Save your furniture!!

So, this surprised me......but many people whom I talk to always comment on how their cats (and some dogs) ruin their furniture in their homes. I always ask if they have toys, scratching posts or anything and they always look at me confused! I mean if anything, I assumed they would have scratching posts around their home so the pets have something to claw on, instead of furniture. Well, anyways I thought I would just mention that these contraptions work wonders for saving your beloved furniture! I have never had any issues with my 2 cats with clawing anything in our home, I believe this is due to us having at least 1 scratching post in each room. We also have a cat tree in our living room that they LOVE!!!

Thought I would throw this out there for anyone that may be having their furniture assasinated by their cats. :D

Well, my cats don't bother my furniture, so much as my RECORDS. Can't figure out why they like LPs so much, but they sure do. :rolleyes:

And some cats... well, they have ATTITUDE. I use to have scratching posts that sat there, utterly ignored, while the cats clawed the LPs and the old couch and the SPEAKERS.

SOME cats might be thrilled at the prospect of using a scratching posts... but others just scoff at it, walk away and descemate your most prized possessions.

Anyone have any words of advice for how to get cats with 'TUDE to stop peeing/pooping on ANY carpet? I remove carpet in one room, they just move their "choice spot" to another carpeted room. Presently, ALL I have left is my BEDROOM and you know... I'm annoyed with having to always, always close my door or risk poopage. DARN CATS.

And what on EARTH are they going to do when I take out THAT carpet? :rolleyes: Heaven forbid, they will HAVE to use the box!!! It's not like it isn't CLEAN.

~phos

Phos- I'm dealing with the same thing with my new kitty. So far we think it is just a training thing, she should be fine eventually.......but right now, she will jump on my bed, start acting like she is scooping litter, meow VERY strangly, and then take a dump or pee......Really gross, I always scold her. We have moved her to the bathroom now so she is in very close quarters with her litter box, she has been doing well......but I'm afraid to let her out of the bathroom when we are gone. Not sure if this has some thing to do with Coccsitia or not...........her box is always clean also. :confused:

Hi Guys,

I work in a Humane Society and cats "eliminating" in innapppropriate places seem to be the number one question people phone us about.

Don't know if these will help but might be worth checking into - some really good bahaviour resources:

Books:

Think Like a Cat and Cat vs. Cat by Pam Johnson Bennett - she has a whole chapter on solving litter box problems and even a section on trying to get cats to stop scratching inappropriate surfaces. Has some great suggestions for cleaning products too.

Websites:

Dumb Friends League (named many years ago) - Behaviour Advice
http://www.ddfl.org/tips.htm#cat - has some great ideas to try for all sorts of behavioural issues for cats, dogs, and more.

Would post more but at work - I hope these help!

Carole

Bella, I have had cats for 26 years now. I used to object to having them declawed. Like you, I always kept a scratching post around, as well as climbing equipment, too. I tried all sorts of scratching posts, too. And nothing.... I mean nothing, stopped them from shredding my furniture. Then, I finally decided there had to be a compromise. I couldn't live the way I was living. Every new piece of furniture I owned was being destroyed. Even woodwork around the doors, too. So, I finally started having all my new indoor cats declawed when they were kittens (front paws only). And, have never regretted it. Not once. And finally, I am happier because my home isn't being destroyed. And have never had a declawed cat have any problems as a result of being declawed.

When I was young my father had my cat 'Mikko' declawed, everything was just fine also.......now days I have read a lot about de-clawing and how painful it can be for cats. I won't go that route now; they say imagine having your fingers cut off at the first joint and thats how the cats feel. Some cats actually have pain for the rest of their lives unfortunatly. Granted, 'Mikko' never seemed to have a problem with his de-clawing experience, but we as humans can't always tell what they are feeling.
When I bought my Bengal, I had to sign a contract promising that I would keep my pet inside only, never de-claw or breed them.

You know, I was initially opposed to this forum because I figured someone would post something about declawing cats and I'd lose my mind.

Declawing hurts cats. It deprives them of a part of their bodies that they need. It's illegal in Europe. It's like losing all of your fingers down to the first knuckle. It's a mutilation.

