Destroying our carpet!

[bella123]

I have a 3 year old former feral cat that I got when she was 7 months old. Since I have had her she has destroyed 2 oriental rugs, the carpet in our old house and now the carpet in our new house. She just runs into the room and starts scratching/digging. We have tried scratching posts (even that flat kind) and she shows absolutely no interest. Our other cat can't get enough of them. We scold her when we catch her doing it, but every morning and when we get home from work you can tell she's been at it again. Has anyone ever had this problem? Short of getting her declawed (which I REALLY don't want to do) is there anything we can do to deter her from doing this?

Thanks.

[Traci]

Put a scratching post directly in the area she seems to like to scratch the most. Place catnip at the top of the post and at the base. Also use scratching posts that are at least partial sisal rope, as most cats prefer it to simply carpeted posts. After she gets used to the scratching post, gradually move it to an area more preferrable to you, but still in the same area where you tend to lounge the most (i.e., living or family room)

Try spraying febreeze on the rugs, it may help deter her to scratch them. (please be sure the rugs are thoroughly dry before allowing the cats on them)

It could be that she is also bored. So, invest in a special kitty tree, interactive toys, and absolutely spend quality time with her daily, such as ten minutes twice a day with playtime and activity.

[bella123]

Thanks for responding!

We tried putting the scratching post where she usually scratches, but it was miraculously moved every time. (It is the rope kind, not the carpet) We didn't try the catnip, so will definitely give that a try, as well as febreeze.

I don't think she is bored, she gets tons of attention from us, sometimes more than she wants from the other cat, and a mouse toy that she plays with for hours on end. I think it is more of a soothing thing for her. So, we'll give these things a try and see what happens!

Thanks

[Ash]

Since she does it while you're sleeping or at work, that means not available to her, it is probably a protest. She wants attention more frequently than she gets. I know - you need to sleep and you need to work, nothing can be done about that. Just analysing her reasons. My cat often uses this 'trick' to get my attention when I sit for example at the computer and type. He simply starts attacking the sofa or the mattress - and he's well aware that he shouldn't do that -, and he invariably gets my attention real fast! I bet yours knows too! So when you come home, she'll be the focus Do you give her the greeting and time she wants when you get up/come home?

[bella123]

She absolutely gets greeting time. I don't think it is a protest. She doesn't only do it at those times, she does it right in front of us too, and then gets scolded. Like I said, I think it is a soothing thing for her, much like our other cat using the scratching post, they both get that "ahhhh" look on their faces when they do it.

[Tambrey]

I have used a water bottle or water pistol (the cheap little kinds, not the new powerful ones ) to train our cats...I have a few small bottles labeled WATER placed in each room, and if I catch a cat doing something they should not...and you MUST CATCH THEM IN THE ACT...they get a squirt of water on the rear end!! And if you can do that without them actully seeing that it is YOU holding the water bottle, they soon begin to associate the activity with a squirt of water and stop doing it...you can also shout a firm NO when you squirt the water...

I now can have the birdcage on the stand in the living room, and 4 or 5 cats laying in a semi circle on the floor watching it, but they will not touch the cage!

You cannot come home, see that the cat did some scratching while you were gone, and punish the cat, because the cat has no recollection of time and thinks it is being puished for greeting you...you must catch them in the act or do not discipline at all...

good luck...

[bella123]

We only scold her when we catch her. We don't scold her after the fact. We know that would have no merit.

I have not tried the water bottle method with her, but used it many times with the other cat (she thought it was a game). This cat was so shy and timid from the start and has only in the past year really started to come out of her shell. I am afraid that spraying her would counteract her progress, but I guess it wouldn't hurt to try.

[Tambrey]

just a quick squirt on the rear end...and a sharp NO might deter her without psychological harm done...
the main thing is to try not to let them see that it is you holding the water bottle...

My cats think the birdcage is what squirts the water out at them...hahaha

Hopefully your cat will think the carpet is squirting the water at it whenever it scratches...that is the idea and goal anyways...

[kiggityca]

the squirt bottle used to work for my cat - if you do it without saying anything, they just associate the action or spot with getting wet, and it doesn't reinforce the behavior by having them get your attention. when you see her scratching that spot, just spray without her even knowing it's coming from you.