if we're talking about an indoor cat only, neutering it only serves to curb destructive behavior like spraying, just like declawing only servers to curb destructive behavior like scratching
You can't train cats not to breed, but you can train them not to scratch. Don't try to over-complicate it.
Have any advice on how? I'm willing to try with the new one we just got. Never had any success with the old one, despite trying a bunch of different things my wife found online.
Using a water gun and treats usually works if they're young. Also try putting some citrus oil (orange/lemon) onto the area they like to scratch to deter them, as well as obviously putting more than 1 large tall scratching post and make sure they use it.
Tried those, plus shaking a can full of pennies when they scratch, and covering the area they like to scratch in tinfoil. None of that shit worked. But maybe the cat wasn't young enough. She was probably close to a year at that point (she's 12 now).
Tried those, plus shaking a can full of pennies when they scratch, and covering the area they like to scratch in tinfoil. None of that shit worked. But maybe the cat wasn't young enough. She was probably close to a year at that point (she's 12 now).
Did you try the double sided tape? Catnip on their fav scratching posts?
Using a water gun and treats usually works if they're young. Also try putting some citrus oil (orange/lemon) onto the area they like to scratch to deter them, as well as obviously putting more than 1 large tall scratching post and make sure they use it.
Ahhh, so your training method involves being home 24/7 to guard the $3000 couch for the first few weeks. Or, are you saying that spraying the cat just once will completely cure it of the instinct to scratch?
Ahhh, so your training method involves being home 24/7 to guard the $3000 couch for the first few weeks.
No, you don't have to be home 24/7 but spend time with them every day. BTW if you have a $3000 couch then that's your fault, try $500 or less off craigslist, nobody I know is dropping 3K on a couch. Dam high maintenance people.
Spraying the cat is a deterrent for him jumping on my computer desk, I don't use it for scratching which requires different deterrents like scent, barriers, cat posts in the same room, and treats for when they scratch what they're supposed to.
The hard-liner answer to that would be: "Yes. And if you can't devote that kind of time then you shouldn't have a pet".
So I guess that means that the only people who can own pets are people without jobs who still somehow have enough money to put a roof over their heads and see to their medical care. Trust funds babies perhaps?
A $3000 couch even used is not uncommon in many parts.
If you can afford $3,000 for a couch, then you're either so rich that money isn't an object (and they shouldn't be complaining about scratching) or they're already stupid for overpaying. Unless it's buttersoft leather, most normal couches don't cost $3K used.
No, you don't have to be home 24/7 but spend time with them every day. BTW if you have a $3000 couch then that's your fault, try $500 or less off craigslist, nobody I know is dropping 3K on a couch. Dam high maintenance people.
Spraying the cat is a deterrent for him jumping on my computer desk, I don't use it for scratching which requires different deterrents like scent, barriers, cat posts in the same room, and treats for when they scratch what they're supposed to.
Your odds of getting bedbugs from a used couch are very very low if they never had them before. Just ask.who would buy a used couch? I feel like that's just asking for bedbugs.
Ewwww. With all the bed bugs and such being spread around, you'd be nuts to buy used upholstered furniture on Craigslist. And, wouldn't the people who are willing to spend more for higher quality furniture also the ones more likely to be able to spend more money on veterinary care?
But, again, you admit that during training, there will be times that the cat scratches furniture. That's likely to cause some damage. Why would you begrudge someone who has nice stuff, but would also like a pet?
(Me: presently, I have average furniture, and neither cat scratches the furniture. But, the point I'm making seems rather valid.)
You do realize that some people buy furniture new, right? Or, are you an idiot who thinks that everyone gets furniture from Craigslist? Your argument is akin to saying that no one spends more than $10k on a car, because on your local Craigslist, all the used cars are under $10k.Your odds of getting bedbugs from a used couch are very very low if they never had them before. Just ask.
The highest price for a non-leather/antique couch on craigslist in my area in the past 2 days = $1000 and that was designer. Most are 750 or less, usually in the 300-500 range. Most of you are just making up excuses whining about a $500 couch that is easily replaceable. You'll spend more than that in cat costs for a year.
You do realize that some people buy furniture new, right? Or, are you an idiot who thinks that everyone gets furniture from Craigslist? Your argument is akin to saying that no one spends more than $10k on a car, because on your local Craigslist, all the used cars are under $10k.
If you can afford $3,000 for a couch, then you're either so rich that money isn't an object (and they shouldn't be complaining about scratching) or they're already stupid for overpaying. Unless it's buttersoft leather, most normal couches don't cost $3K used.
Your odds of getting bedbugs from a used couch are very very low if they never had them before. Just ask.
The highest price for a non-leather/antique couch on craigslist in my area in the past 2 days = $1000 and that was designer. Most are 750 or less, usually in the 300-500 range. Most of you are just making up excuses whining about a $500 couch that is easily replaceable. You'll spend more than that in cat costs for a year.