 |
 | Home | Contact Us | FAQ | Search & Site Map | Link to Us |
 | Sign In | Join | Other 45 Sites in Network |
| HomeDiscussion GroupsGeneral TopicsCat AnecdotesHealth and BehaviorRescue CatKB.com Contact UsLink To UsSearch & Site Map |
Cat Forum / Cat Anecdotes / March 2006Protecting walls from claws?
Baby Eyes often likes to stretch upward when sharpening her claws and has shredded several spots on wall corners. I didn't bother trying to stop her before because it makes no difference here, the whole place is a wreck anyway and will soon be trashed, but in the house I bought, before I bring over the kitties I want to do something to protect the spots that Baby Eyes will find attractive for scratching. But how? I thought of two options: (1) some sort of repellent spray, which may or may not actually work and might be too expensive, or (2) fasten something to the walls that will frustrate her efforts - but what would work and be cheap, easy to apply and not damage the walls to install? The only answer I've come up with so far is aluminum flashing attached using double-sided carpet tape. It won't be pretty, but it also won't need to be there forever, I think she will learn that wall corners are not good places to sharpen claws and start using the sisal scratching area of the cat condo I'm making. The aluminum is thick enough that she won't be able to puncture it, but I'm still not totally happy with this idea and open for other suggestions. After replacing all my sheetrock and wood molding corners(due to kitty sharpings) What I did was buy strips of plexiglass and mounted them to the walls (at the corners)...I'm going to replace my bedroom door soon and put plexi panels front and back all across the lower door... up to kitty stretch height...I'll be happy... kitties won't :-) Liz > Baby Eyes often likes to stretch upward when sharpening her claws and has > shredded several spots on wall corners. I didn't bother trying to stop her [quoted text clipped - 15 lines] > it, but I'm still not totally happy with this idea and open for other > suggestions. > After replacing all my sheetrock and wood molding corners(due to kitty > sharpings) What I did was buy strips of plexiglass and mounted them to the > walls (at the corners)...I'm going to replace my bedroom door soon and put > plexi panels front and back all across the lower door... up to kitty > stretch > height...I'll be happy... kitties won't :-) Liz This is also what I did, but I only needed a narrow strip of plexiglass on each side of the door that leads to the utility room. Holly reaches up and scratches when I am in there. That is the only room I keep closed to the cats because that room leads directly to the garage and serves as a protective "buffer" to ensure that Duffy and Holly cannot ever get into the garage. As to the plexiglass: We cut two narrow strips and mounted one on each side of the door (beside the molding and on top of the wallpaper as protection). We used very tiny gold screws to attach it, and it can be barely be seen. Plexiglass is *not* cheap, but I needed very little. Anyone wanting to use it would need to measure the amount needed and then make a decision concerning cost. MaryL > Baby Eyes often likes to stretch upward when sharpening her claws and > has shredded several spots on wall corners. I didn't bother trying to [quoted text clipped - 15 lines] > thick enough that she won't be able to puncture it, but I'm still not > totally happy with this idea and open for other suggestions. Why not just make an area where she's *supposed* to scratch? Get some cheap plywood or particle board and some old carpet samples and glue or staple the carpet to the wood and then mount it against the wall. That would be pretty cheap and easy and you could put several such areas up. Then she would probably only scratch those areas and not the others.  SignatureBritta Purring is an automatic safety valve device for dealing with happiness overflow. - Anonymous Check out pictures of Vino at: http://photos.yahoo.com/badwilson click on the Vino album > Why not just make an area where she's *supposed* to scratch? Exactly. My cats have never damaged my walls, and stopped damaging my furniture when I got them nice scratching pads/posts, etc. My mother has wall paper in her house and she has these clear plastic corner strips tacked up on the corners where the wall paper is. They go from floor to ceiling on the outside corners. She had them put up when she had the wallpaper put up. Try calling a store that sells wall paper or the hardware store and ask about them. The don't look difficult at all to put up and you don't really notice them, but them do keep the wall paper from peeling away when someone walks by and rubs it. I just looked and the ACE Hardware website has them: http://www.acehardware.com/sm-corner-guards--fi-1305345_cp-1254532.1254909.html Best wishes for moving to your new home. Debbie dberry@mitre.org > Baby Eyes often likes to stretch upward when sharpening her claws and has > shredded several spots on wall corners. I didn't bother trying to stop her [quoted text clipped - 15 lines] > it, but I'm still not totally happy with this idea and open for other > suggestions. Has anyone used softpaws? Yes all my cats have them easy to use and comes in multiple colors including pink for the ladies last about a month to 6 weeks sometimes more depending on the cat and their surroundings > Has anyone used softpaws? > Yes all my cats have them easy to use and comes in multiple colors including > pink for the ladies That's pretty cute, NMR. :) it is true http://www.softpaws.com/colors.html I use different colors on each of them I use purple on rumble Phantom gets black and white Spirit gets red/green limo get pink dumplin gets orange I am waiting for glow in the dark imagine that under a black light with five furballs >> Yes all my cats have them easy to use and comes in multiple colors > including >> pink for the ladies > > That's pretty cute, NMR. :) http://www.softpaws.com/gallery/ scroll down and see what pinkie looks like > it is true http://www.softpaws.com/colors.html I use different colors on > each of them [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] >> >> That's pretty cute, NMR. :) But to be honest I only use the softpaws when I know there is going to be company for a while. My gods use the scratch boards, post, burlap bag to many other scratch object to list. Ever get the feeling you are being set up for slavehood by the furballs :-) > it is true http://www.softpaws.com/colors.html I use different colors on > each of them [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] >> >> That's pretty cute, NMR. :) > Baby Eyes often likes to stretch upward when sharpening her claws and has > shredded several spots on wall corners. I didn't bother trying to stop her [quoted text clipped - 15 lines] > it, but I'm still not totally happy with this idea and open for other > suggestions. What do you have for her to scratch on that she likes better than walls? I made up a scratching post for them. I took a few burlap bags made it real think and sewed them together. Put some catnip on it they love it I have had it about 3 years now and they still tear into it to and give it a work out still tough as ever >> Baby Eyes often likes to stretch upward when sharpening her claws and has >> shredded several spots on wall corners. I didn't bother trying to stop [quoted text clipped - 27 lines] > > What do you have for her to scratch on that she likes better than walls? > I made up a scratching post for them. I took a few burlap bags made it real > think and sewed them together. Put some catnip on it they love it I have > had it about 3 years now and they still tear into it to and give it a work > out still tough as ever Where do you find burlap bags?? I haven't seen one in years. We used to call them "tow sacks." (But come to think of it, I think I have seen bolts of burlap at the fabric store). My DH is the king of cat furniture. I'll suggest that to him. He makes amazing cat trees. Better than anything I have ever seen for sale anywhere. Sherry I am in Florida remember the redneck state they use the burlap bags as sandbags or when we get grass seeds. The coffee shop I got to sells fresh whole coffee beans in small burlap bags. I collect them and when I have spare time which is a lot now. I make catnip toys out of them. Since I use the valerian catnip the cats can really dig there claws into them but end up mostly licking the bags to death here is a couple links for you but if you have a feedstore nearby or a real garden shop you probably can find some. http://www.burlap.biz/ http://www.rjsjute.com/products.html http://www.esandbags.com/b.html >> I made up a scratching post for them. I took a few burlap bags made it >> real [quoted text clipped - 12 lines] > > Sherry http://www.coffeeam.com/autcofbag.html >> I made up a scratching post for them. I took a few burlap bags made it >> real [quoted text clipped - 12 lines] > > Sherry > My DH is the king of cat furniture. I'll suggest that to him. He makes > amazing cat trees. Better than anything I have ever seen for sale > anywhere. Got pics? > > My DH is the king of cat furniture. I'll suggest that to him. He makes > > amazing cat trees. Better than anything I have ever seen for sale > > anywhere. > > Got pics? I found two pics on my hd. Here's one of the larger ones, it is not finished in this pic but you can tell what it looked like http://members.aol.com/jjrich0523/yocattree.jpg Here's a small one he made for our daughter. http://members.aol.com/jjrich0523/erniecattree.jpg >> > My DH is the king of cat furniture. I'll suggest that to him. He makes >> > amazing cat trees. Better than anything I have ever seen for sale [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > > http://members.aol.com/jjrich0523/erniecattree.jpg Those are fantastic! I think your DH could set up a small business with these (but I also realize that something like this takes so much labor and material that it would be difficult to compete with the larger commercial enterprises, even though yours would be much better quality). Tell DH your first photo has me drooling. MaryL >>>> My DH is the king of cat furniture. I'll suggest that to him. He >>>> makes amazing cat trees. Better than anything I have ever seen for [quoted text clipped - 17 lines] > > MaryL