You are viewing entries tagged 'furniture'.
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Even the best cats can be tempted by a new piece of furniture. That clean, perfect chintz just calls out to their claws. But you don’t have to sacrifice redecorating just because kitty has that evil twinkle in her eye.
There are products available that you can spray on your furniture to deter your cat. No-Scratch and Bitter Apple are nontoxic and don’t damage fabric or wood. Scratch Strips which are sticky like tape, are unpleasant to cats. There’s also an electronic alarm that startles your cat when he comes close, claws extended. If you have a particularly diligent cat, there are slip covers. You can always remove the shredded specimen, or your cat, when company comes over. 
Kelly is a dog columnist and pet writer. She lives in the Boston-area with her three pit bulls and one neurotic cat. |
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Cats naturally seek out nooks and crannies to explore and snuggle in. The problem is that even small kittens often cannot extricate themselves from the tight places they squeeze into. Adult cats who get scared or disoriented might also wedge themselves in somewhere. Kittens who are curious will look for the smallest, most hidden spot they can to escape into, but once stuck can panic. In addition to refrigerators and washer/dryers, the other common hiding places of cats are: closets, inside boxes or shoes, drawers (inside or behind), cabinets (audio/video especially), suitcases, bags (paper, cloth or leather), laundry (clean & folded or dirty piles), sofa (behind or beneath), bookcase (behind books or behind shelving itself). |
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When you first bring a cat home make sure there is furniture for him to hide behind or underneath. If you cannot provide that, then put out a couple of cardboard boxes with the ends taped up and a small doorway cut into one side. Put a towel or small fleecy blanket in there for him, or better yet a sweatshirt of yours so she can get used to your scent and make appositive association. Cats need a little time to get things in purrspective. |
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Many experts will tell you that indoor cats generally live far longer, healthier lives than their outdoor counterparts. Keep your exercise fit, mentally and physically with environmental enrichment! Cat furniture is a great way to let your cat stretch and exercise those muscles – look for cat furniture with sisal rope which can function as a great scratching post! Some cats prefer scratching carpet or wood – it is important to find out what your kitty likes best. Clicker training is a great way to keep your cat mentally engaged. Also, check out Nina Ottosson dog toys – they are super awesome and my cats love them! Whenever possible, consider providing your cat with safe, supervised, and limited exposure to the outdoors, either on a leash/harness or in an enclosure of some type. |
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Cats like to explore inside closets, open chests, drawers – anything with a lid or a door. The problem is that if you or anyone in the house does not check before closing those drawers and doors and lids – you have a cat trapped in a very bad place. Use caution and take an extra peek before you lock that chest or that closet. |