Don't do it and if you have done it before, don't do it again. Scratching posts and cat trees exist and they work. And even if they didn't, it's still wrong to amputate the body parts of a living creature that is dependent on you.

I just want to second every word that DS wrote!!!

Yes, declawing is illegal in Europe and it's considered cruel and inhumane. There is enough "accidental" cruelty already due to ignorance in many ways, no need to add to that by mutilation :(

I respect the opinions of those who are opposed to declawing, because I used to feel the same way that you do. I can vouch for the fact, though, that none of my cats who have ever been declawed have had any complications as a result. Not one lives in pain and in fact, each was jumping, climbing, being their usual selves immediately after the procedure. So, it's difficult for me, having seen with my own eyes, to believe that what I've done to my cats has caused them permanent damage.

Now that I am aware of all the facts about de-clawing I would never consider it................when my parents decided to de-claw my 'Mikko' I was much too young to even know what was going on, he always seemed happy after the proceedure & never in pain. But I do agree that it is an amputation and something I would never do to my kittens now. :rolleyes:

Best scratch-stopper in the world is the scratch box!! Never had luck with posts. Always expensive, fell apart and the cats usually ignored it.

Got a cardboard scratch box and the cats took to it the moment it was set up! It's cheap and discrete, as well!

Tip: Get clear packing tape and tape all of the corners & habitual scratching places of your cats. Cats don't like the smooth surface & it isn't too noticable. Then, buy a couple of these scratch boxes (WalMart carries them), add the catnip and watch them go crazy! (Get the longer, wider version. The cat's weight then assists in the scratching experience.) Eventually, you can safely remove the clear tape.

Please don't declaw your cats!!

If you can't handle the possibility of scratching, get a freaking dog! Pets are living creatures, they are not meant to be "convenient."

http://www.petplanet.co.uk/shop_dev/assets/new_product_images/omega_paw/ScratchBox.jpg

My cats used one of those (they loved it). They used the kind with the rope twisted around a pole. They used the kind with carpeting. They used a kind with particle board. Most of all of these were scented with catnip, too.

However, after they finished doing their scratching on these things, they went straight to the end of my sofa (even tried sofas with different materials that I thought were less appealing). I've come to the conclusion that my cats just enjoyed listening to me fuss at them for scratching my furniture and wanted to see my reaction because providing them with various types of scratching posts/materials known to man did not stop them from ruining my furniture, draperies, and woodwork. :rolleyes:

I'm telling ya - CLEAR PACKING TAPE! :)

thanks to all of you girls!!! I was torn with this issue. I know many people who have cats and have them de-claw. And I just had this tought of how if could feel like to get my own fingernails taken off....goodness gracious...how awful! :(

So I wont get my Sam de-claw and will get those scratch-stopper Kristin is talking about.

I feel relieved. I didnt feel it was right to do that.

Glad we could help Faith!! It's pretty bad actually.....some cats completely loose all feeling in their paws, some have constant pain, I won't risk it. :-)
PLUS! You can always clip their claws and this is a HUGE help!! I clip my cats nails every 10 days, keeps them nice and stubby so they can still do their 'thing' but if they accidentally get my skin it doesn't hurt at all & won't ruin your furniture either! You can buy the clippers at any pet store, remember not to cut into the pink of their nail.

I very much welcome your decision, Faith :)

And honestly, whenever I cuddle my cat and see him stretch his paws and claws in shere pleasure, it definitely reminds you that claws are not a "nuisance" but a very integral part of a cat :)

I very much welcome your decision, Faith :)

And honestly, whenever I cuddle my cat and see him stretch his paws and claws in shere pleasure, it definitely reminds you that claws are not a "nuisance" but a very integral part of a cat :)


I totally understand! Sam does that too (stretching his paws and claws) when he is happy. Its so cute and also like you say it makes you see that it is a part of who they are.
I need to ask a question and anyone who could answer me I would really appreciate it. Sam is 4 1/2 motnhs now and he bites us. Sometimes he suddendly goes wild than try to jump on our arms, grapping and trying to bite and man does it hurt! I dont know exactly how to stop him from doing that.
Anyone had a similar experience with their cat and found a solution??
Thanks!

