Cat Info - General Tips

Cat carriers

When transporting your favourite feline, it's best to use a proper cat carrier instead of just a cardboard box. Your cat may be wary of being put in the carrier though, as they'll quickly build an association between it and vet's trips.

To help them be more comfortable with the cat carrier, it can be an idea to leave it out all the time with the door removed and a cushion or blanket on the bottom of it, so the cat investigate it, get used to it and may even use it as a sleeping spot (as it's a secure hiding place with a comfortable floor).

Scratching posts

Scratching posts are good, m'kay. It's a good idea to have at least one right from the start. It will be nicer to scratch than your furniture, and if your cat gets used to using it from the start, you'll find that everything else in your home will remain relatively unscathed. You can use catnip rubbed on the post and the base below the post to also give extra encouragement to use the scratching post.

It is easily possible to make your own scratching posts from wooden posts and sisal rope, as well as platforms from wood and carpet offcuts. Best if the carpet offcut isn't like your normal carpet, though! If you make your own scratching post, you can make a nice tall one to give the cat something to climb, although make sure it has a nice stable base.

Protecting wires

Sometimes cats can see dangling wires as a tempting thing to attack. I soon noticed that some very expensive hifi interconnects that I'd bought had acquired tooth marks. Just rub them with a non-poisonous substance your cat will find offensive and they'll leave them alone. I rubbed a little liquid soap over mine which provides a smell they don't like (so they won't even get as far as finding out how foul it tastes). Lemon juice is supposed to be an excellent deterrant, and you can also buy deterrant sprays from pet stores which can be used for protecting upholstery and carpet too.