Your orange tabby Tillie is always seeking an exciting new challenge. This clever four-year-old feline housemate has never been interested in conventional cat toys. She briefly engaged in birdwatching, but became discouraged when she couldn’t capture the birds after stalking them. However, Tillie has found a hobby that seems to truly captivate her. For three days, your busy cat has been clawing and gnawing at your matching living room set. Your upholstered cushions and arms have been transformed into scraps of fabric and stuffing. Although scratching helps your cat to work her paw muscles and claws, you’re displeased with her choice of targets. Tomorrow, she’ll visit your Marietta veterinarian for expert behavioral counseling. Consider several other strategies as well.
Duller Little Daggers
By taking the edge off your feline delinquent’s claws, she won’t be able to cause as much damage. During her next physical checkup, your vet can quickly clip her little razors. If your house won’t last that long, schedule a brief nail-trimming appointment now.
Unsatisfactory Scratching Experience
If Tillie continues her mission of destruction, give her the most unpleasant scratching experience possible. Cover your couch, chairs, and other furniture with sandpaper or plastic wrap. When her sensitive paws rub against the rough-textured sandpaper, or get caught in the clingy plastic, she’ll probably retreat to another room to regroup. Keep the furniture coverings in place until you’re positive she has found another stimulating hobby.
Acceptable Scratching Alternative
Provide your surprised cat with a more appropriate, similarly textured digging surface. Place a carpeted or sisal-covered scratching post near her latest household target. If she’s currently working on the furniture frames or legs, position a cedar scratching post next to that pitiful object.
Banish the Punishment
Although you’d like to punish Tillie for her behavior, she won’t realize what she did wrong. Even worse, she’ll conclude that she’ll receive similar treatment every time you approach her. Speaking realistically, punishment won’t make a difference. She’ll simply wait until you leave to indulge her shredding obsession.
To keep your fidgety feline from becoming bored, regularly add new scratching surfaces to her favorite haunts. Ask your vet if sprinkling catnip on these objects, or spraying them with a feline pheromone, will make her so giddy she ignores the furniture. If your cat is fixated on household destruction, contact your Marietta veterinarian for expert advice.