I was thinking the same thing! Heck, set up a web site and call it something like *Cat Furrniture.com* (deliberate misspelling - furr) LOL Sell the pieces for 10% over cost (figure in time and labor) and have the buyer pay shipping - they usually do, anyway. Look at some of the prices at sites like www.drsfostersmith.com . It's outrageous what these places charge and yet people buy, buy, buy. Jill P.S. I Googled and there is no www.catfurrniture.com > I found two pics on my hd. Here's one of the larger ones, it is not > finished in this pic but you can tell what it looked like [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > > http://members.aol.com/jjrich0523/erniecattree.jpg Those are fantastic! I especially like the swing on the big one. Your hubby is one talented feller! Where do you get the sisal rope? I've been looking all over and all I could find so far is a 50' roll at a hardware store. It's only $1.99 but I'll need more... > > I found two pics on my hd. Here's one of the larger ones, it is not > > finished in this pic but you can tell what it looked like [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > find so far is a 50' roll at a hardware store. It's only $1.99 but I'll need > more... Wal Mart. It comes in two sizes; I think it's 1/4" and 3/8". The smaller one looks nicer but the larger one wraps faster and you use a lot less. Sherry > I found two pics on my hd. Here's one of the larger ones, it is not > finished in this pic but you can tell what it looked like [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > > http://members.aol.com/jjrich0523/erniecattree.jpg Whenever I see the trees you guys have made, I'm in awe. I was just looking at those 8' trees in the F&S catalog, the ones that brace against the ceiling. I thought I had a perfect spot, but it turns out it's just a bit short. I would love to put a big cat tree in our bedroom, but our ceilings are angled and very high. Signaturemonique, who spoils Oscar unmercifully pictures: http://www.bounceswoosh.org/rpca > > I found two pics on my hd. Here's one of the larger ones, it is not > > finished in this pic but you can tell what it looked like [quoted text clipped - 15 lines] > > pictures: http://www.bounceswoosh.org/rpca You can have a big cat tree, but it would have to have an awfully wide base to stabilize it. Or maybe you could bolt it to a stud in the wall? The first cat tree DH made, he didn't really put a wide enough base on it. I'm thinking about removing it till we can figure out how to stailize it better--it wasn't so bad till we got Bosley. He is a twenty-pounder, and when he takes a running leap and jumps on it, it teeters. I catch my breath every time he does it. > You can have a big cat tree, but it would have to have an awfully > wide base to stabilize it. Or maybe you could bolt it to a stud in [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > He is a twenty-pounder, and when he takes a running leap and jumps > on it, it teeters. I catch my breath every time he does it. Belated response -- I hadn't thought of the stability issue, but of course you're right. I do think I'm going to put some sort of cat tree in our bedroom; just haven't decided which, yet. Signaturemonique, who spoils Oscar unmercifully pictures: http://www.bounceswoosh.org/rpca >> You can have a big cat tree, but it would have to have an >> awfully wide base to stabilize it. Or maybe you could bolt it [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > of course you're right. I do think I'm going to put some sort > of cat tree in our bedroom; just haven't decided which, yet. My big cat tree has a very heavy base, and the post heights (there are four posts of varying heights) were clearly thought out in the design when they planned the height of the perches. I really think it's tip-proof. The other high tree I have was only $99 from Petco (about 5' high with a round perch on top, a tunnel in the middle and a round bed at the lowest point) isn't as stable, but after studying how the cats climb it, the vulnerable side is supported by a wall. Not attached, but one of the perches touches the wall. It's never fallen over, but it does sort of shake when one of the bigger cats runs and climbs at full speed. SignatureCheryl > What do you have for her to scratch on that she likes better than walls? She likes her sisal scratchers but only when they're laying on the floor. You can hang them up too but when I hung them over her special wall corner spots she wouldn't use them! Maybe because they are not firmly fastened when hanging and she likes a firm thing to scratch on. >> What do you have for her to scratch on that she likes better than walls? > > She likes her sisal scratchers but only when they're laying on the floor. > You can hang them up too but when I hung them over her special wall corner > spots she wouldn't use them! Maybe because they are not firmly fastened > when hanging and she likes a firm thing to scratch on. Cats do show a preference for different configurations -- some cats prefer vertical surfaces (which should be tall and must be *very* sturdy because a cat will often become afraid and never use it again if one topples