Cats - Help!!!

SurgicalA

My cats are tearing my furniture and carpet to shreds, despite the fact they have a cat scratcher which they only use when they feel like it. My sofa has been ruined, my carpets have been pulled up, and no matter how many times I shout, they keep doing it. What am I supposed to do?

bjt2019

Ahhhh what a nightmare?! You could try putting black pepper on the furniture where they keep ripping or going to scratch? Either that or try a repellent spray that's made for this exact problem? We had serious problems with our old dog doing this- she didn't scratch as such but she did try and dig everything. She ate the skirting board, tops of chairs, computer wires. EVERYTHING.

Ayeshalush

Also try spraying the scratching post with catnip

[Deleted User]

SurgicalA wrote: »

My cats are tearing my furniture and carpet to shreds, despite the fact they have a cat scratcher which they only use when they feel like it. My sofa has been ruined, my carpets have been pulled up, and no matter how many times I shout, they keep doing it. What am I supposed to do?

Simple really... get rid of the cats?

Problem solved.

Next?

WR

SurgicalA

I’ll try the catnip but would that stop them ripping up other areas?

Robin9

Have they got access to the outside world?

NaughtiusMaximus

Try a tall, chunky scratching post like this:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ancol-Acticat-Scratch-Post-Chocolate/dp/B001159A7W/ref=asc_df_B001159A7W/?!!!!!googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=309990657539&hvpos=1o5&hvnetw=g&hvrand=5488380823360568846&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9045888&hvtargid=pla-680604293672&psc=1&th=1&psc=1

Our cat would never use the more common skinnier type and he likes to stretch when he scratches.

HRH_MUngo

Let them go outside, it won't stop it completely but should lessen it a lot.

And get leather furniture.

I have just bought the first non-leather sofa for about forty years as I no longer have any cats!

NCC-1707

Pets & Pet Care Board is here:-

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/forumdisplay.php?f=143

SurgicalA

They do go outside xD The windows are open 24/7.

Silvertabby

Are they house cats? If so, they don't need to be fully 'armed' - you can trim their claws (get your vet or a groomer to show you how if you've never done it before).

Don't do this if they go outside, though - they need to be able to defend themselves.

ADD. Crossed with your post No 10.

In that case, try a couple of drops of lemon essential oil on the sofa and carpets. Cats hate the smell of citrus.