You CAN Have Your Cats and Your Furniture Too
Excerpt : No one wants to invest hundreds or even thousands of dollars in furnishings only to see them ripped to shreds by an overzealous pet, however beloved. To many people the obvious answer is to have
No one wants to invest hundreds or even thousands of dollars in furnishings only to see them ripped to shreds by an overzealous pet, however beloved. To many people the obvious answer is to have their cats declawed, but it this really a reasonable alternative?
Its proponents depict it as a simple and painless operation, but it is neither simple or painless. Most people aren't aware that it's not just the claws that are removed. Declawing involves the amputation of the first joint of each toe, and as any amputee can tell you, the pain persists for months if not years. The only difference is your cat can't tell you it still hurts.
This doesn't mean you have to put up with shredded furniture and drapes, or snagged carpets. I have four cats of my own, none of then declawed, and my upholstery and curtains are intact and my rugs unsnagged. There are a
Buy this Mini Poster at AllPosters.com
Also see :
Dog and Cat Allergies
from David the Dogman
The ten worst excuses not to spay or neuter a pet are:
Just one litter and then we'll have Fluffy spayed.
(Studies show that virtually the entire pet overpopulation stems from the "just one litter...read more
How To Select Cat Toys
In the next few paragraphs, we will explore new ideas and thoughts that may help you achieve your goal and decide what is best for you when choosing toys for your cats. Toys for girl cats and boys: When the mouse is away, cats play. And cats have...read more
|
number of steps you can take to minimize or eliminate the damage.
1. Give them what they want.
Scratching is not just a means of sharpening claws, it's a vital form of exercise that tones and strengthens the muscles. Even declawed cats go through the motions. It's instinctive. Birds gotta swim, fish gotta fly, cats gotta scratch. Whatever. So give them something suitable to scratch on, preferably not one of those pint-sized carpet-covered pet department abominations. That only confuses them.
If that's what you already have, at least pull off the carpeting and wrap it with good quality jute or sisal rope, half-inch in diameter, wound tightly and secured with glue. If you sew, you might try making a slip cover you can easily remove and replace as necessary. Burlap is good for this, but almost any fabric with a heavy weave or a textured surface will work.
Buy this Art Print at AllPosters.com
Also see :
Cat training for sever weather
Ever wonder if you should be training a cat for sever weather?
Yes a cat can be trained for sever weather.
First, make sure that the cat has been to the vet for check ups
and vaccines. This first will protect them from illness that
they pick...read more
Training Your Cat to Train you for the Holidays
Hanging the stocking with care in hope the cat will not
interfere. With the twinkling of lights from the fresh cut tree,
in hopes that the cat will sit by the sill. When what to the
cats wondering eyes must appear the Moon glowing down on...read more
|
My own cats are partial to upholstery velvet and corduroy. Ideally the post should be at least two inches higher than the cat can reach.
Many cats prefer a horizontal surface to scratch on, and take well to a commercial scratching pad made from corrugated cardboard.
Whatever you decide to use, spray it lightly with catnip extract (not synthetic - they WILL know the difference) and place it near your cat's favorite scratching spot. Once he or she becomes accustomed to the new surface, gradually move it to a more convenient location. These materials tend to be messy, so choose a spot where you can easily sweep or vacuum around it.
2. Use your good judgement when choosing fabrics and rugs.
Pass up all those lovely but delicate satin and damask weaves or the aforementioned textured surfaces. These are cat magnets. Knits and other stretchy fabrics are an
Buy this Poster at AllPosters.com
Also see :
Should Outside Cats Use A Collar
Most cat owners find themselves in a quandary over whether or
not to use a cat collar on their outdoor cats. The debate still
reigns over the pros and cons of outfitting an outside cat with
a collar, but many veterinarians and cat experts agree...read more
Using Flower Essences with Cats
Are you are trying to integrate a new cat into your feline family? Do your cats fight with each other? Is your new cat grieving its lost human companion who had to go into a nursing home? Flower remedies or essences are helpful in many...read more
|
open invitation to snags. Leather and faux leathers are also major no-no's. Sheer panels at the windows? Forget it!
Look for strong fabrics with a tight weave such as sailcloth or canvas. Most denims hold up well, also. For curtains, go with something like percale or chintz. Most of the curtains at my house are made from bedsheets, and are not only attractive but virtually indestructible. For carpeting, a medium or low plush is preferable to a berber or a sculptured pile. Remember, minimum texture is the key.
As long as we're on the subject, think brown. That way when your cat upchucks on it, and it will, it won't be such a disaster. If your cat is still drawn to the furniture, a number of companies sell clear plastic corner protectors that self-adhere to most fabrics.
3. Trim the claws.
It's not as difficult as it might seem, especially if you
Buy this Art Print at AllPosters.com
Also see :
Behavior Training for your stubborn Cat
Learning cat behaviors before you start training them would be
an good idea for anyone that is going to train a cat's behavior.
A cat can jump and land on its feet as this is a natural
instinct for a cat. When a kitten is born the...read more
What's Your Cat's Preferred Litter Box Type?
Many cat owners experience trouble with kitty not using the cat litter box they've chosen for her. With a little bit of understanding about their cat, the proper cat litter box type can be found quickly for good cat litter box habits.
