Having finally reached a position where we could do up our house we spent over £100 on wallpaper for the living room. Within 2 days there were claw marks down it.
My new leather suite arrived on Friday and today there are claw marks all over one end.
I'm obviously not happy, it's the end to a perfect day, but when my husband comes home tomorrow he will be fuurious.
After the wallpaper incident he was ready to re-home her but I said she was only marking her territory and after all we had managed to repair the wall, but this suite costs almost £1000 and it's ruined within the week.
Any ideas how to repair the leather and how to stop her doing more damage. I love my cat, I just don't like her at the moment!
You didn't mention how old your kitty is, but make sure you rule out health problems before anything else (stress can lead to serious consequences in health)
Yours is a classical case of a bored kitty. Try providing her scratching posts in the areas you and hubby are most social in. Provide a safe kitty perch near a safe window where she can look out and enjoy the outdoor scenery, etc. Interactive toys are useful for bored or inactive cats, and can keep them entertained as well as provide activity to help keep her lean and exercised.
It sounds like she may also be craving or demanding your attention. Concerning the wall-paper, if you have recently remodelled, this can be very stressful for your cat. Changes in the environment are the number one stress-cause for cats. She is simply trying to adjust to the new changes in your home and dealing with it by getting your attention with her behavior. If you spend quality time with her (playtime, one-on-one, cuddling, exercise, etc) she will feel more relaxed and more secure.
The solution won't happen overnight. Be patient with her as you work to resolve this. Start introducing her to the things mentioned (toys, time spent with her) and be forgiving. She doesn't understand your frustration and she is only asking for your attention. Don't show signs of your own stress or frustration around her, as this will only confuse her more. Time, patience and a whole lot of love are the keys as you approach the solution.
Charlie is about 6 years old I think. I took her in from the
RSPCA about 4 years ago. She was a stray and had been hit by a car. She had a few operations when we first got her but she's ok now apart from recurrent cystitis which is a complication from her hernia and stress.
She is ALWAYS demanding attention, especially from me. She's stood on my keyboard now!
She does go outside but not very far. She has a scratching post in the living room - between the scratched wallpaper and the sofa, would you believe? She has ping pong balls which she likes to chase over the laminate floor and she chases anything else that moves.
Well, foremost would be getting a vet check to make sure her cystitis is not progressing into a problem that needs further treatment (i.e, undetected bacterial infection or inflammation).
By interactive toys, I mean those that are actually interactive. Battery-operated mice, feather toys (supervise please), voice or sqeek toys, etc. Your interaction with her is important, it sounds like she is a high energy kitty and demands lots of time and attention.
It depends on what type of scratching post you have for her if she will use it or not. Some cats are vertical scratchers, some are horizontal, some are both. You want a post that is tall enough that it allows her to stretch. You want to place it near an open doorway, feed her near it, some cats love to eat then go stretch and scratch. The best scratching toy that I have found is called a turbo scratcher. Locke Pet Supply online carries it. It works great, but if you buy one make sure you buy extra cardboard inserts for the center, as they do not last long. You can try those type of scratchers that hang off doorknobs, just make sure the door isn't used a lot. Get her a cat condo as well, to keep her off the floor and out of trouble, and get one that is wrapped by sissal and not just carpet.
About your leather couch, many manufacturers use animal renderings when they treat their products and that could be the attraction right there. A simple throw cover over the couch masking the smell will take care of the problem.
The smallest feline is a masterpiece.
Leonardo da Vinci
Taking a piece of long cord, & have the cat chase you through the rooms of the house. My cat used to do that at least once a day with me until he got too sick. Cats love cords. Just don't leave it or any laying around when you are done playing. they also have in some pet stores wind up mice that are cool. You wind them up & put them on the floor & the cat chases it around. Also the window is a very important part of your cat feeling content. My cat loves to look in the yard in the safety of his own house ( he never goes out), he can watch the birds. When he was young he used to crouch down as if he was ready to get it, & make eeking noises. Even though he knew he couldnt get past the screen. They like to feel like they are hunters. the scratching could also be a sign that the cat is P.Oed about something. Maybe jelous. Did you get any new pets in the house? Also relaxing music does wonders for a stressed out cat. Play some easy listening elevator music for the cat, they love the relaxing cords of the music! A few minutes of the music and they close their eyes & relax.
