Asked on Sep 13, 2014

Bombay Cat

Kathleen
by Kathleen
I adopted a beautiful, loving black kitty last year, BUT, I close the bedroom door, leaving her out, as she goes right for the vertical blinds. and as a renter, I can not allow her to go there, and need sleep! About four hours in, she starts yowling and scratching at the carpet, to the point where I have had to get small rugs to cover the area, and weigh it down with boxes, etc... She may want to be with me, but if I let her in the room, she goes right for the vertical blinds!! b EEK..HELP Please
  60 answers
  • Nancy Gramm Nancy Gramm on Sep 13, 2014
    Bless your heart! I wish I could help. I have a monster cat myself, whom I adore but who's a real terror. Still, as bad as he is, he doesn't bother the blinds nor tear at the carpet. I'm sure yours only messes with the carpet because she wants to be in with you, but I'm not sure what to tell you about the blinds. Do you need them for privacy? Do you have drapes as well? I was thinking that if you could camouflage the blinds, either by drawing them and placing a piece of furniture in front of them or by using a curtain over them when they're covering the window, perhaps it might help. Good luck to you and kisses to the baby cat.
  • Z Z on Sep 13, 2014
    Aw, what a sweet kitty cat! The best I can come up with since you are a renter is to check and see if you can add a curtain rod and curtains or open the blinds and toss a blanket over the track so you can sleep, but kitty can peak underneath to see outside. That's my guess is what she's doing.
  • Carole Carole on Sep 13, 2014
    Does the cat have a scratching post it can use indoors? If not, I would get one to save the carpets. They need to scratch - it is what cats do. Play with your cat before bed and tire it out if you can. Cats are in general quite active at night and it can play havoc with your sleep and your carpets. If you change your blinds for curtains, she may go for them as well. if there is a dangling cord from the blinds, ensure it is secured so she cannot play with it. My cat used to throw itself at the roman blind on our front door, I am sure because there was a cord dangling from it. Some cat nip on her bed or one of those plug ins that releases the scent that calms kitties down might help.
  • Rachel H Rachel H on Sep 14, 2014
    My cats sleep all night on me on my bed. Took about 3 weeks of ignoring them all night and now they sleep :)
  • HippieBob HippieBob on Sep 14, 2014
    Properly raising pets, or children for that matter, is a lot of work. I would suggest a few viewings of "My Cat From Hell" on Animal Planet. When the cat starts clawing at the carpet, pick it up and take it to the scratching post you have bought for that purpose. To help the cat sleep through the night, you will need to spend time playing with him/her. Buy a few toys and have some fun with her.
  • Jeanette S Jeanette S on Sep 14, 2014
    I know absolutely nothing about cats because I have never owned one, but my sister, the cat lover, used a spray bottle with water and every time her cat went for the door to slip out, she got sprayed. Now she will sit by the open door and not go out. And she tells me that cats hate closed doors! You could face some serious cost for damage in an apartment when you move. The series "My Cat from Hell" stresses a lot the importance of having special places for cats...scratching poles, access to high places like the top of book cases...there seems to be an inherent desire in cats to get up high...??? Get a cat buggy much like a stroller for your cat and get them outside some. My sister's cat loves her buggy!
  • Anna Erishkigal Anna Erishkigal on Sep 14, 2014
    I had this problem. Solution #1 - get a spray bottle, fill it with a solution of water and part vinegar (not too much, just enough that it smells unpleasant), and during the daytime, every time kitty goes near the blinds, spray her. Also lightly spray the blinds so she will doubly associate the blinds with the unpleasant scent. Your bedroom will smell like a Greek salad for a couple of weeks, but after a while kitty should start to avoid the blinds. Solution #2 - Most vertical blinds come so that you can clip/unclip the individual blinds from the track. Unclip them. Carefully store them in a box. Buy your own curtain (if it's lightweight you can buy those tiny curtain hooks and hang it right from the same rod. And then, if kitty climbs it, at least she'll be trashing YOUR el-cheapo curtain and not the landlord's.
  • Sheryll S Sheryll S on Sep 14, 2014
    I am no help, since I have never had that problem with any of my four kitty kats and three pups.......... they all sleep with me at night and never bother me, less it is Sadie wanting to love on me, which does not disturb me. Vertical blinds should not be damaged by a kitty?????????? If renting, take the slats off and store them and put up some inexpensive drapery. If you have ONLY vertical blinds, light obviously is not a problem, so use some cheap sheets for your drapery in that room. I should have said inexpensive sheets. I am using some white sheets from Walmart for my bedroom remodel. Then too, I live in Florida and love windows and lots of light.
