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You CAN Have Your Cats and Your Furniture Too

Excerpt : No one wants to invest hundreds or even thousands of dollars in furnishings only to see them ripped to shreds by an overzealous pet, however beloved. To many people the obvious answer is to have

No one wants to invest hundreds or even thousands of dollars in furnishings only to see them ripped to shreds by an overzealous pet, however beloved. To many people the obvious answer is to have their cats declawed, but it this really a reasonable alternative?

Its proponents depict it as a simple and painless operation, but it is neither simple or painless. Most people aren't aware that it's not just the claws that are removed. Declawing involves the amputation of the first joint of each toe, and as any amputee can tell you, the pain persists for months if not years. The only difference is your cat can't tell you it still hurts.

This doesn't mean you have to put up with shredded furniture and drapes, or snagged carpets. I have four cats of my own, none of then declawed, and my upholstery and curtains are intact and my rugs unsnagged. There are a

Black and White Kittens
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Also see : How To Be A Responsible Cat Owner
Now that you have a cat or several cats in the house, you need to think about how you can be a responsible cat owner and provide for the needs of your cats. This means that you have to think about the cats’ living conditions, feeding, grooming,...read more

How To Clean Cat Urine - Home Remedies and Commercial Products
Anyone who has ever owned a cat has likely had the experience of stepping in a cold puddle of urine on the floor at least once. When it's on linoleum or another washable surface, it's not so bad, but when it starts happening on carpet and rugs -...read more

number of steps you can take to minimize or eliminate the damage.

1. Give them what they want.

Scratching is not just a means of sharpening claws, it's a vital form of exercise that tones and strengthens the muscles. Even declawed cats go through the motions. It's instinctive. Birds gotta swim, fish gotta fly, cats gotta scratch. Whatever. So give them something suitable to scratch on, preferably not one of those pint-sized carpet-covered pet department abominations. That only confuses them.

If that's what you already have, at least pull off the carpeting and wrap it with good quality jute or sisal rope, half-inch in diameter, wound tightly and secured with glue. If you sew, you might try making a slip cover you can easily remove and replace as necessary. Burlap is good for this, but almost any fabric with a heavy weave or a textured surface will work.

Pink Cats and Teddy
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Also see : Cat Owners' Cat Training Books
This article seeks to give you a solid knowledge base regarding the subject matter, no matter what your previous experience on the topic. Cats are wonderful animals! It is remarkable how well these animals have adapted to domesticity. It has been...read more

Training your cat for the outdoors
Your cat will love to go outdoors; the environment is excellent for him and good way to get exercise and the energy that he will need to use to settle for a while so that he may not be up all night wanting to go out. The birdfeeder is a...read more

My own cats are partial to upholstery velvet and corduroy. Ideally the post should be at least two inches higher than the cat can reach.

Many cats prefer a horizontal surface to scratch on, and take well to a commercial scratching pad made from corrugated cardboard.

Whatever you decide to use, spray it lightly with catnip extract (not synthetic - they WILL know the difference) and place it near your cat's favorite scratching spot. Once he or she becomes accustomed to the new surface, gradually move it to a more convenient location. These materials tend to be messy, so choose a spot where you can easily sweep or vacuum around it.

2. Use your good judgement when choosing fabrics and rugs.

Pass up all those lovely but delicate satin and damask weaves or the aforementioned textured surfaces. These are cat magnets. Knits and other stretchy fabrics are an

Evil Cat
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Also see : "How To Keep Your Cat Healthy - Your Guide to Cat Diseases and Conditions, and How to Cure Them"
Even with the best care, cats can become ill. Sometimes this means a simple "kitty cold," at other times the disease might have a more lasting or even fatal result. The following are some of the more common causes of serious illness in cats. An...read more

Why Cat Urine Smells So Bad and Doesn't Go Away
Cat urine odor is unique among the many smells we know. While there are other smells that are worse, most of us probably don't come across them. Many people wonder why cat urine odor is so hard to get rid of. This article talks a little bit...read more

open invitation to snags. Leather and faux leathers are also major no-no's. Sheer panels at the windows? Forget it!

Look for strong fabrics with a tight weave such as sailcloth or canvas. Most denims hold up well, also. For curtains, go with something like percale or chintz. Most of the curtains at my house are made from bedsheets, and are not only attractive but virtually indestructible. For carpeting, a medium or low plush is preferable to a berber or a sculptured pile. Remember, minimum texture is the key.

As long as we're on the subject, think brown. That way when your cat upchucks on it, and it will, it won't be such a disaster. If your cat is still drawn to the furniture, a number of companies sell clear plastic corner protectors that self-adhere to most fabrics.

3. Trim the claws.

It's not as difficult as it might seem, especially if you

Chili Cat
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Also see : Beware the Attack Cat
Cats have been a part of my household for over forty years: no, not the same cats, but various ones over the years. Many have been protective of their kittens or litter mates or even of their human family members to some extent, but none have...read more

Does Your Pet Wear A Cat Flea Collar?
Do you believe that you are doing the best you can for your pet by buying a cat flea collar for her? I certainly do but have you noticed that most cat flea collars don’t seem to work? They don’t seem to last for a day let alone the three or four...read more

start them as kittens. Use a specifically designed animal nail trimmer and start out slow. Begin by just handling the paws, and practice extending the claws without trying to trim. The cat will become accustomed to being handled and will be less likely to react violently to the actual trimming. After a few days of this, try trimming, just one or two nails at a time, and only take off the very tips. If you still find it troublesome, most professional groomers will do it for a minimal fee.

4. Claw caps.

These are soft plastic covers that are glued onto the claws and last for up to 4-6 weeks. I've never tried them myself, but many people report good results.

Cats and people have shared living quarters for thousand of years, and with a little forethought and cooperation we should be able to maintain a harmonious relationship between ourselves, our pets, and

Apollo
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Also see : Life Lessons I Learned from my Cat
Even if you are not a cat person, bear with me, this story goes far beyond cat mania. Our little tabby cat was frightened and highly-sensitive from the day we rescued her from the SPCA, two and a half years ago. No doubt being jailed there for four...read more

Pumpkin, The Halloween Cat
PUMPKIN, THE HALLOWEEN CAT Copyright 2005, Michael LaRocca The neighbor's car pulled into my driveway. She got out holding a stranger in her arms. "I found this cat in my yard. Is he yours?" "No." "Oh. I thought he was." "Well, he's not." ...read more

our furniture.

copyright 2005

Kathie Freeman is the author of Catwalk, a Feline Odyssey. For more of her articles and short stories visit Kathie's Stories and Tails at http://home.att.net/~kathiefreeman/ This article is free to use as long as the byline and this source information is included.


About the Author

Kathie Freeman is a life-long cat person who along with her husband has been owned by as many as 13 cats at once. They currently share their California home with four cats and a dog. She is the author of "Catwalk, a Feline Odyssey", the captivating story of a wandering tabby cat and the people she meets on her journey of adventure and discovery. Ms Freeman is also the author of "The Retro", as well as numerous short stories and

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