happy. :-) While you are redirecting their scratching you will need to make the items you don't want them to scratch unattractive. There is a product called sticky paws which is basically large strips of clear double sided tape that you apply to the areas of the furniture you don't want them to scratch. Throws are also handy for draping over couch and chair arms temporarily. The scratching posts, etc. should be placed in prominent areas where the cats and you spend time, or close to where the cats sleep as most cats like to get in a good scratch and stretch when they wake up. Placing a post by the entry to rooms they use often would also be good positioning. Part of a cat's scratching is for the purpose of using visual means (and scent from glands in the paw pads) to tell other cats "I was here" and it makes sense that entryways would be where they would want to leave this sort of message. I have a post that is right by the door into my bedroom and it gets used constantly. A post or scratching pad should be placed next to any areas where they are scratching inappropriately as it is an area they like so that's not something you have to guess at. Placing a post in close proximity to the furniture will make it very easy for you to redirect their attention to the post. Rubbing some catnip on the posts from time to time will make then even more enticing. The cardboard scratchers are nice to put in different areas because they are small and very cheap. I have these as well and the cats love them. The fact that you will have made the furniture unpleasant to scratch, combined with the encouragement and praise they will receive for using the things you have provided for them will only make them want to use them more. It is important to never yell at them or do anything like squirt them with water as these methods do not work and will only make your cats fearful. Positive reinforcement is very effective and enjoyable for all. If you are consistent, eventually you should be able to remove the tape and throws. When you get the new furniture, you should take into consideration what your cats have shown interest in and find fabrics that are the very opposite. Usually very smooth fabrics are a good choice and won't entice the cats. HTH. Megan "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." -Edmund Burke Learn The TRUTH About Declawing http://www.stopdeclaw.com Zuzu's Cats Photo Album: http://www.PictureTrail.com/zuzu22 "Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents, meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamt would have come his way." - W.H. Murray |
#8
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thanks for the info. I do have 2 rather large scratching posts now that
have rope or something wrapped around them. They do use it quite often, but still go back to the couch sometimes. wrote in message ... P.D wrote: I have 3 cats and they destroyed the furniture we had in our old place (scratched the crap out of the couch, etc). Besides using "Soft Paws" is there any other products that will help in keeping the cats away from the sofa's? From what you have written it is apparent that you haven't given your cats appropriate items to scratch on and so they have had no choice but to use your furniture. The first and most important thing is that you should'nt worry about keeping your cats away from the furniture, but rather make a point of providing *several* attractive items for your cats to scratch so that they have no desire to scratch the furniture. You can't stop a cat from scratching as it is a deeply ingrained and instinctual behavior, but you can redirect their scratching. The secret is to give them things they know are "theirs" and (and I can't stress this enough) make sure these items consist of textures and surfaces that they like. Keeping their claws trimmed regularly will also greatly minimize any damage they might do. If you haven't done this before, there are instructions with photos at my website which is listed in the sigline. What type of fabric is your couch made of? If it is a rough textured fabric you should have good luck with a *tall* sisal or burlap covered post (don't bother with carpeted posts as they are not attractive to most cats.) Height is a very important factor when choosing a post as cats like to stretch up and dig their claws in, then pull down. Taller is better. The Petsmart post in the picture at the following link is a great option (36") and if you can afford it I would recommend you get two or three of them to place in different areas of the house. http://community.webtv.net/zuzu22/scratch There is a also a burlap type post called the Karate Kat or Top Cat post that is nice and is available online. Another important factor is sturdiness. You want something well balanced that isn't real wobbly and the cat won't tip over. If you're handy you can make a post or tree customized to fit your cats' desires. There are several plans available at my http://www.stopdeclaw.com website. I also recommend that you get a couple of flat cardboard scratching pads to place around the house ($5 at Target and Walmart, or $10 for an extra wide one.) Another option is a log with the bark on it. One woman that contacted me asking for tips on scratching sent her husband out to the forest and he brought back a bunch of various size logs and fixed them upright onto a base. Her cat loved this and scratches on it all the time. Having at least one good size cat tree that the cats can really climb and