The kittens can scratch as much as they like!
Els and Peter and their cat Mientje are the ‘parents’ of a few newborn kittens. Great news, but of course, the kittens are very playful and up to no good, and they scratch the curtains sometimes.
The couple loves cats and ample space; they will therefore not sell the kittens, but keep them themselves. But under one condition, Els says, we need to teach them to stop scratching the curtains and furniture.
Looking for a remedy
Els was looking for a solution on the internet. Many owners use a plant spray. When the kitten tries to scratch, they spray water in the animal’s direction. Obviously, the little cats hate that.
Scratching paradise wanted
Els mostly wanted to offer the kitten a nicer alternative: a cool scratching post. Apparently, they come in all colours and sizes, from a simple tall model, to types with a toy, or scratching posts with multiple stories. In the end, I chose the latter. I spray it with catnip every week. This is a non-addictive product that makes the scratching post irresistible for cats.