Sisal?

Dori, she is 2 and 1/2 now, has taken to scratching things. She has never clawed anything before except for a small scratch post I bought her awhile back, and she also claws my computer chair. I let her claw the computer chair since it is just a fabric covered one I got for free from my old job.
I read the post about how to deter the scratching behavior, and have decided to set up a make-shift scratching post for now, because I can't afford to buy her a nice cat tree at this time. I think her small one just isn't tall enough for her to strecth out while scratching so I am going to take one of those plastic covered wire shelves, like the ones for closet chelves, and wrap sisal all around it. Then I am going to attach it to the wall at an angle. She seems to like the sisal on her small post, so that is why I decided to go with that instead of carpet.
My question is, where do you buy sisal? Is there a certain type that I need to buy that is safer to use than others?
After I make the post I am going to begin to work with her on getting her to use that instead of everything else. There isn't really any other specific place she scratches so I don't think the deterrents recommended on the other thread will work. She scratches various places on the couch, the end table, my night stand, the carpet, etc. I am hoping to work with her and not have to start using soft paws. And of course, declawing is not an option.

I don't know about where you are but any ships' chandlery will sell sisal - I guess some large builders' materials yards might have it too. As an interim measure why not buy some thick door mats, especially the type that are wound-up sisal - my cats love them and use them for scratchng in preference to anything else. They can really stretch out as they use them.

Hi Tanya!

I was just talking to Pamela about this same thing, and sent her a photo of my Berber for the kitties. I had thought of Sisal, too. You can get Sisal remnants at any upscale carpet store or designer's outlet. I spent $65 for my 9 x 12 rug and Sasha & Saba love it. It keeps them off my upholstery, as I finish the pieces myself. Do you want to see a photo of the Berber?

Originally Posted by sashacat421

Hi Tanya!

I was just talking to Pamela about this same thing, and sent her a photo of my Berber for the kitties. I had thought of Sisal, too. You can get Sisal remnants at any upscale carpet store or designer's outlet. I spent $65 for my 9 x 12 rug and Sasha & Saba love it. It keeps them off my upholstery, as I finish the pieces myself. Do you want to see a photo of the Berber?

Click to expand...

Yes, E that would be great! Thanks a ton.
I didn't think about using carpets! I work for a custom home builder so I have connections with various subs and suppliers and carpet would be one of them. Maybe I could call and see if they have any.

Here is the Berber. You can see the texture and the loop weave that the kitties love. It flatters any room, and unlike Sisal, the weave is more dense, so you don't get these huge tufts sticking up after scratching/clawing!

I don't know if you'll be able to get the sisal twine tight enough wrapping around a shelf like you described. There's going to be a lengthy free run from one edge to the other. If it's not tight, the cat isn't going to want to use it.

Didn't you recently move into a new residence? That could be why Dori is now scratching and marking things with her scent. I bought a nice sisal fabric scratching post from Ebay that wasn't too expensive and my cats love it.

E, did you have to do anything to entice them to claw that rug instead of other areas?

Tim, that makes sense on the sisal. I am leaning more towards a rug now.

We have been in our new house for almost 4 months now (wow time flies). The previous owners did have a dog. We have wood floors, but carpet in the bedrooms. We did have it steam cleaned when we moved in. Is it possible she is reacting to the move and strange smells even after it's been 4 months? The scratching just started about 2 weeks ago. I did have a Feliway diffuser plugged in until about a month ago.... I wonder if not using that anymore has something to do with it.

oh absolutely, Tanya, I certainly think so! When we moved into our house here the other people were there for 5 years with two dogs. Sasha & SiSi ( never forgotten, 2003) rubbed all the walls for weeks! Even though the carpet was brand new, the walls still had odors. Saba just joined us this winter, after being here 2 yrs, so she just smells us.

From the moment I unrolled the Berber rug, they loved it. All night long I could hear happy paws.....so I didn't have to entice them at all. I did choose a room that they spend the most time in when I'm not home, and that has many winows, for instance, when another kitty or dog comes across the yard they start marking their territory within the hour!