cat scratching

**pnance** · 12-12-2005, 11:33 AM

I normally post on the dog section, but I was hoping someone might have some ideas regarding one of my cats. M.C. has started thinking it's ok to use the carpet in front of the kitchen as a scratching post. It's only been in the last month that he's started this. He has other scratching posts throughout the house he uses, but I can't put one here since it's in the main walkway. I'd welcome any suggestions since I have no idea how to stop this and I can't have him destroying my carpet.

M.C.

**AbbyMom** · 12-12-2005, 08:31 PM

M.C. is a real Cutie!

You need to provide something more attractive to him than the carpeting. Here are some suggestions:

Put catnip on your existing scratching posts and move them closer.

Buy a cardboard cat scratcher. Some cats prefer to rip the cardboard over ripping the carpeting. (My mom's cat prefers this, especially with catnip.)

Try wicker. Most of my fosters preferred to sharpen their claws on my wicker laundry hamper. It's so sturdy that it hardly shows any "use." Cheap wicker hampers are a lot easier to replace then carpeting.

Try hanging a sisal rope scratching "post" from a nearby doorknob. These are available at PETsMART or PETCO. Many cats prefer the rope over carpeting. You can also buy scratching posts wrapped with sisal or you can make your own by wrapping something that can be thrown away later.

Then, discourage M.C. from using the carpeting. Do you know about using squirt bottles and the LOUD NO technique?

Good luck.

**moosmom** · 12-13-2005, 07:16 AM

Try getting a scratching post with the same material that your carpeting in your kitchen is made of. Spray it with spray catnip. Everytime he starts to scratch in the kitchen, pick him up and bring him over to his post. Eventually he'll get the idea. He is beautiful!!

**LittleOrangeKitten** · 12-13-2005, 10:06 AM

I, too, have a cat that sharpens his claws and scratches where he shouldn't. All the "no's" in the world and other "nice" deterrents haven't helped. I am going to get him some Softpaws for Christmas...LOL. They're inexpensive and work great. Check out the site, if you wish. www.softpaws.com .

**pnance** · 12-13-2005, 11:26 AM

Thanks everyone, you've given me some great ideas..

Originally Posted by AbbyMom

Put catnip on your existing scratching posts and move them closer.

Buy a cardboard cat scratcher. Some cats prefer to rip the cardboard over ripping the carpeting. (My mom's cat prefers this, especially with catnip.)

I hadn't thought to try catnip (he loves nip) on his scratching posts, so that might help. I've already moved one closer to that area trying to get him to use it instead. I confess I have no idea what a cardboard cat scratcher is? Can I get it at petsmart? The wicker and and hanging sisal rope won't work with him. He used to live with my mom and she had a wicker chair he tried to use as a scratching post which she used a squirt bottle on him every time he did so he won't go near wicker. He also hates going up a post he only likes them on the ground (he's a little quirky.

)

Originally Posted by moosmom

Try getting a scratching post with the same material that your carpeting in your kitchen is made of. Spray it with spray catnip. Everytime he starts to scratch in the kitchen, pick him up and bring him over to his post..)

Do they have spray catnip, I've only seen it in the "flake" form? We have some extra carpeting down in the garage I could try putting over his existing scratching posts with the catnip both you and AbbyMom suggested.

Originally Posted by LittleOrangeKitten

I am going to get him some Softpaws for Christmas...LOL. They're inexpensive and work great

I've heard of softpaws but have always been a little reluctant with M.C. One little upset and he starts spraying in the house and ripping his own fur out. Any idea if cats can tell there on? Is there an adjustment period while they get used to them? I confess if it comes down to this or my carpet he'll get the softpaws..

**AbbyMom** · 12-13-2005, 12:23 PM

I have seen the the card board "scratchers" at PETsMART, but I couldn't find them on their web site. I found some on the PETCO site.

Look for:

Claw Pals Cat Scratchers

or

Mr. Spats Scratch'r Cizer Pro Model Natural Sisal Scratcher

My mom's cat adores his and one of my fosters used it all the time.

Also, after replying yesterday it occurred to me that perhaps you should try some cat repellant on the carpeting where he's scratching.

Good luck!

**moosmom** · 12-13-2005, 01:08 PM

If you have a piece of the carpeting he likes left, by all means use it!! Yes, if you look in the pet store where they sell regular catnip, they'll have cans and non-aerosol cans of the spray catnip. It works. The cats go nuts over it!

**LittleOrangeKitten** · 12-13-2005, 01:32 PM

Hi again! on the softpaws web site there is a section of testimonials from people who have bought and succesfully used the product. I was wondering too about the cat knowing they're on the claws, but seems they don't. I will be sure and post an update after I have applied them to P. K.'s pawsies.

Good luck!

**pnance** · 12-13-2005, 01:54 PM

Thanks everyone, I appreciate the help, I'm going to try to stop by petco on the way home tonight. LittleOrangeKitten let me know how it goes in case these idea's don't work. MC can be a bit stubborn so I'd like to have a backup if it comes down to it.

Thanks again!!