But what about play time? Most of us would play all day if we could, so we’re really appreciative of any dedicated play time you can give us. Make a point to schedule play time with your cat for the same time every day – that way he or she will have something to look forward to while you’re off bringing home the bacon!

Tailer is a cat from Sweden. You can follow him on Twitter here.

Attach the string to the wire, the feather to the other end of the string and make it dance in front of your cat. Then pull the feather around the room until he catches it.

Another idea is to use a sack or medium cardboard box. Put some light material, like a sheet over it, leaving enough space for your cat to slink under it into the box. Tap on the closed end of the sack or box and then the side, then the back again. Do this for awhile and your cat will be tuckered out from trying to catch the sound.

An old sock that smells like you works wonders, too. Add catnip and tie it off – your cat gets two smells in one.

If you cat IS finicky, try out each of the types of toys – you’re sure to pique his interest with one of them.

Kelly is a dog columnist and pet writer. She lives in the Boston-area with her three pit bulls and one neurotic cat.

Toys that require your interaction with your cat are great for bonding. Feathers on the end of a string on a pole is a great toy as is a laser toy. Treat balls also are fun. Playing also keeps your cat’s hunting skills in shape in case he needs to get that annoying fly.

Kelly is a dog columnist and pet writer. She lives in the Boston-area with her three pit bulls and one neurotic cat.

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.

Never fear, there’s a new type of house available for a fraction of the price – the cardboard cottage. These houses are naturally attractive to cats for scratching and hiding. They can even climb in them. Two choices under $40 are available here and here. These are easy to assemble and you cat will thank you, as he plays in the cardboard box it came in.

A really rough car mat is a great thing to have around. Cats love to tear them up. Ours would make a two room detour – including a trip over the forbidden rug – to get to the mat.

“Soft Paws” are vinyl nail caps that are glued on to your cat’s existing nails. They look like a cat’s nail, but they’re hollow. They are easy to apply and cats tolerate them extremely well. They’re available in clear as well as designer colors.

Your cat can continue to scratch to her heart’s delight without damaging anything, and she can walk on your leather sofa without leaving claw marks. Put them on your cat’s hind paws to help prevent self-inflicted damage from scratching. And, it’s an excellent alternative to declawing.