Cats in home can cause tremendous households are being destroyed by tooth and nail.
Pica is a practice in which some cats devour houseplants as well as undesirable materials such as dirt, leather, and wool. Others indulge in a classic feline pastime: scratching the furniture and using the draperies as a jungle gym. Feline destruction can be reduced by managing the situation, giving the cat more tempting options, and making prior choices less rewarding. The majority of issues can be solved by combining all three.
Taking a Bite
To rule out any health concerns, such as a metabolic imbalance, a veterinarian exam is the first step in treating pica. After gaining approval from your veterinarian, consider the following plant protection solutions:
- Tabletop plants can be hung or kept in a lockable solarium.
- Spray anti-chew agent on plant leaves and decorate containers with balloons or double-stick tape. A good place to scratch is near a cat’s favorite napping position, because the need to scratch is usually strongest when the cat first wakes up.
- Make catnip and wheat grass flats available to your kitty to satisfy his or her thirst for new flora.
When dealing with a cat that eats or chews non-plant items, the first line of defense is to store them in drawers, closets, or locked containers. Divert the cat’s attention with a range of his or her own toys. Chewing on inappropriate items may imply boredom and isolation; so, try to increase exercise sessions and switch toys every few days. A second cat as a playmate may also be beneficial, but this is only an option if you absolutely want a second cat. Adding extra cats to a household might initially stress the existing occupant, leading to fighting, improper litter box habits, nocturnal activities, and even stress-related health concerns such Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease.
To treat pica, you can also try to retrain the cat using food tactics. Feed a high-quality, fiber-rich dry food or a raw diet with no supplements or treats. Remove the previous pseudo-food products for at least two weeks. After the requisite period has passed, reintroduce the items by spraying them with an anti-chew spray.
Making It Through Without a Scratch
Select furnishings and drapes that are tactilely unpleasant to cats to solve the most prevalent destructive worry, furniture scratching. Smooth cottons (chintz) or silky parachute material are preferred by cats over rough, lumpy Haitian fabric, Herculon, raw silk, and leather. Cover the furniture with a sheet, blanket, or the horrible plastic covering if it is older than the cat. You can also use double-stick tape, balloons, tin foil, contact paper (sticky side up), or a commercial product like Sticky PawsTM to retrain the cat.
Cats scratch to remove dead nail sheaths from around their new sharp claws. To keep the cat’s nails dull, provide a suitable scratching post and trim them every two weeks.
- Install a sturdy three-foot-tall pole covered in sisal, coiled rope, or other rough-textured textiles. A natural (but de-bugged) tree trunk is another possibility.
- Set the post near the inappropriately scratched item at first, then gradually move it to a more suitable location. Cats avoid places that make loud noises (such as popped balloons) or have sticky surfaces.
- Run your nails over the blog post (and praise the cat when it responds), or dangle a ribbon or other interactive toy over or near it.
- If your cat like catnip, sprinkle some on the post at least once a month.
There is little doubt that providing for a cat’s physical and mental needs in a stimulating environment can prevent the majority of tooth and nail damage.
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