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Cat Forum / Health and Behavior / July 2006Scratching hopeless in adult cats
hate to be the bearer of bad news. just visited a specialist today. was told in cats that have the habit of scratching furniture it is pretty much impossible to change. the only way to have a cat who wont scratch your funiture is to train as a kitten to scratch on post. once they are adult and grown its too late to change. feramoans won't work. the only other alternative is to put 'soft paws'(plastic covers you glue to each individual cat claw) or de-clawing. with lasor it costs $400 a cat and they remove the claw from the first knuckle which to me seems more like mutalation. on the positive side the tin foil suggestion is working 100% so far in protecting my plants from being dug up. either the foil is working or the cats are sick and tired of me whacking them on the nose with a rolled up piece of newspaper when I come home. That vet needs some more training it is a matter of patience and keeping at it > hate to be the bearer of bad news. just visited a specialist today. was > told in cats that have the habit of scratching furniture it is pretty [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > is working or the cats are sick and tired of me whacking them on the > nose with a rolled up piece of newspaper when I come home. > That vet needs some more training it is a matter of patience and keeping > at it [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > > is working or the cats are sick and tired of me whacking them on the > > nose with a rolled up piece of newspaper when I come home. which method did you use that worked for you? Every time they did it they got death from above water spray bottle I took them and walked them over to the scratch post took their paws and scratch the post it took patience and it was time consuming but I have not furballs that scratch furniture >> That vet needs some more training it is a matter of patience and >> keeping [quoted text clipped - 13 lines] >> > > which method did you use that worked for you? > which method did you use that worked for you? Spray them with water when they scratch something bad. And more importantly, give them a good scratching surface. This is the harder part. A good cat tree must be sturdy, and tall enough that they can stretch while scratching. Those short wobbly posts will not encourage your cat to use them. Also, some cats are particular about surfaces. Some of the better cat trees have multiple surfaces - wood, carpet, and sisal. Most cats like something vertical, but some prefer horizontal (a tree with a shelf will have both). And some prefer cardboard - you can get a cheap one at the petstore with refills. Maynard always preferred wood. Kira likes carpet, and prefers horizontal. Jay Jay likes carpet and sisal, both horizontal and vertical. He was a shelter cat, over a year old, and found roaming outside. He has never scracthed any chairs or couches, or regular rug. He uses 3 different cat trees and 2 doormats. Recently, he did find one section of my waterbed railing that he likes. It has long since worn out, and I have clear duct tape on it. I have found him scratching at the duct tape. It's already ruined, and he doesn't touch the good areas, so that doesn't bother me. Chase likes sisal, carpet, and cardboard. He really loves the cardboard. We have two cat trees to the ceiling on the main floor. One is a straight post with 3 shelves, over 30 years old. It has hideous shag carpet on top and bare wood on the bottom (it used to have carpet there too). The other one has multiple shelves, a section with sisal, and is the most popular cat tree in the house. In the basement, we have 3 more cat trees. One is about 4 feet tall with 2 shelves and a nice sisal post. That one is in my nephew's room. He;s had it for 2 years, and there is clearly some wear in the popular scratching spots. Another post is about 3 1/2 feet tall with 3 jumbo shelves for my big boy. It has a reverse carpet post (thecats scratch the underside of the carpet), and that is also very popular. And then I have a short 2 foot post. I bought it as a stand for photos. It was never intended to be a scratching post since it is short and the shelf in the middle makes it impossible for a cat to stretch. But I keep it on top of my desk (making it about 5 feet tall), and Kira loves to sit on it all day. She prefers the horizontal surface, so she scratches the top of the shelf. I am 33 years old, and I have grown up with cats (my mom has had them for over 40 years). We have only had one cat that took more effort to stop (the water bottle). Most of them found the cat trees and have been more than happy to limit their scratching to approved surfaces. Jay Jay was an outdoor cat, and he knew right away that he cat trees were for cats. I've had hima year and a half now, and he still won't sit on the bed or the chairs. It took him several weeks to jump on the bathroom counter to get his food. But he knew right away that a cat tree is for cats. They've got "cat" written all over them. That's BS. I have 3 cats. They destroyed the old furniture I had in my apartment. After getting married and buying a house I swore I would not let the stuff in my new home turn to car. I got "Soft Paws" and a few scratching posts. Let them know I did not want then scratching the new furniture. 