play on is very important, and these generally have at least one part that is good for scratching. I spent about $250 for a gorgeous tree from http://createacatcondo.com and this thing is so well made I have no doubt that it will still be in good shape 25 years from now. Since it's been a scratching "free for all" at your house, once you move it is going to take some time and patience to teach your cats that things are different and certain items are now "off limits." It's a simple matter of redirecting their attention to things they *can* scratch and praising them lavishly when they oblige. If they try to scratch things you don't want them to, you must distract them using a "happy" voice and get their attention focused back on what you want them to scratch, then give more praise when they oblige. One way would be to stand by the scratching post you want them to use and scratch it with your fingernails loud enough for them to hear it. At my house, when I do this several cats come running and quickly dig into the post. My cats don't need redirection as they don't scratch the furniture, but I do this for the hell of it because they clearly have fun and get so much pleasure from digging into the post and that makes me happy. :-) While you are redirecting their scratching you will need to make the items you don't want them to scratch unattractive. There is a product called sticky paws which is basically large strips of clear double sided tape that you apply to the areas of the furniture you don't want them to scratch. Throws are also handy for draping over couch and chair arms temporarily. The scratching posts, etc. should be placed in prominent areas where the cats and you spend time, or close to where the cats sleep as most cats like to get in a good scratch and stretch when they wake up. Placing a post by the entry to rooms they use often would also be good positioning. Part of a cat's scratching is for the purpose of using visual means (and scent from glands in the paw pads) to tell other cats "I was here" and it makes sense that entryways would be where they would want to leave this sort of message. I have a post that is right by the door into my bedroom and it gets used constantly. A post or scratching pad should be placed next to any areas where they are scratching inappropriately as it is an area they like so that's not something you have to guess at. Placing a post in close proximity to the furniture will make it very easy for you to redirect their attention to the post. Rubbing some catnip on the posts from time to time will make then even more enticing. The cardboard scratchers are nice to put in different areas because they are small and very cheap. I have these as well and the cats love them. The fact that you will have made the furniture unpleasant to scratch, combined with the encouragement and praise they will receive for using the things you have provided for them will only make them want to use them more. It is important to never yell at them or do anything like squirt them with water as these methods do not work and will only make your cats fearful. Positive reinforcement is very effective and enjoyable for all. If you are consistent, eventually you should be able to remove the tape and throws. When you get the new furniture, you should take into consideration what your cats have shown interest in and find fabrics that are the very opposite. Usually very smooth fabrics are a good choice and won't entice the cats. HTH. Megan "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." -Edmund Burke Learn The TRUTH About Declawing http://www.stopdeclaw.com Zuzu's Cats Photo Album: http://www.PictureTrail.com/zuzu22 "Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents, meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamt would have come his way." - W.H. Murray |
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The stuff is bough already, to late to change the fabric!
When you get the new furniture, you should take into consideration what your cats have shown interest in and find fabrics that are the very opposite. Usually very smooth fabrics are a good choice and won't entice the cats. HTH. That's fine for when I am home and awake, but when we are both out or sleeping is when I think they do their most damage. If they try to scratch things you don't want them to, you must distract them using a "happy" voice and get their attention focused back on what you want them to scratch, then give more praise when they oblige. One way would be to stand by the scratching post you want them to use and scratch it with your fingernails loud enough for them to hear it. |
#10
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The stuff is bough already, to late to change the fabric!
When you get the new furniture, you should take into consideration what your cats have shown interest in and find fabrics that are the very opposite. Usually very smooth fabrics are a good choice and won't entice the cats. HTH. That's fine for when I am home and awake, but when we are both out or sleeping is when I think they do their most damage. If they try to scratch things you don't want them to, you must distract them using a "happy" voice and get their attention focused back on what you want them to scratch, then give more praise when they oblige. One way would be to stand by the scratching post you want them to use and scratch it with your fingernails loud enough for them to hear it. |
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