Preventing Cat Damage in Your Home
If you’ve never personally given a kitten a ball of yarn, you have almost certainly seen photos and paintings of kittens playing with yarn in books, ads, and even on clothing. This image has become a bit of a cliché for a good reason: there are few things as adorable as a kitten batting around and chasing a ball of yarn. Cuteness aside, pet owners have another thing to smile about: yarn is cheap.
Many pet owners have learned that you don’t always have to spend much money to get good pet toys. Sometimes the best toys are the ones you make or find yourself, like a ball of yarn for a kitten. Dog owners might remember going to the park and finding just the right stick for playing fetch. Sometimes even just an empty paper bag is enough to keep a cat entertained for a long time.
Some toys have practical purposes as well. Cats tend to claw on surfaces as a way of marking their territory, and unfortunately sometimes the only outlet a cat can find for this instinct is your new leather sofa. Even though that kind of damage can be frustrating and potentially expensive, remember that your cat doesn’t know any better. Making or buying a scratching post will let your cat release the urge to mark its territory and save your furniture at the same time.
Making a scratching post or scratching board is easy: just find a wide board or piece of plywood, at least a foot wide, and staple or nail a piece of tough carpet to it. You can either prop the board up on a wall, or use another piece of wood or two to construct a base. Try to keep the scratching part either slanted or upright. You can also take a small wooden post, wrap it in carpet, and attach it to a base to keep it steady.
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A scratching board is an easy and cheap way to improve your relationship with your cat. If your cat is exhibiting other behavior problems or acting in an unusual way, it might be a good idea to contact your local Austin Veterinarian Clinics. A licensed Austin veterinarian has the expertise to understand the cause of any strange behaviors or symptoms your cat might have. Contact your Austin Vet Clinic today to learn more.