I have kittens

[MichaeltheGreat]

Get them a good scratching post (wood post with sisal rope all around) and reinforce them using that. For them to like it, they have to be able to really dig in, without the post moving on them. They do it to stretch their back muscles and destress (declawed cats can't do it, and tend to be more neurotic both from the tension and stress, and the idea that they can't swack whatever bothers them)

Just keeping claws trimmed would be good enough. I'd recommend fixing them at about five months, at the latest - they'll be big enough, but by six, they're a lot more likely to learn how the equipment works, and get into some bad habits (spraying, prowling, more dominant behavior, etc.)

[TCO]

Originally posted by Boris Godunov


Cruel.

Well that's why I included "even". Always teased anyone who did this as a vivisectionist. But now I have cats that will be indoor types and that bachelor couch...

[MichaeltheGreat]

Leather couches aren't that great of a scratching post material if you have a real one around.

There should also be scent based products that will help discourage them from getting on it, but without you smelling it, or messing up the leather.

[TCO]

Originally posted by MichaeltheGreat
Get them a good scratching post (wood post with sisal rope all around) and reinforce them using that. For them to like it, they have to be able to really dig in, without the post moving on them. They do it to stretch their back muscles and destress (declawed cats can't do it, and tend to be more neurotic both from the tension and stress, and the idea that they can't swack whatever bothers them)

Just keeping claws trimmed would be good enough. I'd recommend fixing them at about five months, at the latest - they'll be big enough, but by six, they're a lot more likely to learn how the equipment works, and get into some bad habits (spraying, prowling, more dominant behavior, etc.)

I got them a good post. They don't really dig into the couch as much as the upholstered furntiure. But they like to use the back of the couch as a launching pad to jump to the mantle and such. So they have to dig in to launch.

The vet said 6 months to sterilize. Maybe 5 if I push it. Guess you are saying I should push it. Don't want any mountain cousin habits. I'm in Richmond now...

[TCO]

Had to take the sub up the James River at high tide.

[LTEC!]

you can try double sided tape on the surfaces they like to scratch. they despise sticky stuff.
congrats on the children. if they're little and like to hide, put bells on em.

[TCO]

I know there hiding place. Behind the fridge. and they don't use it anymore anyway. And I just use a tease toy to get them out anyway.

I did the double sided tape for a gf who had a cat who would jump on the mantle where she had expensive vases. He was very unhappy. Lesson went away after a few months though...

[LTEC!]

they shake their little pawsies in disgust. but you have to do reinforcement therapy every so often, because they don't have long-term memory.

[TCO]

like men?

[MichaeltheGreat]

Cats are very human in their behaviors - like men, or like women.

Nothing like the pitter patter of little feet.

[TCO]

yeah...it's pretty cool. I'm not sure where things are with Nena. She's been out of the country for a while and I haven't talked to her for 3 weeks.

[MichaeltheGreat]

If her mom is giving you kittens, though, you're practically kin already...

[alva]

pics???

[The Templar]

Post some pics!

Also, after working out, rub your sweat on their scratching post. They'll like it even more if it smells like you.

[alva]

Or watch a video and put some candy on the top