A Home For Humans & Felines
5 Easy Asks
One
Buy furniture they are less likely to ruin.
Select couches and chairs covered in microfiber materials like faux suede. No boucle and no faux leather for sure. Mohair, velvet, denim and canvas are great too. Genuine leather will scratch. It may not tear, but it will scratch. Even if you keep their nails trimmed, they will jump up and accidentally scratch leather. A cat post next to the arms is key.
For carpets low-pile, non-loop, Persian, flatweave, sheepskin, cowhide, Berber, shag(but traps dirt and cat hair), kilim or carpet tiles are great. No woven or knotted wool for sure.
Two
Protect anything they might scratch.
Protect anything they might scratch with these ‘cat scratch furniture protectors’. You can try this sticky tape which they do not like. It serves as a cat deterrent. They will learn to avoid your furniture over time.
These are clear plastic protectors that are for longer term use. They are wipeable and minimalist.
Three
Trim their nails often.
These are super easy to hold cat clippers. They are just the right size, and affordable. Be sure to come from behind your cat, push on the paw pad to see the nails more clearly, and to only cut the tiny tip. You only need to cut the nails that are sharp at the end. Kitties can sometimes only tolerate one or two nails to be cut a time. Reward them afterwards.
Four
Give them something MORE enticing to scratch.
With patience and consistency guide your cats towards cat-scratching approved zones. If your kitty scratches on something not on the approved list, pick her/him up, grab some catnip, walk over to the approved zone, sprinkle a little cat nip on it, and say “scratch this”. When they do, praise them immensely.
Catnip is a must. Buy it in bulk.
It is important to keep in mind that scratching behavior in cats is completely normal. It is essential feline behavior to sharpen claws and to fully stretch out their bodies.
Cat Posts and Scratchers
My favorite is this tall & durable sisal tall scratcher by Felix Katnip Tree Company. The company is a very old school, family -owned small company. I’ve depended on their posts for decades. These were first manufactured in the 1930’s.
Felix Katnip Tall Cat Scratching Classic Post 36
https://felixtreecompany.com/product/28-or-36-tall-cat-scratching-post-classic/
It’s a little pricey @ $130, but it is the best I’ve encountered. The sisal is woven super tight and it square. Cats love to scratch on corners. It’s also filled with catnip so it is very hard to resist. And because it made with real wood…it is nice and heavy so it won’t tip over. (and sustainable) Once the post is are worn it can be replaced for $90, but it will take a long time before you need a new one. Shipping may take a minute, but it is worth the wait.
Sisal Rug/Scratcher
This sisal scratcher is super cool. Combo kitty art & scratcher. It won’t last forever, but it is less messy than the cardboard scratchers and aesthetically pleasing.
Five
Brush them often.
Limit cat hair build up by brushing them often with this soft rubbery Zoom Groom brush that every cat will love.
This brush is super gentle. Start under chin with it. Let them self -groom. Then move to the top of their heads and eventually their entire back. After brushing, wet your hands and wipe them down, rinse and repeat until all of the loose fur is gone.