Cat Views

“Never try to teach a pig to sing; it frustrates you and annoys the pig. Translate this bit of wisdom to your dealings with cats and you’ll avoid a good deal of futility and frustration.” – Mark Twain

How To Keep Your Cat Happy and
Still Maintain Your Furniture & Sanity Intact

by Dr. Christianne Schelling

Dr. Schelling’s article thought the long title may be perhaps a little too long, authors an absolutely terrific article, extremely well written, funny and informative. A “don’t miss” for cat owners everywhere!

“…scratching is Kittie’s way of adding her own personal touch to home …. her version of interior decorating!”

Dr. Schelling’s theme; Knowledge is Power covered by 7 clearly-explained lessons:

1. Scratching is a natural behavior for cats
2. You can’t keep your cat from scratching
3. Why do cats scratch? Marking, stretching & pleasure.
4. Provide your cat with an appropriate scratching post.
5. Remember, we said appropriate
6. How to get Kitty to prefer the post
7. Start them young.

Plus… some alternate solutions are also offered. Please take just a moment to learn more about how to handle your cat’s scratching behavior before you consider declawing.

I have been contacted by a women who is about to adopt 2 soon-to-be very spoiled cats. She’s going “all out” to acquire a wonderful custom cat tree for them to enjoy. Only, she’s insistent on declawing them. I suggested that was not a good idea, but I fairly sure I’ve lost that argument. It’s such a shame that humans think it is humane to declaw a cat when we have such a terrific assortment of cat cat scratching posts available.

We received a great email today from one of our customers who just got their new Couchette by Kittypod. “Do you have any advice on how to clean it when the kitty barfs up a hairball on it?” It makes me laugh every time I read it, but Shannon’s question is a good one since she has a significant investment in “cardboard” cat furniture. We emailed the designer, Elizabeth Page Smith to ask her advice, suggesting perhaps vegetable oil could be used as a natural coating. Elizabeth promptly provided a very complete explanation which included wonderful insights about her design.

“Hi Nancy, Ha ha…yes, an issue I have personally addressed.  The best thing to do is to with a paper towel pick up the larger mess if there is any, in case of food regurgitation, and then allow it to dry. Once the spot is dry take a broom or brush and sweep the remainder of the mess away.  If there are still particles just use a vacuum cleaner with brush attachment.  This will clean the cardboard well.  No need to worry about sealing, the cardboard is sturdy and when dry will dry similar color to its original state.  This is all part of the use. Definitely no vegetable oil to be put on the material that will soggy the paper and give a really horrible smell.  It is best in natural state.  I say this also because the cats tend to also want to bite/chew on the cardboard so we don’t want to flavor the paper with something yuck.

In general, the couchette will receive ‘personalization’ by her cat.  This is the purpose of the couchette and is to be expected that there will be some wear and tear.  Every cat has their own way of interacting, some more aggressive than others, so the wear and tear will vary from cat to cat.

If you have something more to ask please do.

Best of luck and glad Shannon’s cat is finding pleasure and use of the couchette. +eps”

Last month while driving through Hatch New Mexico, I saw along the street outside an import store a large, interesting iron statue of a horse with rider. Normally, I’m not a much of shopper but needing a little break from driving I decided to stop. The store was filled with an odd collection of Mexican imports; mostly home decorative items. I buzzed it in typical fashion seeing stuff of no particular interest other than a hand-craved wooden Don Quixote leaning against the wall partially hidden by other items. Once home ole’ DQ was welcomed by my cat, Doofie who thought I bought her a new sisal scratch post. Fortunately once the novelty wore off, Doofie decided the sisal scratcher on her cat furniture was a lot more appealing.

Japan has come up with something new and a wonderful idea. They have established “Cat Cafes” which are becoming more and more popular.These “cafes” are a wonderful combination of animal shelter and tea house. Workers in Japan face long commutes and long hours of unpaid overtime. What better place to go and de-stress than a Cat Cafe? You can sip on tea or coffee, read a magazine, and have a cuddly warm cat curled up in your lap to pet at the same time. The cats are provided with wonderful accomodations like cat gyms, perches, condos, scratchers and cat beds. (These are professional cats). Calicos seem to be a favorite. It seems that single men in their 30’s find these cafes very appealing. They can go in, pay a nominal fee and spend an hour relaxing and playing with or petting a cat of their choiuce. These men are probably  gone on frequent business trips and do not have the time or accomodations to care for a pet. What a wonderful way to have a pet plus it is a great situation for the animals! They are loved and cared for while providing a great service to the customers.

I’ve been talking to some friends about the strange habits of their cats. One cat loves to be petted and the more you pet her, the bushier her tail grows until it is a full bush. Another friend says her cat has a very annoying habit. He does not like it when she brushes her teeth. She goes into the bathroom and unless she locks the door, he opens it and comes in. While she is brushing her teeth he will jump up and bite her butt! How many of you have cats that like to sleep in the wash basin in the bathroom? You can even turn the water on mine and he won’t move. My daughter’s cat lines up the heads of his “kills” in her bedroom closet for her to see. (Ugh)! My female cat hates closed doors and will go around opening them. Closets, cupboards or any closed door is okay with her to open and she is very good at it. We have strange habits and so do they. Most of the cats do like their scratchers and condos and a nice cozy cat bed and in spite of their oddities we supply them with these beloved items, because we care about our pets!

There once was a kitten named Puff
Just a cute little ball of fluff
She loved to run and play
Climbing curtains and making them sway
Away she’d run knowing that was naughty
When confronted she became very haughty
Off she would go and hide in her condo
Round and round in it she would go
Then she’d cuddle and purr to make amends
So Folks, this is how my story ends!

With the Holiday Season upon us, we need to be more vigilant where our precious pets are concerned. Dogs and cats love presents! They will get under the tree and open them when they can or work in tandem to do so. Our dog will pull them out for the cat to rip open. That’s teamwork for you! However, cats will play in the tree and bat ornaments around. The broken bulbs can prove to be a hazard, along with tinsel (which some cats love to eat). Ribbons, ties, greenery, berries, are other items which may entice them to nibble. Then there is the delicious aroma of roasting turkey! Cats will hang around the kitchen, and being very mobile can jump on the countertop to access the stove and possibly getting burned. When you open the refrigerator door pay attention as a curious cat may climb in unnoticed. There is a wonderful array of perches, condos, scratchers, and play areas you can provide for your cat in a safe area away from the tree and the kitchen.

Cats can be very clever and creative when they want something, especially when it comes to opening doors! Ever come home and find your cat’s food scattered all over the floor and spilling out of an open cupboard? How did this happen when you had it safely locked away? Just look to your 4 pawed culprit! Cupboard doors (unless they lock)are a cinch for them when the cupboards contain treats. Treats and food in boxes are not a problem for them to get into once the doors are opened (sharp claws and teeth excel here)! Unlocked sliding doors can be worked open with a little effort. Cats can learn how to jump up and turn door knobs; however they can’t seem to work a safety chain loose. Creative cats need creative play areas to maintain their interest. Cat play stations or gyms are perfect ways to keep them happy, content and out of the cupboards!

What has your kitten done today? Did it climb your best curtains, or your leg? How about the claw sharpening? Did the kitten use your favorite chair, a choice basket, or a piece of wicker or sea grass furniture? What little rascals they can be! These adorable little balls of fluff can be little (or big) headaches. However, these darling little kittens can provide hours of entertainment and companionship. Cat trees, cat perches, condos and scratchers are all great play areas for kittens and grown cats as well. How we love to pamper our pets with these wonderful play items! These “toys” save our household furnishings while providing a healthy environment for our precious pets.