O.K. Faith....my old cat used to do that when he was a kitty. What you can do in the meantime is when he does this push him away and very,very firmly say "NO!!!!" and walk away. This always works for us when they start biting. They eventually learn, my Sebastian learned very quickly and now when he gets hyper and goes for our skin he actually licks us!! So cute!! I always say to him, "BE NICE!!" and he seems to respond to that very well.
I believe Sam will be much better when he gets a little older, my 4 month old kitty is so darn hyper it's crazy! Just be consistant with the "No"s and whatever else you say/do that works! Good Luck!! :D

Definitely don't hit him, but don't continue to play when he bites. It's only natural instinct - kittens play-bite all of the time. So do grown cats.

Jeremy used to continue to play with our kitten and let her bite. Now, that is the way she plays and shows affection. It can hurt sometimes, but it is unintentional on her part. Our other cats don't do this, because I did not allow the behavior with my cats.

If you don't want to allow the behavior, when she bits, say a firm,"NO!" and put her down or gently push her away. If you continue to play, it will only reinforce the behavior.

Thanks Bella and Kristin :)
Oh and Kristin....hit Sam? :eek:
Well, at least I know its normal for a kitten. I do that sometimes. Whether I walk away or I push him away and say "NO". Not yelling, just firmly but of course sometimes my "grown" children plays with him that way. Which makes my job a bit tougher!

He probably will partially grow out of it. Claw and tooth control is really still forming when they're little babies. What I've found sometimes works is to emit a loud "OWWWWWW" and make some whimpering sounds and point to the place that the cat bit or scratched me. They understand that means that you hurt. Don't forget that they're all covered with fur, so sometimes it's a process to understand how human skin works.

The don't play with them again for a while. That's what another cat would do. :>

He probably will partially grow out of it. Claw and tooth control is really still forming when they're little babies. What I've found sometimes works is to emit a loud "OWWWWWW" and make some whimpering sounds and point to the place that the cat bit or scratched me. They understand that means that you hurt. Don't forget that they're all covered with fur, so sometimes it's a process to understand how human skin works.

The don't play with them again for a while. That's what another cat would do. :>


Thanks Desertspring :)
Again, all of you that gave me wonderful advice, thank you a thousand time!
I had a dog for 12 years which is very different so its like having a first baby. You dont know exactly what to do :eek:
(((hug))) to all of you who advised me.
Faith

I read all of the posts here and remembered I had saved a card I received a long time ago called PAWS COME WITH CLAWS. It's rather lengthy, but am adding it and hope all the information will be helpful to all of your questions to or not to declaw.

Paws Come With Claws - That's One Of Natures Laws
by Friends of Animals
So, if you love your cat: DON'T DECLAW!
Many cat owners, have no idea what declawing means to their animals.
Declawing means far more than leaving your pet defenseless against an attack outdoors.

It means:
The severing of ligaments and tendons that bring pain.
The creating of an imbalance that can lead to injury.
A change in personality and temperament.
A cat may go berserk, bite and growl.
It means you, as a cat owner, have renounced the responsibility you assumed when you fell in love with that kitten or cat.

How important are a cat's claws? Have you often wondered at a cat's remarkable grace and agility, its faultless sense of balance? To a great extent, this is due to its ingeniously designed retractable claws that allow it to establish footing for walking, running, springing, climbing or stretching.

What happens to a cat when it is declawed?
First, it awakens from anesthesia, with its feet throbbing under the bandages; next, it has pain and then it finds it has trouble walking.
The physical effect of declawing is gradual weakening of the muscles of the legs, shoulders and back. Balance is impaired. Emotionally cats feel defenseless and thus live in a constant state of stress, making them more prone to disease.
Despite its grace, a cat is not sure-footed. Without the lightning quick ability to grasp with its claws, it can easily be injured in a fall.
Deprived of its claws, a cat may turn to its only other form of defense -- its teeth. It is fairly common for a declawed cat to become a biter. They do this out of fear and frustration.