3 years later, I have the same furniture without a scratch on it. > hate to be the bearer of bad news. just visited a specialist today. was > told in cats that have the habit of scratching furniture it is pretty [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > is working or the cats are sick and tired of me whacking them on the > nose with a rolled up piece of newspaper when I come home. > That's BS. I have 3 cats. They destroyed the old furniture I had in my > apartment. [quoted text clipped - 17 lines] > > is working or the cats are sick and tired of me whacking them on the > > nose with a rolled up piece of newspaper when I come home. so soft paws worked for you? did you have to have them on all the time? Soft Paws did work. I don't put them on anymore, because the only thing the cats ever scratch now is the scratching post. >> That's BS. I have 3 cats. They destroyed the old furniture I had in my >> apartment. [quoted text clipped - 21 lines] >> > > so soft paws worked for you? did you have to have them on all the time? > That's BS. I have 3 cats. They destroyed the old furniture I had in my > apartment. I know it's not funny, but you make it sound funny > After getting married and buying a house I swore I would not let the stuff > in my new home turn to car. I got "Soft Paws" and a few scratching posts. > Let them know I did not want then scratching the new furniture. > > 3 years later, I have the same furniture without a scratch on it. I don't think there is a cookie cutter for cat training there are too many varied relationships going on here some cats wouldn't dream of displeasing their owners, but for some it is their daily delight. In general when there is order in the home, I believe it is easier to train a cat when things tend to stay in disarray, I am certain our pets are aware of it. When you super clean the house and remove the clutter... and you finally kick back and chill... notice how the cats also enjoy this same feeling you do. so, behavior problems are not exclusive to the cat, this is why I say there is no cookie cutter or 100% 'proven method. In solving a behavior problem, I think our first thought should be, What is the message our pet is trying to convey.. before I dispense a discipline, I have to be convinced there is willfullness in the cat against my wishes. Scratching? Matt has the right idea... I also like the foil idea it's very passive aggressive they don't see it as correction, they just don't like it. It's like spanking a child with a paddle, vs your hand, it's better to use a paddle, this way you don't retract from your person through the action, rather the paddle becomes disliked, not you or your hand (which is associated with hugs and general doing and affection) but can i be honest here... if I had a stubborn cat who was over 5 or 6 and he was hard headed... you don't wanna know, but i BET he wouldn't tear my furniture up I would send him a very clear message. I wouldn't hurt him, I would shock him GODDA$%TT I SAID FU$#$%ING NO!!! <CLAPPING MY HANDS, STOMPING MY FEET RUNNING UP ON HIM>.. MUTHER$%$%$CKER IM GOING TO CUT YOUR FU$%$%ING TAIL OFF SO#$O#$#$BITCH... and chase him down the hall, and rake him out from under the bed with a broom... the secret to training and this is the most important thing of all no matter the method you chose... don't let them slide not even once... every time you let them slide, You go back to start, do not pass go do not collect $200.00 So, be consistent. now if the cat respects you, and you respect him/her, you couple respect with consistency, you got something then. YES! > > That's BS. I have 3 cats. They destroyed the old furniture I had in my > > apartment. [quoted text clipped - 64 lines] > now if the cat respects you, and you respect him/her, you couple > respect with consistency, you got something then. > hate to be the bearer of bad news. just visited a specialist today. was > told in cats that have the habit of scratching furniture it is pretty [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > is working or the cats are sick and tired of me whacking them on the > nose with a rolled up piece of newspaper when I come home. I don't know what type of "specialist" you consulted, but you need to find a new one. I had no difficulty training any of my cats to use a scratching post, including a former feral. I adopted Duffy two years ago when he was estimated to be 3-5 years of age. It was obvious that he had no idea what a scratching post is. Since he is blind, I expected that it would be difficult to train him to use a scratching post -- it actually took two days!! I *never* whacked, screamed, or sprayed water at any of my cats. Positive reinforcement works much better than negative reinforcement. First, you need a variety of scratching posts. I keep one in every room because a cat is much more likely to use a post that is handy than to wander through the house looking for one. You may need to experiment with different surfaces and textures. Most of my scratching posts are wrapped with sisal, and I have one made with sisal cloth. Duffy also likes the corrugated cardboard center of his Turbo Scratcher. Again, most of my scratching posts are upright, but some cats like horizontal scratchers or incline scratchers. Make sure that any post you get is *sturdy,* and