cat scratching stair carpet

candlelight_2013

Hello all,

I wonder if anyone has a remedy which works to stop a cat scratching stair carpet.

Flora adopted us about 3 years ago, bringing with her 5 kittens. We found homes for all kittens and then had Flora chipped and speyed.

She is an indoor cat now because we have heavy lorries and traffic along our road and I couldn't bear to lose her.

We love her dearly but when she wakes up in the night she is up and down stairs scratching the carpet.

We have actually ordered new carpet now, only for the fact that the other is quite old and I really don't want her pulling tufts out.

I have tried the usual pet sprays to no avail.

I did read that citronella oil might help but I would be grateful for any tried and tested remedies.

My thanks for any help you can give

Candlelightx

Waterfalls

Have you got her a scratching post. Or equivelent ...

candlelight_2013

Waterfalls, yes she has one of those, not in the least bit interested:mad:

Thank you anyway

Candlelightx

Waterfalls

My cat didnt like his either, so Ihe seems to prefer the flat cardboard one instead. The are cheap. And we have attached it to some wood to weight it down as very light.

Waterfalls

I know when it is getting worn out as he starts on the carpet again

WeAreGhosts

We had a large scratching post from Zooplus which the cat didn't bother with. Bought a smaller, cheap one from Wilkos and she uses it every day.

Cats. They're v. strange.

Try mixing lemon juice with water and spray on the carpet. Patch test it first though, in case it turns the carpet a lighter colour!

no1catman

We had this happen after rehoming a cat. The stair carpet was only bought a few months previously.
As well as the carpet, it was also a bed, and some furniture downstairs - ignored the scratching post.


Cured the bed scratching by using a water sprayer (the type used on indoor plants). But the snag with water spraying is the cat should associate the arriving water with the scratching not with you spraying he - so it should arrive announced. That is no good pointing at her in full view.
With the carpet, some may say - extreme - but I used white pepper dust - which helped. Unsure about continued 'telling-off' she may do it for the attention.
Feliway - can help too - seems to with the furniture.
Over time it's got a lot less, still does occasionally - but maybe the carpet fibres get stuck in her claws!
Hope your new carpet has a more closely woven pile.