Middle-aged rescue cat wrecking the kitchen cupboard drawers

apprentice_tycoon

Maybe 'wrecking' is too strong a word, 'spoiling' is probably a better word.

Harry is around 12 years old, we got him from a cat rescue at the end of last year when we decided that we wanted to take on an older cat. He is utterly charming and a very welcome member of the family.

Whenever he's in the kitchen with someone he's curious to see if what you're doing on the worktops is something to do with his dinner so he stands on his back legs and reaches up as far as he can and dances from side to side steadying himself by digging his razor sharp claws in the drawer fronts leaving dozens of little pitted holes. These are really noticeable but I'm not getting too stressed as the units are old and need replacing.

That's the problem though, we'd planned on replacing the kitchen units this year but we can't even think about this until we've trained him out of this habit. If we had brand new units just a couple of these holes will look terrible and I'd be so disappointed so he's got to stop it.

We've tried Oil of Olbas on the drawer fronts or wrapping them in tin foil but it didn't work at all. The only partial result is with misting him with a plant sprayer, when we do this he gets down onto 4 legs again and walks off, but he's back 2 minutes later to do it again. It's as if we can punish him for his behaviour but we can't train him not to do it in the first place.

This isn't a scratching habit, he's got a garden with trees to go and scratch at and he doesn't scratch anything in the house at all, it's just curiosity and excitement that's making him reach up and do this - any ideas for a cure?

As a side issue, it there any way to teach him to keep his claws in? We've had cats in the past that knew that if they touched your face in an affectionate way they should so with a soft paw, not one with the claws out, I'm afraid that Harry saying 'I love you Mum' is painful

dandelionclock30

I think they all reach up like this to tell you the truth. I'd just push him down and say no, he'll get the message. Or prepare food with him out of the way either in another room or outside.

Treevo

High quality, even higher-gloss doors. It's an expensive cure, but it works. And you get a new kitchen!

lisajane8482

Would having a high stool in the kitchen be possible?

If he's just being nosy maybe's placing a high stool near to where you are working so he can see may help?

GlynD

You could try plastic sheeting on a short term basis. They don't like that and deterring him now would save your new kitchen.

We've seen the damage which can be done to kitchen units by claws btw so I know what you're talking about. Funny though, just when the subject comes to mind - our oldest, who is almost 13, has developed a fascination with the cupboards under the sink in our kitchen. She sits and demands the doors be opened . Sometimes she then peers in; sometimes she goes in; sometimes she runs away as if the divil himself was chasing her.

Cats eh?

Slinky

Could you get hold of a sample door of something you like and put it somewhere in your kitchen to see if will stand up to the strain of his claws?

Sagz_2

Have you tried clipping his claws? Might not be easy if no one has shown him it doesn't hurt, but worth a try.

apprentice_tycoon

Thank you for the advice, we going to see what works with him

meritaten

if he only does this while you prepare HIS food, then try putting his dish on the floor and then putting the food on it?

Lleucu

Our cat aged 14 rescued and rehomed in May with us has a number of bad habits including that one, it seems to be excitement about her food. (also attacks the laundry basket to get us up), got her a flat scratching board, this has been largely successful as a diversion, she uses it to say she is hungry,excited, pleased to see us. Board now in a disgraceful state. I would echo comments about clipping, older cats seem to do less so claws longer and sharper.

Really glad to see another older cat rehomed, we have been so pleased with our's, my husband had a bad stroke in 2011 but has not smiled very much till madam arrived!!

tealady

Is your avatar a picture of Harry if it is he looks gorgeous