  • Rosemary Kelly Rosemary Kelly on Sep 14, 2014
    Thank-you for saving a life! I'd probably try a different window covering. Does your cat have a crate you could put her in at night? Playing some interactive games might tire her out a little before bedtime. Just curious, does she try to get at the blinds if you're not home?
  • Lynn W Lynn W on Sep 14, 2014
    We also adopted a cat, and she will not use a scratching post, but we got a scratching box (not we, my husband) and she uses it all the time It is on the floor and seems to work great. Wish you luck.
  • Dianne Kurtz Dianne Kurtz on Sep 14, 2014
    If she just wants to look out the window,just roll up the blind a bit so she can look out.My cats do that to look outside to,and as a former renter I had plenty of blinds to replace.
  • FrancieM FrancieM on Sep 14, 2014
    Please do not use a spray bottle or any other physical punishment on your cat. Please do not put the cat in a crate/box for hours at a time. Why not remove the blinds and put up curtains. Living with a cat requires adjustments on our part, not punishing them for being cats. Cats are loving, social creatures and yours just wants to be with you.
  • Suzi Suzi on Sep 14, 2014
    Cats are, by nature, nocturnal and she may be wanting to get outside. If I were you, I'd pull the blinds over all the way and see if you can install an inexpensive shade to keep it dark enough for you to sleep, but still offer her a peep hole to see outside.
  • Sybil Nicol Sybil Nicol on Sep 14, 2014
    This product will set off a spray/hiss of air she will not like when she gets near the blinds http://www.amazon.com/Ssscat-PDT00-13914-SSSCAT-Cat-Training/dp/B000RIA95G
  • E. Platt E. Platt on Sep 14, 2014
    Have her de-clawed.
    • See 4 previous
    • Gaynor Jones Gaynor Jones on Sep 14, 2014
      YES, oh my gosh STARTLING advice! I am giving you the benefit of the doubt E. Platt that you just aren't aware how cruel de-clawing is. As others have mentioned, most (any good vet) won't do this anymore. It's been proven that de-clawing also creates MORE behavioral problems, some of them being going to the bathroom all over the house as the cat can no longer dig in the litter box because of pain in the paws. OK, so after I got that off my chest, Kathleen is there anyway you can temporarily remove those blinds and put up some inexpensive curtains with the landlords permission? Some can be good and work with you making changes as long as you ask and you could take down the curtains and keep them when you leave then put the blinds back up. That way your cat could come in the room with you, which is what it sounds like she desperately wants. No more banging blinds, no more clawing carpet, happy cat, happy you:) Plus get her all the toys and cat scratcher anyway;)
  • Diane Bishop Diane Bishop on Sep 14, 2014
    I use squirt guns when my kitten was swinging from our curtains. I cant declaw after hearing what my vet had to say about it. My cat knows what the squirt gun looks like now. Wr only used it twice andvproblem solved.
  • Delyse Tomaselli Delyse Tomaselli on Sep 14, 2014
    E. Platt Perhaps you are insensitive to the cruelty of declawing a cat. In the U.S there has been such an outcry over this torturous proceedure that many states have banned de-clawing cats. Wisdom of the ages askes us to at least "do no harm"!
  • Jennifer Jennifer on Sep 14, 2014
    My cats are perpetual clawers too and while I would LOVE to get them declawed, when I discovered that what they do is essentially amputate their little paw's at the first knuckle, I just couldn't bring myself to do that to them. I wouldn't want someone to cut off my fingers for convenience sake you know? The spray bottle isn't cruel, it is a teaching tool that will not harm your cat. But personally I would recommend leaving the contents to water as anything with an ammonia smell can incline your cat to start spotting or marking (peeing) wherever that smell lands. If you are worried about the blinds, open them up about 3-4 inches and put up curtains to help with any privacy issues that creates. And get them something to help them not claw on everything in sight. Good Luck!
    • Z Z on Sep 14, 2014
      @Jennifer please check out my comment below. I should add that my cats can still curl their "toes" around my finger to get my attention.
  • Jaime LaPlant Jaime LaPlant on Sep 14, 2014
    I have three cats and they like to look outside. Try leaving the blinds partially open - just enough so she can look out. Also, if you do not have a scratching post, buy one for her, sprinkle some catnip on it, and encourage her to use it. It will save on the carpet. Good luck!
