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Best Wishes,
Maddy

that does sound a bit extreme - it seems a bit harsh for a cat doing what cats do

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Steph

aka The NO! ->

Ah, the early morning stretch. Your cat does it simply because it feels great to do so. Punishing your cat for doing what feels great can backfire badly. I agree the trick is redirection. You still want your cat to feel great, so you have to provide an alternative outlet for that morning stretch/scratch. You want to create a situation where using the scratch post has a greater reward and "feel good" factor for your cat than using the carpet.

And if you get frustrated, just remember: It could be worse. Mikesch does his "good morning, mommy" wake-up stretch/scratch on my lower right leg. Ouch! I haven't found a good way to deter him from doing so yet and my legs are covered with little pricks and scratches.

My friend said cats hate citrus smells. I have a small bottle of Lemon essential oil I got from Boots which is useful for deterring Obi from going behind computers/TV as he likes to play with /chew the cables. I put a few drops on a cotton wool roll and place it where I don't want him to be. It seems to work but he goes loopy with anger when it's fresh and he realises he can't play where he wants (charging round the house at top speed). It needs topping up occassionally.

Indy didn't like feliway and liked scratching carpet corners. Feliway spray stopped him and one of those flat stratch mats next to his favourite spot for destroying carpet (it was always one door in particular).

Distraction also works well. When Obi is scrabbling trying to be naughty and get where he shouldn't I get the laser pen out. He chases it but then I put it away he spends ages aiting for it in case it comes back again (cruel Mommy) and has forgotten the naughtiness he was going to create before.

Stretching is not the only reason they put their claws where they shouldn't It's also a way that they mark things. This is why the Feliway works. It's not because your cat doesn't like the smell of it. It's because they do like it! They tend to scratch things that have been marked with outside scents. the top or bottom stair is the first to be touched by the back side of your shoe which has scents from outside. As are mat and door way areas. Seats of chairs(arms too) and some corners of the couch can also be targets for them to mark to make it known to other 'pets' or not in the house that this is their area.

The Feliway Spray and diffusers will reduce if not stop this all together. As for going up your leg, this is a sign of affection. I'm sure at some point you thought it was cute when they said hello this way and you praised them.

Cat's are very intelligent and you only have to do something 1 time and never do it again and they will still test to see if you will do it again. This is why it's so important to praise only when the behaviour is wanted. If it's an unwanted behaviour IGNORE IGNORE IGNORE wait until the behaviour stops completely or do something to distract and then watch for signs that happen before the unwanted behaviour to predict in future and stop it before it happens.

Most cats will do several things to get your attention before actually getting it! Going for the wires behind the television is usually their final warning of Play with me or feed me or pay attention to me or I'm gonna do something that annoys you! Incorporating regular play times on your terms and not on theirs will help this.

Also being sure you have a feeding routine so they can expect the same thing every night and not have to wonder if they are having dinner at 3pm or 10pm. Not involving yourself and using a feeding timer/feeder can help this sometimes so that they don't associate you with the feeding therefore will not bug you for it when it's time for them to eat! Personally I don't see the fun in that. I like to have them associate me with food and I like getting bugged for it! But I know the signs before they get destructive.

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Steph

aka The NO! ->