Why do people make their animals suffer the physical pain and emotional disorientation of declawing?
"To protect the furniture," is the most common reason.
"To keep my cat from scratching us when we try to play with him," is another.
Scratching is a normal characteristic of a healthy cat. It exercises the foot muscles and removes dead tissue from the nails. It also has a soothing, comforting effect that creates a tranquil disposition.

WHAT CAN YOU AS A PET OWNER DO TO PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR FURNITURE WITHOUT HARMING YOUR CAT?

Give your cat a manicure.
It's best to start when it's a kitten. Take your pet to a professional groomer, or you can do it yourself. Use a pair of clippers made especially for cats. There are generally instructions packaged with the instrument on how and where to trim the nails so as to avoid cutting into the quick (pink area) inside the nails.
Provide your cat with his own furniture.

Your cat should be fluffy -- the scratching post should be rough and coarse. Buy a sisal (a harsh, scratchy hemp product) scratching post or make your own inexpensively. Just nail a piece of 2 x 4 board to an inch-thick square base and cover both pieces with a carpet remnant (tightly woven pile is best). You can even use a tree branch or a board angled against a wall and secured so it won't fall over.

Train your cat.
When a kitten starts to scratch furniture, gently pull it off and place its front paws on the scratching post. Keep the post in an easily accessible place so the cat becomes accustomed to using it.

If an older cat persists in scratching furniture, give it a squirt of luke-warm water from a child's water gun. Spray it any place but in the face. At the same time, say a sharp (not loud) "No." Then take it back to its scratching post.

Shake a small amount of pleasantly scented bath oil on a piece of cotton. Attach the cotton to the part of the furniture that the cat scratches, It will repel the cat as long as the aroma remains.

Your cat gives you love and loyalty. It's the most it can give. You owe it the same love and loyalty. But you owe it one thing more -- to leave its paws with claws.


I am further adding that my cat will not use a scratching post, but loves the cardboard boxes type I buy at a pet store. Since he's a big cat (20 lbs), I buy the wider one. I also saw something on TV just this past week on pet care and they mentioned putting cologne in a sprayer bottle and spritz the furniture that you want to keep kitty off of since they don't like the pungent odor.

I hope all of this information has been helpful and good luck to you all.

The kitty that I had for 12+ years never once scratched my furniture until she became an indoor kitty (due to relocation). I'm sure that it had to do with spending 9+ years of her life being an indoor/outdoor kitty and then having her outdoor priviledges limited to to upstairs balcony. She never did take to the scratching post. I tried the clear sticky tape but unless I wanted to basically coat the entire couch and loveseat in it, she would find a place to scratch.

The kitties that I adopted last year took to the scratching post immediately and then to the kitty tree. They have never once scratched my furniture. They also have plenty of toys to play with in the house, and they have each other to play with. I think that this last one is important in keeping them from being bored or lonely when I'm not home.

Please don't declaw kitties. On top of many other reasons, if they were to ever accidentally get out of the house, they would have no way to defend themselves!

Of course, this is assuming that no one in their right mind would declaw a cat that regularly goes outside!

I want to add something to that message on PAWS COME WITH CLAWS. I had sent it just before going to bed last night and although I did add a comment at the end, I forgot to mention in regards to spraying your cat with luke-warm water. I keep a toy water pitol and fill it with cold water. I've tried using that on my cat and he thinks I'm playing with him, trying to grab the stream of water being spraying from the water pitol. Quite by accident, I found out he also likes to drink the water that way, so on really hot, humid days when I feel he needs to cool down, I will fill the water pitol and squirt the water in his mouth. I have to do it slowly, making sure he has swallowed the water before giving him another squirt of water in his mouth. I have been doing this with Jigger since he was a kitten and he loves it. He also has a very thick coat of fur, therefore spritzing him with water doesn't seem to phase him. Yes, I have a crazy, but lovable cat. :p

I think in essence it depends on what is more important the kitty or the furniture...With an animal, cruelty in exchange for convenience is accepted, but it is still cruel. No true cat lover would declaw their cat and neither would we declaw babies or toddlers to keep them from messing up stuff...

Cats will always from time to time scratch things or get in trouble otherwise, that is because it is indeed a cat and you should consider this before adopting IMHO...