Ask the Edster?

[slick]

Dear Mr. Edster:
I hope you can assist me with something that's been bothering me for some time now.

You see for years and years Max never bothered with the furniture and was happy to scratch on the cardboard thingy that lays flat on the floor. In the past 6 months or so, he's changed. He won't use it and prefers the furniture instead. I used tin foil which worked but now I've done him a favour and for close to $200 I purchased a wonderful cat tree that stands 5 ft tall. There is a little house for him on the bottom and I've been trying to get him to scratch on that instead. I even carry him over and use his two front paws to scratch so he will get the idea but he just doesn't get it. Is it because of his age?? He's 14.

So I have a few questions here:
1. Why won't he use the expensive cat tree to scratch on?
2. Why won't he sleep in his new little house....instead sleeping on the floor behind the cat tree?
3. Why won't he use the expensive cat tree at all even just for sitting on and looking outside?

Signed
Broke in BC

[RICHARD]

Dear Mr. Edster:
I hope you can assist me with something that's been bothering me for some time now.


So I have a few questions here:
1. Why won't he use the expensive cat tree to scratch on?
2. Why won't he sleep in his new little house....instead sleeping on the floor behind the cat tree?
3. Why won't he use the expensive cat tree at all even just for sitting on and looking outside?

Signed
Broke in BC

The Edster says,

Hmmmm, I think you should blame it on the ancient Egyptians-they first domesticated us- and remember.....It's kinda hard to shred a pyramid made of stone- so we have shredded mankind's furniture for all the nails we lost back then!

I think a little nip in the tree and some treats will make the Maxster wander over it.

You can also play on and around it with him.

To keep him from scratching.....a squirt bottle with a little lemon juice works-sometimes.


I really hesitate to give away my secrets but, I have ignored the stuff my dad buys.....he bought me a really nice cat bed, but I pre-furr the empty cardboard water boxes with the plastic still in place!

Good luck!

[slick]

Thank you Mr. Edster. I'm grateful for your response. I have tried throwing catnip in the house and all over the tree and even threw his own little catnip pillow in his house. He walks over to it, sniffs and walks away.

**sigh** I just wish I knew what he was thinking.

Maybe you could make a visit up here and speak to him for me?????

[RICHARD]

Maybe you could make a visit up here and speak to him for me?????

Ed says,

What the hell is the matter with you?
You already have one problem.....why invite me over to wreck the goodwill that you have with the U.S.?