Hey everyone, I need some help/advice!
I have an almost 3 year old spayed female cat who lives indoors with two other cats (ages 10 and 4).
She's always been a bit on the naughty side, jumping on counters and scratching our carpets, but recently after bringing home our new baby it has gotten even worse. It is to the point that my husband would like to see her gone.
The most recent issue is that she has went under our bed and clawed out a hole in the box spring and hides out in there. After locking all the cats out of our room for a few days, we were able to put up barriers to block the holes and let the cats back in. Well she made NEW holes and was up there again last night.
We've always used a squirt bottle of water to try to keep her off the counters or from clawing furniture/carpet. It doesn't seem to phase her though. She does run when she gets squirted but 5 minutes later is right back doing what we'd like her not to do. Also, the cats do have a scratching post they use regularly.... unless the little stinker decides to use the carpet instead.
Is there anything we can do? She is an indoor cat and we thought maybe she needs to be outside, but not sure if that is the answer. I really hate to have to find her another home, I'm not the kind of person who just gives pets away.
Any help is SOOOO appreciated!
Alissa
Help/Advice on a Consistently Naughty Kitty
Re: Help/Advice on a Consistently Naughty Kitty
NO, allowing her outdoors is NOT the solution.
How recent is the new baby? You do understand, that new babies are extremely stressful for the cats, yes?
Whatever you used to block entry to under the bed didn't work, obviously, try building a wood frame around it, but take care to sand the edges so they are smooth and kitties don't get hurt or slivers etc.
She's not trying to spite you or anything, as a matter of fact, this is her way of trying to get your attention to something, whether that is stress, changes in the home/routine, or begging you for additional attention and affection. New babies take alot of time and effort, but you must make time for the cats too, including playtime sessions, bonding sessions, etc. You have to be keen to her needs and accomodate her. For instance, what is her favorite activity? Where is her favorite area in the home? What are her favorite toys etc? Accomodate her more, consistently, and make her feel she is still a vital member of the family and ensure her that she isn't getting neglected.
Some cats are naturally more active and spirited than others, so you have to make the environment interesting and entertaining for her. Provide another scratching post in a new area for her, get a safe kitty tree and place it by a safe window so she can watch birds outside, etc. Invest in interactive toys, like a cat-track or kitty activity playcenter toy, etc. Spend more time with playtime and other activities with her, and make it routine so she looks forward to it and enjoys it more.
How recent is the new baby? You do understand, that new babies are extremely stressful for the cats, yes?
Whatever you used to block entry to under the bed didn't work, obviously, try building a wood frame around it, but take care to sand the edges so they are smooth and kitties don't get hurt or slivers etc.
She's not trying to spite you or anything, as a matter of fact, this is her way of trying to get your attention to something, whether that is stress, changes in the home/routine, or begging you for additional attention and affection. New babies take alot of time and effort, but you must make time for the cats too, including playtime sessions, bonding sessions, etc. You have to be keen to her needs and accomodate her. For instance, what is her favorite activity? Where is her favorite area in the home? What are her favorite toys etc? Accomodate her more, consistently, and make her feel she is still a vital member of the family and ensure her that she isn't getting neglected.
Some cats are naturally more active and spirited than others, so you have to make the environment interesting and entertaining for her. Provide another scratching post in a new area for her, get a safe kitty tree and place it by a safe window so she can watch birds outside, etc. Invest in interactive toys, like a cat-track or kitty activity playcenter toy, etc. Spend more time with playtime and other activities with her, and make it routine so she looks forward to it and enjoys it more.
..........Traci
Re: Help/Advice on a Consistently Naughty Kitty
I had MDF board (like plywood but cheaper) cut to fit inside my metal bed frame putting the box spring and mattress ontop of that. It doesn't interfer with the comfort or anything, but it did stop my cats from clawing the plastic box spring protector (like a big pillow case) I kept replacing.
That may help solve that problem with the bed and hopefully Traci's suggestions will help overall. I also agree, do not let her outdoors.
Please keep us posted.
That may help solve that problem with the bed and hopefully Traci's suggestions will help overall. I also agree, do not let her outdoors.
Please keep us posted.
Re: Help/Advice on a Consistently Naughty Kitty
she may LOVE a laser beam toy! Your husband will enjoy watching her run after the beam and he can wear her out with that toy. A tired kitten is a good kitten 
Re: Help/Advice on a Consistently Naughty Kitty
Thank you so much for the advice... I love my cats a ton and couldn't bear to part with any of them, even if little Lucy drives me crazy! I really wasn't all for letting her outside, there is a reason I keep them inside and that is to keep them safe. I'm so paranoid that something would happen if any of them were outside. In fact, their "outside" is our closed garage. 
I guess I hadn't realized that our new little one would impact them as much as it has. I mean, I knew it WOULD impact them, but not to this degree. I told my DH that I figured we were just more noticeable of her naughty-ness since we are even more busy now with the baby. I think I definitely will have to look for a new scratching post/cat tree. We have a dingy old one that while they use it, isn't the best. I think we will have to get some of that cheap board to go under our box spring as well.
My DH would like to see her go to another home but I just can't do that. She was dumped in our neighborhood and we took her in and I just can't let her go. She's a sweet girl and I know she isn't doing things to be mean and devious, it's just plain curiosity and likely the lack of attention.
I know she'd love the laser beam toy.... that's a good idea... we have one and I think it just needs a new battery. That really wears the cats out! LOL!
I'll keep you updated.... wish me luck!
I guess I hadn't realized that our new little one would impact them as much as it has. I mean, I knew it WOULD impact them, but not to this degree. I told my DH that I figured we were just more noticeable of her naughty-ness since we are even more busy now with the baby. I think I definitely will have to look for a new scratching post/cat tree. We have a dingy old one that while they use it, isn't the best. I think we will have to get some of that cheap board to go under our box spring as well.
My DH would like to see her go to another home but I just can't do that. She was dumped in our neighborhood and we took her in and I just can't let her go. She's a sweet girl and I know she isn't doing things to be mean and devious, it's just plain curiosity and likely the lack of attention.
I know she'd love the laser beam toy.... that's a good idea... we have one and I think it just needs a new battery. That really wears the cats out! LOL!
I'll keep you updated.... wish me luck!
Alissa