upright posts should be *tall* enough so the cat cat stretch out when scratching. It is important that the post be strong enough so your cat cannot cause it to fall when scratching. If a post topples when your cat is using it, your cat may become frightened and refuse to use it in the future. Yes, it can be costly to have a post in every room, such as what I described, but most of us buy them gradually over a period of time.Avoid the type that is made with a cardboard base because they are too lightweight. PetSmart usually has some sturdy posts, and some are not expensive. Numerous varieties are available online, and some people make their own. If your cat was previously an outdoor cat, you might even want to try a piece of trunk or branch (again, heavy enough not to fall). You can see some of my scratching posts if you scroll through some of the pictures under my signature. How did I train my cats to use scratching posts? I would go to a scratching post and do something to get my cat's attention -- such as tapping the post or running my nails over the post. Then I would pull a string (with a small toy or piece of cloth tied to it) up and down the post. The cat will invariably grab for the toy, and once his or her claws begin to scratch on the post, I *praise* excessively. (Always put the string in a drawer or other secure location if you are not watching it because it isn't safe to have loose pieces of string, ribbon, rubber bands, etc. lying around -- many cats will swallow them or become entangled.) I watched them *very* carefully for the first couple of weeks after adoption. As soon as I saw any sign that the cat was about to scratch on furniture or the carpeting, I would say "no" (gently), walk over to the post, and begin tapping on it -- then lots of praise when the cat comes to the post. Sometimes, I would pick up my cat, carry the cat to the post, and then begin the same process. It doesn't take very long before a cat gets the idea that the scratching post is the "preferred object" for scratching. Good luck with this, and please ignore that "specialist" who seems to think adult cats can't be trained. MaryL Photos of Duffy and Holly: >'o'< Duffy: http://tinyurl.com/cslwf Holly: http://tinyurl.com/9t68o Duffy and Holly together: http://tinyurl.com/8b47e Recent pics: http://tinyurl.com/clal7 > Good luck with this, and please ignore that "specialist" who seems to think > adult cats can't be trained. > > MaryL > > Photos of Duffy and Holly: >'o'< > Duffy: http://tinyurl.com/cslwf what a very pretty desk and stool, i forget what you call that kind of fabric on the stool Nice 70's style mushroom modeled multi-tiered cat scratchier Very pretty cats, you can't tell that duffy is blind especially when you see him on the very top pedestal, or reaching out playing with Holly i don't think cats know when they are blind, maybe they do see for you, your success came by watching them like a chicken you said it yourself, for the first few weeks you watched them *very* carefully they probably lapped up all the attention I like your creativity in training them, I would not have guessed they would connect touching the scratcher in general (when chasing a toy or something) with a scratching spot. That had to come off awkward for all parties involved... The cat is chasing a toy, all of a sudden he finds himself in school They probably caught on quick for the praise of it. -- You make me feel bad... one time the cats (especially Jupiter the youngest) wouldn't let me sleep so i shut the bedroom door and put them outside the door. Jupiter kept scratching the door... it just so happened I had canned foods on the mantle next to the bed (just temp storage) I heaved a can of greenbeans at the door BOOM it sounded like a 22 going off... this broke her for about an hour... then again, POW... that lasted for the rest of the night... the next night she tried to play on my door again.. BANG... I never let her get by with playing on it, I was consistent heaving a can upside the door.. in about 3 nights, she was broke forever.. and really to this day.. she has no idea that i was the one throwing the cans... and I get to sleep. I still have the cans as I cannot open them, the cans are mangled (it's just awful) >> Good luck with this, and please ignore that "specialist" who seems to >> think [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > what a very pretty desk and stool, i forget what you call that kind of > fabric on the stool The stool is an antique (the desk is old, but not as old as the stool). The fabric on the stool is actually very old needlepoint. > Nice 70's style mushroom modeled multi-tiered cat scratchier The cats *love* their cats trees (and, yes, one pole is wrapped with sisal to provide a scratcher). If you don't have one, it's worth checking out -- just be sure whatever you get is *very* sturdy. I ordered both of mine from www.createacatcondo.com. Their site is interactive, so you can "build" your own and get an instant price (which is not as high as it sounds because their trees are very heavy -- made of solid wood -- and the price includes shipping). > Very pretty cats, you can't tell that duffy is blind > especially when you see him on the very top pedestal, or reaching out > playing with Holly > > i don't think cats know when they are blind, maybe they do Thanks. I think they