My Pet World: New tactics could make taking pills fun for your pet

By Steve Dale, Tribune Content Agency on May 21, 2015

----

Q: I adopted my cat, Jesse, as a stray in 2008, and he's not declawed. Jesse has done a number on my furniture. I'm currently unemployed and can't afford to do much about this problem, although I did buy a nice scratching post. As a renter, I might be kicked out for the damage Jesse has done. Finding another apartment wouldn't be easy. What can I do? -- L.R., via cyberspace

A: Yes, you can teach an adult cat new tricks. Take these two steps to redirect Jesse's scratching where you want.

1. Make the places where Jesse is currently scratching uncomfortable, or remove the furniture all together. For instance, you could lay car mats (nubby side up) or plastic mats used under office chairs (nubby side up) over your furniture, focusing on the places where Jesse is scratching most.

2. Offer Jesse preferable places to scratch, such as a sturdy vertical post or two, and a cardboard horizontal post. Place these near the furniture he previously scratched. Rub catnip on the posts. Play with Jesse around the post(s) using an interactive toy, such as a fishing pole-type toy. When he bats at the toy, he'll touch the post and deposit his scent on it. When he does this often enough, he's identifying the post as his own.

Some cats can even observe a person pretending to scratch at a post and learn to do the same.

Horizontal cardboard scratchers usually come with a starter kit of catnip to deposit into open slits. Many cats don't even require enticement.

Whenever Jesse scratches in the "right" place, instantly reward him with a special treat and praise.

After 4-6 weeks of Jesse scratching where you want, gradually remove the mats from the furniture. At first, take them away only when you're around to supervise in the same room. Eventually, you'll be able to leave the mats off when you're not home.

If Jesse is only scratching furniture you own, I'm not sure what the landlord is upset about, unless the cat is also scratching the carpet. In any case, many apartments do accept, and even welcome feline tenants.

========