cat scratching

[H.Wilkinson]

Has anybody got any tips on how to stop cats scratching blown vinyl wallpaper? we have had it for over twelve months but the cat has just started scratching it in the last few weeks and it has made such a mess. thanks :(

[funnywebsite]

The only idea I have is rubbing orange peel onto the skirting boards to keep him away from the wall. The only problem is, if he is doing all around the room and not in one spot. I know they cannot stand the smell of citrus, I saw it on a programme of how to keep the cat off your garden. You could always buy a citrus scented air freshener and spray the walls with it. This might not work, depends how long the scent sticks to the walls.

Sorry I don't have any other ideas besides each time you catch him to say no very sharply and pull him away from the wall so he gets the message.

[WendyS]

I don't know how old your cat is (wasn't sure whether it was the wallpaper or the cat which was 12 months old !) but I do know when cat get older they seem to scratch more. I suspect it is something to do with arthritis and needing to scratch to try and relieve the pain. Our elderly cat wecked star carpet and a three piece suite before he eventually died with his continual scratching. You could try buying a specific cat scratching post or a log and introducing him to it with a scratching movement as often they seem to have a favourite scratching location and keep returning to it.

[espookid]

Hi
We read that the cats do it to exercise their claws ( normally before going hunting ) and the book recommended a short tree trunk of a non sticky type for example pine or spruce are no good we use a hardwood like ash or oak that we get from the local parks and gardens when they cut one down but you can also wrap a dummy trunk with a piece of carpet and they should use that

[theren_911]

You can pick up a scratching post laced in catnip for �5-�15 - mine loves it. If you spend a little more they have whole Play stations with dangly bits and even a little "den" to sleep in.

I got one cus my cat was scratching the new wallpaper and it cured the problem.

Now i just have to stop him sneaking into the lounge and pulling all the decorations off the tree!

[grandad123]

the only way is to get a dog the same colour as your wallpaper then everytime the cat tries to scratch the wallpaper it will get the dog the dog will bite the cat the cat will soon stop and your wallpaper will be safe

[peanut]

whatever you do, dont disipline him in a harmful way. cats need to scratch, its natural to them. As stated above, you need to get your cat a scratching post. As soon as you see him scratching the wall calmly walk up to him, pick him up and bring him to the post and put his paws up on it. he will eventually get the idea that the post is where he is to be scratching.

[bubblebubble]

perhaps your cat is trying to tell you something-in tests 9 out of 10 cats expressed their dislike of anaglypta wallpaper - please remember that wallpaper may go down as well as up and your house may be at risk if you do not keep up your mortgage repayments, or any loan secured on it.

[Otrere]

Give your cat a scratch post and rub "catnip" into it.

[ianess]

Nice one bubblebubble!

[magicbeatle]

put mittens on the kittens