are gorgeous cats, but most of us feel that way about cats. Duffy has been blind from birth, so he did not need to learn to adjust to a loss of sight. I suspect that helped him adapt so well. > see for you, your success came by watching them like a chicken > you said it yourself, for the first few weeks you watched them *very* > carefully > > they probably lapped up all the attention Yes, that's part of what I meant by positive reinforcement. I did watch very carefully for the first couple of weeks, but it wasn't "hard" to do. > I like your creativity in training them, I would not have guessed they > would connect touching the scratcher in general (when chasing a toy or > something) with a scratching spot. That had to come off awkward for all > parties involved... Thanks. It wasn't awkward, but I was very cautious when I was using my fingers to scratch on the post because it usually isn't a good idea to use hands in a play position -- too easy to be accidentally scratched. > The cat is chasing a toy, all of a sudden he finds himself in school > > They probably caught on quick for the praise of it. Exactly. Please give it a try instead of throwing stuff (as you described below). > -- > [quoted text clipped - 18 lines] > I still have the cans as I cannot open them, the cans are mangled (it's > just awful) What does your door look like? It sounds like you would have a lot of scratches and dents from the cans. MaryL > What does your door look like? It sounds like you would have a lot of > scratches and dents from the cans. it's an exterior solid wood security door, so luckily the door is fine it had been days since I slept, I had tried talking nice, then beggings "please let daddy sleep.. please Jupiter..."... "baby come up here and get in the bed with daddy"... oh noooo she said I tuck Jupiter in like a football, she finds her way out and up the curtains on the wall, yeah > in about 3 nights, she was broke forever.. and really to this day.. she > has no idea that i was the one throwing the cans... and I get to sleep. > I still have the cans as I cannot open them, the cans are mangled (it's > just awful) *shrug* I don't know how awful it is, there are humans and cats living in the house, so the needs of both have to be considered. You need your sleep in order to be nice and fresh to go out and bring home the cat food, after all. If they knew that they would rubbing your head for you until you fall asleep and tippy-toeing around the house! Cats hate loud noises, and so loud noises will encourage avoidance of whatever they are engaged in when the sound happens. This is why I yell NO! as loudly as I can when mine do stuff they should not. As long as you don't abuse this, and do it all the time, I think it is fine. > > in about 3 nights, she was broke forever.. and really to this day.. she > > has no idea that i was the one throwing the cans... and I get to sleep. > > I still have the cans as I cannot open them, the cans are mangled (it's > > just awful) > > *shrug* I don't know how awful it is > If they knew that they would rubbing your head for you until > you fall asleep and tippy-toeing around the house! oh yeah! that would be down right fetching! I luuuuv getting my head rubbed reminds me of Bug Bunny massaging E.Fudds head with all 4 feet at the barbershop just before he fills Fudds mouth with shaving cream > I yell NO! as loudly as I can I bet - They think your a reptilian when you make that noise does it sound like a Terradactyl? you like to scream? I wouldn't mind it's a good tension breaker > Jupiter kept scratching the door... it just so happened I had canned > foods on the mantle next to the bed (just temp storage) I heaved a can [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > I still have the cans as I cannot open them, the cans are mangled (it's > just awful) I keep some small stuffed animals (beanie babies and similar) on my heardboard. If there is a cat fight, or Chase finds some plastic to chew on; I just grab one and throw it at the sound. It stops. Nobody gets hurt. Nothing gets damaged. And I just toss it back on the bed the next day. I used to throw my kleenex box, but then I would have to find it when I needed it, Once, a long time ago, Chase was at the end of the room, and I nailed him with the stuffed animal. He just looked at me with this shocked expression. I think he was surprised I could aim that well. >> Jupiter kept scratching the door... it just so happened I had canned >> foods on the mantle next to the bed (just temp storage) I heaved a can [quoted text clipped - 17 lines] > him with the stuffed animal. He just looked at me with this shocked > expression. I think he was surprised I could aim that well. All I need to do is call out to my cats to come to me or do something to district them, such as pull a cloth across the floor or roll a toy in front of them. That distracts them from what they are doing, and there is no need to throw anything at them. In all my years of having cats, I have *never once* thrown anything at my cats or sprayed them with water. They are beautiful, happy, *well behaved* lovebugs. MaryL > <friesian@zoocrewphoto.com> wrote in message > All I need to do is call out to my cats to come to me or do something to > district them, such as pull a cloth across the floor or roll a toy in front > of them. That distracts them from what