Tag Archives: catnip

How can I get my cat to scratch the rope onher scratching post/perch?

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We have one of those perches that is covered in carpeting except for the almost vertical support post, which is covered in sisel rope. Unfortunately, our cat only claws at the carpeted part, and never the rope. (Thankfully, she never claws the furniture.) I’ve tried putting catnip in the rope and playing with toys around the rope, but she just doesn’t seem interested. Won’t go for those cardboard scratching posts either.

There is an old saying:

You can lead a kitty to water…wait, Wrong saying.

You can buy a kitty anything and show it to them, and they’re going to do whatever the hell they want to anyway.

Serious answer. If you’ve tried catnip and toys, you’ve done all you can do.
Your kitty prefers the carpet and that is that.

Fling-ama-String Cat Toy UPGRADE

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Fling-ama-String… just another cat toy from Cousin Murf? Maybe so, but it’s one they have yet to get tired of! Gracie here likes it so much, we had to design an easy fix around the meager power supply of 3 AA batteries. We built 3 Radio Shack D Cell battery holders onto a small piece of wood, then clipped a metal clothes hanger hook to it and hung it on the other inside door knob. We used a cheap (mechanical ticking) timer switch that you can find at the hardware store- for bathroom ceiling fans, maybe $16. The D cells last a long time and it shuts itself off after 5 or 20 minutes- our Gracie here has had enough after ten minutes, anyway. We were going through three AA batteries every week- with the increased power of D Cells and the timer- it’s lasted 6 weeks so far… and still going strong! Fling-ama-String seems to have revived our 19 year old Himilayan from the clutches of death for one last romp- he loves it, too.

Here’s now to do the upgrade: http://www.instructables.com/id/Fling-ama-String-Upgrade-20-a-Cat-Toy-Improved/

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How can I make an easy and effective cat scratching post?

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I have limited handiness but am baffled on why people pay $100+ for a kitty condo when it’s made out of $10 worth of supplies. Can anybody reccommend an alternative?

use a piece of untreated 4×4 for the post. make a nice stable base out of plywood or something flat,the heavier the better(within reason) There is no need for carpet or anything fancy, if they are going to scratch they prefer the wood to the carpet anyway. If you want a platform then make a platform big enough for the cat to lay on comfortably. To get the cats interest give it a shot of catnip oil or just rub some catnip on it.

What are some ideas for safe hand-knitted cat toys?

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I wanted to crochet and/or some toys for the cats for this holiday season.
So far all I can think of is the traditional felted mouse with catnip, and a stuffed sardine. I can’t sew very well but I can knit and crochet. However, I have run out of ideas. Suggestions are welcome. :)
(The cats like to fetch and they like crinkly toys, as well.)
Tips on general safety or sources that have good ideas for homemade toys are welcome.

To spice up your toys, tuck some catnip insidel. They won’t even care what it is.

However, I recommend joining the Ravelry website (its free), they have tons of patterns and I have seen plenty of ideas for cat and dogs toys. My favorite were the cat toys shaped like sushi peices :)

How to attract my cat to scratching post again?

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So the scratching post that I set up for my cat fell on her while she was scratching because my dad was moving around and he accidentally pushed it over. Now my cat’s ignoring that post. How do I get her to scratch on it again?

One simple answer:
FRESH catnip. (If possible)

Take the fresh catnip and rub it hard on the scratching post so the juices stay in the post itself.
good luck! :)

How To Make Felted Cat Toys

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For more information on doing this project yourself, visit:

http://cyberseams.com/article/105722/craft_basics/how_to_make_felted_cat_toys.html

To learn more about sewing, crafting, knitting, and to get project ideas and patterns, visit us at http://Cyberseams.com!

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Training Tips for Cats That Scratch Your Furniture

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Why do cats scratch? 

Cats scratch:

 · To remove old nail sheaths from the claws

· To exercise and tone muscles

· To relieve stress, frustration and boredom

· To “warm up” for a vigorous play session

· To mark territory  

 

Do you want to protect your furniture and draperies?  Here are a few

 

Training tips:

 

 ….Place a sisal rope scratching post in a room where the cat spends a lot of time. Cats often like to stretch and scratch when they wake up from a nap. 

 

 ….To introduce the post to your cat try using catnip as a lure. (For most cats a lure is unnecessary, but fun.) Rub catnip onto the sisal material and call the cat over to the post.

 

 ….Scratch your nails along the surface of the material. This will attract the cat and at the same time teach him where to scratch. After your cat begins to scratch, praise him and give him a food treat.

 

 ….Small kittens can be trained to climb the post by showing them food treats and placing the treats on the top of the post or perch.

 

 ….If your cat has already been scratching a piece of furniture, place the post directly in front of it. Temporarily cover the previously scratched areas with a few strips of double-sided carpet tape or clear double-sided tape strips that are designed for this purpose.  This will help redirect your cat’s scratching activities to the post. By offering a suitable scratching target you are providing a natural outlet for a normal, healthy behavior.

 

 Smart and caring cat owners know that claws are very important to cats. Claws give the cat a sense of security, knowing that their defense system is intact. They also allow the cat to grasp and hold objects as well as establish footing for walking, running, springing, climbing and stretching.

 

Scratching posts and products are designed to maximize your cat’s scratching pleasure by providing an appealing target for territorial marking, exercise, and a playful warm-up.

 

By regularly trimming your cat’s nails and offering a suitable scratching item, you are providing a natural outlet for a normal, happy and healthy behavior and you will be rewarded with a satisfied and confident companion.