  • P P on Sep 14, 2014
    First of all make sure her nails are trimmed regularly. My kitty only scratches when his nails are tool long...as for the vertical blinds, use a spray bottle with water and give her a squirt when she is being naughty. Make sure she has plenty of your attention and other toys and a scratching post also.
  • Brandy Kirlin Brandy Kirlin on Sep 14, 2014
    Personally, I used a squirt bottle on my little terror when she was young. They quickly learn what "No" means and a little water isn't abuse. Also, on things I didn't want her on, I used double sided tape and/or plastic wrap. Cats don't like their feet sticking to it. Also there are movement activated things (see Sybil Nicole above) that would help too. Start trimming her claws, front in particular if she is inside/outside. Personally, I think it's silly that people think cats can't be trained. It just takes time and patience. My cat is now 17, has never clawed furniture or drapes/blinds, and is healthy as a horse with all her claws!
  • Brandy Kirlin Brandy Kirlin on Sep 14, 2014
    Oh, get her a cardboard scratcher, my kitty loooooved it.
  • Darla Darla on Sep 14, 2014
    My cats won't use a scratcher, but they love to scratch cardboard boxes. I flattened a box and left it on the floor, and they scratch on that.
  • Pat Pat on Sep 14, 2014
    Get a cat tree. Also there is a spray that repels cats. Try that.
    • Kathleen Kathleen on Sep 15, 2014
      @Pat Sadly, she is resistant to the sprays, and she has a big scratching post already:(
  • Z Z on Sep 14, 2014
    First off, I want to let you know how much I love cats. So much so that I named our daughter after my first calico kitty, Katie. All my cats have always had human names because, well, it just seems right. As for the photo shared above, I'm sorry, but those are butcher jobs taken of poor precious kitties that were not taken to a vet that knew what they were doing. And it breaks my heart that anyone that would call themselves a vet would do such work on a precious kitty. I have four cats laying around me at this very moment. They all turned seven at various times earlier this year. They were declawed by a vet that specializes in declawing during the year they all turned two. They all recovered with ease, no crying and very little more licking at their paws than normal. None of them showed any signs of discomfort at all as they came off the anesthesia. They may have slept a tad more the first day, but after that they were back to their same playful selves. Had I not been swayed by such photos, and they break my heart each time I see them, I wouldn't have waited so long. That just happened to be when I came to my senses, realizing that my beloved Max cat that passed at the age of 17 a couple years before these sweet kitties were born. He was declawed when we got him as a kitten. He never had one problem at all. We planned on his being an indoor cat because of the lack of front claws, but he insisted on wanting outside on a daily basis and was the best hunter I'd ever had. And I've had plenty of cats throughout my life. I can tell you from experience, that these four cats were better off AFTER they were declawed. Cats have a natural tendency to claw to at things. It's their way of stretching and covering "things" up. Things we as humans often can't see. If you don't keep their claws trimmed very short, they can get them caught in upholstery and wicker. That can be very painful for them. My cats still "claw" at things, but they no longer cry for me to come and help them remove their claws from whatever they got them caught in. And they no longer have to be upset when I had to trim their claws. All in all, if anyone decides to have their cats declawed, do your research when looking for the right vet for the job. I should add that my cats can still curl their "toes" around my finger to get my attention.
    • See 2 previous
    • HippieBob HippieBob on Sep 15, 2014
      @Z I suggest anyone considering the inhumane act of de-clawing check this website first: http://www.declawing.com/
  • E. Platt E. Platt on Sep 14, 2014
    D. Tomaselli - Fact: There is not one state that has banned the declawing of house cats. Tendonectomy may be the way to go. For additional information go to: veterinarypartner.com
    • See 2 previous
    • E. Platt E. Platt on Sep 15, 2014
      @ @Cherie All I can find are some CITIES in California has passed a ban, but not the state. Please send me the the legislation numbers where California passed this law. Thanx
  • Angie Angie on Sep 14, 2014
    Don't de-claw, it is a cat! I agree about leaving the blinds up slightly. I have three cats and they did the same till I left them up and got curtains to cover the windows. They like to sit on the sills and look out. You need lots of distractions like all the ones mentioned. My cats LOVE the popup tunnels and cubes that connect. good luck and you have a beautiful breed (Bombay) cat they are natural hunters.