they are doing, and there is no need > to throw anything at them. In all my years of having cats, I have *never > once* thrown anything at my cats or sprayed them with water. They are > beautiful, happy, *well behaved* lovebugs. That works great during the daytime, but Chase has two ways of trying to get me out of bed. Chew on plastic and get Kira to growl. If I get out of bed, I am rewarding him. Night time is NOT playtime, and I am not going to get up and play with him. I made that mistake years ago. I would get up and kick him out of the room. Turns out, that is what he wanted. So, I got a chain to keep the door open for him, but not far enough for my mom's dog to get in (she'll knock over my trash). So, yes, I do toss something if I am bed. I am not getting up in the middle of the night to distract him with a playtoy. The beanie baby heading his way does the trick, and nobody is hurt. There is nothing he needs in the middle of the night. If he wants attention, he can play with Jay Jay or Christy. > I keep some small stuffed animals (beanie babies and similar) on my > heardboard. If there is a cat fight, or Chase finds some plastic to [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > him with the stuffed animal. He just looked at me with this shocked > expression. I think he was surprised I could aim that well. That's fine for a democracy, but I'm running a dictatorship I don't wanna have to repeat myself see..am I making myself clear friesian? I have long since put the canned goods out of the bedroom muuu hahahahaha haaaaaaaaaaaaa hjahahaha > > I keep some small stuffed animals (beanie babies and similar) on my > > heardboard. If there is a cat fight, or Chase finds some plastic to [quoted text clipped - 17 lines] > > haaaaaaaaaaaaa hjahahaha lol > on the positive side the tin foil suggestion is working > 100% so far in protecting my plants from being dug up. either the foil > is working or the cats are sick and tired of me whacking them on the > nose with a rolled up piece of newspaper when I come home.>>. If the cats are digging up your plants while you are at work and you come home later and whack them with a newspaper how are they supposed to know what you are whacking them for? Cats like to dig in the earth and scratch, it's part of their intrinsic behaviour. If you decide to have a cat, it's your responsibilty to provide an outlet for them to do this and not to punish them when you fail to do so. Cats leave their scent from their paws when they scratch on furniture and that's one reason why they are attracted back to scratch in the same place. They don't do it deliberately to annoy you or have an agenda to destroy your furniture. -:) Alison > hate to be the bearer of bad news. just visited a specialist today. was > told in cats that have the habit of scratching furniture it is pretty [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > is working or the cats are sick and tired of me whacking them on the > nose with a rolled up piece of newspaper when I come home. TRY THE cardboard scratchers that are available at Petsmart - my furniture manglers are doing well with this devine invention - it is like a flat cardboard piece and you sprinkle the cat nip in it - takes a little diligence at first... > > hate to be the bearer of bad news. just visited a specialist today. was > > told in cats that have the habit of scratching furniture it is pretty [quoted text clipped - 13 lines] > like a flat cardboard piece and you sprinkle the cat nip in it - takes > a little diligence at first... Also the Alpine Scratcher, which is on a slant. Mine love that one. They do not scratch the furniture anymore. Winnie, your "specialist" is full of it. > > > hate to be the bearer of bad news. just visited a specialist today. was > > > told in cats that have the habit of scratching furniture it is pretty [quoted text clipped - 18 lines] > > Winnie, your "specialist" is full of it. I'm glad to hear it. I hope it works out. I bought a really fancy cat scratch tower. the foil is working 100% in preventing them from digging in my plants. TX for all the tips. > TRY THE cardboard scratchers that are available at Petsmart - my > furniture manglers are doing well with this devine invention - it is > like a flat cardboard piece and you sprinkle the cat nip in it - takes > a little diligence at first... They are wonderful- my cats wouldn't use an upright post but when I put the cardboard one down- instant problem solved!!!! They didn't even need to be shown how to use it Lesley Slave of the Fabulous Furballs >> TRY THE cardboard scratchers that are available at Petsmart - my >> furniture manglers are doing well with this devine invention - it is [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > > Slave of the Fabulous Furballs If your cats like the cardboard scratchers, you might also want to try a Turbo Scratcher. Duffy loves that one -- a large circle with a ball mounted in the outer ring and a cardboard scratcher in the center. So, you have a toy and scratcher in one device. They are available at many places, including WalMart. You can see a picture here: http://www.thecatconnection.com/page/TCC/PROD/PLAY-SRTCH/PLAY-2602 Some comparison prices: http://www.nextag.com/turbo-scratcher/search-html?nxtg=6300a20050e-949F1A0E28C86529 MaryL |
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