For...read more
|
start them as kittens. Use a specifically designed animal nail trimmer and start out slow. Begin by just handling the paws, and practice extending the claws without trying to trim. The cat will become accustomed to being handled and will be less likely to react violently to the actual trimming. After a few days of this, try trimming, just one or two nails at a time, and only take off the very tips. If you still find it troublesome, most professional groomers will do it for a minimal fee.
4. Claw caps.
These are soft plastic covers that are glued onto the claws and last for up to 4-6 weeks. I've never tried them myself, but many people report good results.
Cats and people have shared living quarters for thousand of years, and with a little forethought and cooperation we should be able to maintain a harmonious relationship between ourselves, our pets, and
Buy this Art Print at AllPosters.com
Also see :
Cat Training Collar
Cat like dogs, you will need to get a collar for your cat. There
will be times when you will want to walk the cat or let your cat
out on a leash. With having a collar it will be easy to do both
of these.
Collar training does take time,...read more
Training Your Cat To Be Nice To Your House
Is your cat taking over the house? Climbing curtains, chewing
cords, knocking over the trash and jumping on the counters? Well
you don't have to put up with it! Even though it may seem like
your cat cannot be trained, a little bit of patience...read more
|
our furniture.
copyright 2005
Kathie Freeman is the author of Catwalk, a Feline Odyssey.
For more of her articles and short stories visit Kathie's Stories and Tails at http://home.att.net/~kathiefreeman/
This article is free to use as long as the byline and this source information is included.
About the Author
Kathie Freeman is a life-long cat person who along with her husband has been owned by as many as 13 cats at once. They currently share their California home with four cats and a dog.
She is the author of "Catwalk, a Feline Odyssey", the captivating story of a wandering tabby cat and the people she meets on her journey of adventure and discovery.
Ms Freeman is also the author of "The Retro", as well as numerous short stories and
More Cats, felines, Kittens, cats for sale, help, cat scratches, kittens for sale, cat breeders, cat breeds,information,cat food, kitten food,cat training,training a cat,training a kitten, usa Articles
The Woes of Cat Hair and How to Control It
Cat hair gets everywhere. In the bedding, on the screens, deep in the carpet, and of course,...
Training the Cat to Scratch on a Scratching Post
Every wonder why a cat has to scratches everything in site. Your
cat is sharpening claws and...
Buy this Art Print at AllPosters.com
For Cat Lovers Like You and Me
|
sitemap
copyright www.SPECIALCATS.COM 2006
|
Recently Added Cats, felines, Kittens, cats for sale, help, cat scratches, kittens for sale, cat breeders, cat breeds,information,cat food, kitten food,cat training,training a cat,training a kitten, usa Articles
Allergic To Your Dog Or Cat?
Pets definitely help us live longer and healthier lives. This is especially true of the elderly and those of us who live alone. Pets make wonderful and faithful companions. They are always there for us. However, this relationship can become...read more
Cat Training Tips
When starting to train a cat, a couple of things you will want
to take in consideration. Learn more about your cat, have the
proper tools to do the training and have lots of patience.
Setting goals to high for you and your cat at training can...read more
Home Care for the Declawed Cat
Remember, you are now rehabilitating a handicapped indoor
animal, so plenty of TLC is necessary, especially for the older
cat. You will find that your pet is tender for at least the
first 2 weeks after surgery. The normal running, jumping...read more
Thyroid illness in cats and dogs
Common clinical signs of hypothyroidism in dogs include weight gain, lethargy, reduced exercise tolerance and poor coat quality. However, the disease affects almost all body systems and as a result a wide variety of signs can potentially be...read more
What you Need to Know about Cat Food
Cat Food Info #1 Cats Need Protein in their Cat Food
The cat food you feed to your cat should always be rich in protein. This generally should come from meat, poultry or fish. Many cat food brands advertise chicken, beef, and tuna flavored cat...read more
Could Your Dog or Cat Be at Risk for Kidney Disease?
Catching an Illness at an Early Stage Is Your Best Strategy
Just like people, animals are susceptible to illness and stress. And, just like people, there is a lot you can do to keep them healthy.
Julie noticed her dog, Zac, was drinking more...read more
Feline Anxiety Causes Cat Litter Box Problems
Cats experience anxiety and get stressed out just like us human staffers. Unlike people, cats don't have a lot of creative ways to express their feelings. Unfortunately, when cats suffer from stress and anxiety, they generally communicate it in a...read more
"How to Make Your Cat's Life, and YOUR Life, Happier - Training Your Cat"
Imagine that you are scolding your cat for scratching at your new furniture, and Kitty is sitting staring at you. Suddenly you realize how silly you look and how futile your scolding is. So how do you train your cat to respect your home? All cats...read more
Read Your Cat's Body Language - Know Your Pet More
Read Your Cat's Body Language - Know Your Pet More
Meow! That is the sound you hear when you meet your cat walking
down the doorway. It will move with his head and tail held high,
looking directly at your eyes and emitting a faint...read more
THERE ARE OVER 50 CAT BREEDS. WHAT BREED MAKES THE BEST PET?
How to choose the perfect cat breed for you is easy if you do your research first. Cats are the world's most popular pets. They are independent but at the same time make for great company. The have minimal maintenance needs but they satisfy any...read more
Some News About Cats, felines, Kittens, cats for sale, help, cat scratches, kittens for sale, cat breeders, cat breeds,information,cat food, kitten food,cat training,training a cat,training a kitten, usa
|