 |
Hey, Katie K-9!KatieK9@readthecitizen.comwww.KTK9.com 651-429-5433 |
Hey, Katie K-9!
I just adopted a new cat. He seemed so calm at the shelter. I have had him for two months now, and does he have energy! My couch and shades are starting to show some damage. I do not want to declaw him, as I have heard bad things about that, but what else can I do to save my house?
I love him, but he is driving me crazy!
Kristine
Hey, Kristine!
First of all, thank you for looking for another solution instead of declawing! Declawing actually amputates each toe of a cat which, when done, causes many behavior problems. Go to www.meganthecatlady.com for more information on declawing and many other answers to cat problems.
As for your furniture and drapes, get a floor-to-ceiling cat tree. Cats love to climb. Place it by a window. If you really want to entertain your cat, put bird feeders outside the window. Cats love to be above us - and looking out the window will entertain him for hours. Now he has something constructive to do and less time for your drapes. A good piece of furniture for your cat will save you many dollars in the long run, including the cost of declawing.
As for your furniture, if you notice when your cat enters a room, there is usually a couch, a chair or corner at the entrance, where cats rub or claw these corners as they enter or leave. This behavior says, "I am now entering," or "I am now leaving this room." They leave their scent or marking as they come and go, to say they were there.
You can put a towel on the corner of that piece of furniture; some people place a piece of clear plexiglass on the corners to save the furniture.
If your cat goes to stretch out on other furniture, just give a "pssst" sound to let he know you are not happy that he is doing that. With a bit of training, understanding and working together, everything will work out great.
For great cat trees, visit Custom Cat Purrrniture at www.purrrniture. com. The store is located near Hwy 280, on the corner of University Ave. and Hampden at 2242 University Avenue W., St. Paul, MN 55114. The phone number is 651-642-1946.
The best cat nip toys are called "Yeowww." Even a couch-potato cat really gets into these toys! You can find them at www.duckyworld.com or local pet stores.
One last thing that helps wear out your cat is a laser light. These are great for cats, but not for dogs. When you are done using a laser light always have it go around something and then it just disappears and you are done.
Here's to a happier owner and cat.
Katie K-9!
Send in your dog questions to "Hey, Katie K-9!" by mailing them to The Citizen, P. O. Box 393, Hugo, MN 55038 or e-mailing them to Katie at KatieK-9@ReadTheCitizen.com. Visit Katie's dog obedience school website at www.ktk9.com.