My Pet World: How to 'train' a young destructive cat to keep paws off

Cathy M. Rosenthal, Tribune Content Agency on May 3, 2023

Dear Cathy,

I live in Wyoming, where the winters are pretty bad, especially this recent one. I have a cat who is 13 years old and still has her energetic moments. She hates the wintry weather and stays inside most of the time, but she gets pent-up energy and sometimes goes crazy running around the house. She enjoys playing cat and mouse games with the dog a few times a week and climbing in new cardboard boxes, but more is needed.

I play with her a bit using a cat toy. I know she needs more stimulation, and I was thinking about setting up a ramp on my living room walls to stimulate her. She doesn't like other cats, so getting a cat companion is out. I'm afraid of ruining my walls and that she will not be interested after putting the money and time into this. Do you have any suggestions to help relieve her boredom that won't cost a fortune and will interest her?

— Susan, Wyoming

Dear Susan,

In addition to the suggestions offered to Julia from Riverhead, New York, in the question above, there are many other things you can do to provide stimulation for your cat.

As you note, cats love to be in high places where they can watch the rest of their world with more confidence. If your cat already jumps on the fridge or other pieces of furniture, then it’s likely your cat will love the ramp. If you want to be sure, though, stair-step a few small moving boxes (loaded with books so they don’t move or collapse if your cat jumps on them). If your cat goes up and down them, you know a ramp may be something she will love.

Another excellent way to stimulate a cat is to get a “cat tent” and put it on a patio or backyard – someplace where a dog or predator could not get to them – for your cat to enjoy in warmer weather. Watching nature out the window or being in nature in a cat tent stimulates your cat’s senses, which makes them want to rest more later.

Finally, feline puzzle toys are great for good mental health. Start out with easy toys and work your way to harder ones as you cat solves them.

========

(Cathy M. Rosenthal is a longtime animal advocate, author, columnist and pet expert who has more than 25 years in the animal welfare field. Send your pet questions, stories and tips to cathy@petpundit.com. Please include your name, city, and state. You can follow her @cathymrosenthal.)