when the cat is scratching), some like slanted (there i a corrugated-cardboard Alpine scratcher that many cats like), and some prefer horizontal/flat (as you described). It's a good idea to have a variety and to have one in almost every room -- the scratching posts must be readily available wherever the cat is because most cats will not go into other rooms "searching" for a scratching post. Scratchers are sold in all of these configurations, or you might be able to make them. MaryL > >> What do you have for her to scratch on that she likes better than walls? > > [quoted text clipped - 15 lines] > > MaryL Thank you, MaryL & Jill; I'll pass the compliments along. Maybe that'll motivate him more! Jill, that's a *really* clever name! Maybe we should buy it now before someone else does! We never have sold one, but he has made quite a few for friends. The neat thing is that you can customize just for what your cats like. Ours hated the hammock, and never did get in the little condo much. A perfect cat tree for them, is just shelves at window level and lots of sisal. Maybe ramps coming off it. Building materials are so expensive though. We got most of the carpet for free but for the big one, just the lumber/nails/sisal/Liquid Nails was over $50. >>>> What do you have for her to scratch on that she likes better than >>>> walls? [quoted text clipped - 30 lines] > sisal. Maybe ramps coming off it. > Building materials are so expensive though. Work a deal with a builder who has scrap lumber, same as with the carpet remnants! Persia likes the little "hammock" in her kitty walk (an outdoor enclosure) but it's not really a hammock. It's just a sling she can sit on with an enclosed top so she doesn't get wet or in the sun. We got most of the carpet > for free but for the big one, just the lumber/nails/sisal/Liquid Nails > was over $50. I just saw where they are charging $40 at that Drs.Foster pet site for a "sturdy cardboard tree house" indoor thing. Okay, how many of us liked to play in big refrigerator or washer/dryer boxes when we were kids? They took the same concept, painted it, cut out windows and doors and made it look like a house. Had some shelves (also double cardboard) for the cats to climb up. Hello. $40 for a big cardboard box? Your husband has a real opportunity here. I just noticed they are selling carpet covered litterbox covers for $200. Jill >> What do you have for her to scratch on that she likes better than >> walls? [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > wall corner spots she wouldn't use them! Maybe because they are not > firmly fastened when hanging and she likes a firm thing to scratch on. About about tacking the hanging sisal scratcher to the corner (carpet tacks or some such) so it doesn't move around? Jill > Baby Eyes often likes to stretch upward when sharpening her claws and has > shredded several spots on wall corners. I didn't bother trying to stop her [quoted text clipped - 15 lines] > it, but I'm still not totally happy with this idea and open for other > suggestions. It still amazes me that my cats don't scratch anywhere except the scratching posts. I think she might be easier to "train" than you think. Since you know she likes corners, you could fix up *one* corner for her--with cardboard/carpet or whatever she prefers. Her personal scratching corner--I think she'll get the idea and won't ruin the rest of the corners. One bizarre-looking corner would be better than every corner in the house looking bizarre. Or the plexiglass suggestion sounds good, too. It comes in different thicknesses--I wonder if the thinner stuff would work just as well--it would be cheaper and easier to affix to the wall. In fact, I think I'll do this for my front door. They're always reaching for the doorknob (like they can open it!!)...and are scratching the wood in the process. Sherry Heck look how easy they train use turn about is fair play > I thought of two options: (1) some sort of repellent spray, which may > or may not actually work and might be too expensive, or (2) fasten > something to the walls that will frustrate her efforts - but what > would work and be cheap, easy to apply and not damage the walls to > install? If you do it before you move in, you might be able to get away with just using double sided tape in the right spots. Cats hate to have sticky things on their paws, and if she encounters double-sided tape the first time she scratches there, she prolly won't scratch there again. It's less effective if the cat has already found scratching in that spot to be a Good Thing. Chak SignatureIn science, 'fact' can only mean 'confirmed to such a degree that it would be perverse to withhold provisional assent.' I suppose that apples might start to rise tomorrow, but the possibility does not merit equal time in physics classrooms. --Stephen Jay Gould |
Reply to this Message |
 Sign In
 Join
 My Latest Posts My Monitored Threads My Blog My Photo Gallery My Profile My Homepage Start New Thread Enable EMail Alerts Rate this Thread
|
©2008 Advenet LLC Privacy Policy - Terms of Use
This website includes both content owned or controlled by Advenet as well as content owned or controlled by third parties.