help needed: kitty trees and toys

[birdsohio]

Hello everyone

We are new to this board, and we need help.
A couple of days ago we took in two cats that were thrown out by their previous owner due to having destroyed/clawed her brand new furniture. We are in need of any cat supplies that anyone out there has and no longer needs, especially old kitty trees and toys. These two are very lovable cats, but we can't have them tear up our house either, and we would never have them declawed as that's against our personal morals/believes. We'd like to keep them if at all possible, and know they'll need lots of kitty trees to be distracted from our furniture and carpets. They're only about two years old, and are regular black house cats. We don't have a fortune to spend on buying new cat trees for them, so we're looking for and would so much appreciate any help we can get for these guys!
We are located in Richfield, Ohio 44286.

[Traci]

Until then, please read this link for tips on behavioral training and links to nail clipping and more behavioral training info.

[birdsohio]

Hi Traci

Thanks for your help. I clipped/trimmed their nails as soon as we got them.

[Tambrey]

try freecycle

You go to the main page, then locate your region, then state, then city and sign up...simple...and free...

EVERYTHING taht is listed there, either a want or a giveaway is FREE...just post a subject WANTED: Cat Toys and Items then in the body of the message, list your specifics...most likely within hours you will have replies!

[Traci]

Caution disclaimer: When getting free items, pay particular attention if they have been "used".....not knowing where they have been or near a previously sick kitty, you will want to ensure that the materials are washable before you allow your kitty access to them. Most soft toys can be tossed in your washing machine with towels, etc, using hot water...cat trees would require a good cleaning with something like carpet foam cleaner (i.e., Woolite).

I'd play it safer and save your money to get their own new things. Or you can get creative and make toys yourself...if you sew, try your hand at little socks filled with catnip or similar toys.

Petsmart has some pretty reasonable smaller cat trees, if you save up, you may find one or two perfectly suitable for your kitties. Even little condo/cubbys can suffice until you can afford the trees. Petsmart also has some low-priced cat scratching pads that you can simply place on the floor or next to a wall...

[Ash]

We have an actual tree trunk for ours to scratch. We got it from neighbours who cut down a tree.

And we also have very inexpensive bamboo mats on the floor which they like to use for their claw sharpening. When they get frayed we just buy new ones.

(But not sure if they cost a lot in the US.)

Plus we have one old sofa which they are allowed to scratch. It's in tatters

[birdsohio]

You guys are awesome! Thanks so much for your help. Kitty girl is sitting right here by me, making it pretty hard to type, LOL. The boy has to remain in the basement (ours is huge and he actually loves it as it's cooler than the rest of the house) for now until he gets a little cleaner...right now he's a messy boy who comes out of the litter box with poop smeared on his behind If you guys know of anything that might help with this problem, I'm all ears.

Thanks again so much!

[birdsohio]

I forgot to ask, about how often do I need to clip their nails?
Thanks much!

[Marty]

Just curious as to what you are feeding him...it might be that the food, or change in food, has his system in a bit of an upset. If it is a good quality food, it should clear up, given some time.

[birdsohio]

They are on Purina Friskies (kibbles) as of right now. That's what their previous owner fed them last. She did use to change their food every once in a while, for "variety..." I've been advised by a nice lady to switch them to Iams as she said that should harden their stools and make them less smelly too, as well as make the boy lose some weight and the girl gain some.