    • Kathleen Kathleen on Sep 15, 2014
      @Angie you are totally right. She is a hunter for sure, and nice when icky bugs enter the apartment-lol I do life the blinds during the day now, and open hte window if warm outside as well. I just have to be careful, as she will stretch to the highest point she can reach sometimes. Thanks:)
  • Linda Linda on Sep 14, 2014
    DO NOT DECLAW! Play with the cat for about 15 minutes before you go to bed. Get the kitty a card board scratcher. One that lays on the floor and a vertical one. If you have a window where you can add a window seat for the kitty do that also. I have 4 and have had up to 8 and have never had a cat scratch any furniture. When they have these items to scratch they shed their nails & you do not need to trim. The water squirting tends to scare them and for a lot of cats won't distract them for long. The cat is bored.
    • Kathleen Kathleen on Sep 15, 2014
      @Linda she actually loves to tear apart cardboard boxes, which makes a huge mess, but sometimes I give her one so she is occupied:)
  • Marcia Marcia on Sep 14, 2014
    I have a cat that was always jumping on my desk while I worked, I purchased a scat mat similar to this. Now all I do it scratch the vinyl and she runs off (don't need to turn it on anymore.) You can move it around as needed. http://www.petco.com/N_4294943223/Scat-Mats.aspx
  • Kim 'Kiewatt' Waknitz Kim 'Kiewatt' Waknitz on Sep 14, 2014
    My daughter adopted a Bombay, she would kennel the kitty at night in the room with her. After a time she would let the kitty out for the night and if the kitty got naughty or wild she would kennel him again. It took a few weeks of this "training" but now he is a good boy all night. Of course there are nights that he gets in trouble and ends up in the kennel. But nobody/kitty is good all the time.
    • Kathleen Kathleen on Sep 15, 2014
      @Kim 'Kiewatt' Waknitz someone told me to do this, and thanks for the idea. My children each have a cat, but not neay as active as mine-lol
  • R.s. Anderson R.s. Anderson on Sep 14, 2014
    Sounds like she may need a companion cat to play with her at night. Cats are night creatures
  • Is this new behavior? Has she always done this? (because you said you adopted her last year) did you just move in to this place? If the behavior just started sounds like she is in heat, if she has always done it, then she has some behavior issues that you need to address. Cats really do not like change and they like to be outside. I have had cats for many many years and my oldest cat passed away 2 years at the age of 21 and he was an indoor /outdoor cat and was not declawed. Declawing will not solve the problem it is just a temporary bandaid over a bigger issue. I would like more information about how old the cat is, if the behavior is new, have you just moved, changed her food, or any other changes in the household.
    • Kathleen Kathleen on Sep 15, 2014
      @The Garden Frog with C Renee I adopted her when she was 4 months old, and we have not moved. She had been in a home with other cats, as she is a rescue, but in my apartment, she is the only cat. She is very attached to me, and is spayed, but I signed a contract that I would not declaw her. and I won't, as if she gets outside she will need her claws to defend herself. She gets out sometimes, and luckily stays by my apartment, and definitely loves to be outside, but the complex I live in does not want any pets outside without a leash. I just bought a cat harness, so I can walk her, but I haven't been able to get it on her yet...
  • Yllig Lu Yllig Lu on Sep 14, 2014
    Get a dog instead ;¬)
  • Gu3mom Gu3mom on Sep 14, 2014
    There are many possible solutions. Here's another: Take the vertical blinds down and store them until you move. If you need privacy, put removable vinyl film over the window which can also come off when you move. Please, do not de-claw!
    • See 1 previous
    • Rene Rene on Sep 15, 2014
      @Kathleen, I use clear contact paper instead of the "fancy" vinyl and it works just as well and is considerably cheaper. You can even paint it with glass paint to make it look like stained glass.
  • Sandy Sandy on Sep 14, 2014
    Please read about what declawing can do to a cat, It's bad in every way, mostly with balance and touch. And it can be very painful for them I had a small cat that was traumatizes by it and she really was not the same after that. Please DON'T
  • Brazosbevo Brazosbevo on Sep 15, 2014
    Your cat is probably bored and needs places to scratch. Do you play with your cat? Are there places for your cat to climb around and watch from above? To you have cat toys to mentally challenge your cat? Do you have multiple scratching posts? Cats need exercise and mental stimulation. They need play that uses up their natural hunter energy. Their natural instincts don't go away just because they move indoors. Please do not declaw your cat. The problem you are having can be changed with some changes in your cat's environment. For more ideas check out "My Cat From Hell" on Animal Planet. The show's great and full of examples that are easy to do. http://www.animalplanet.com/tv-shows/my-cat-from-hell
  • Joy Schwartz Joy Schwartz on Sep 15, 2014
    The vertical blinds once opened can be clustered together. I use a large clip that is used for binders found in office supply stores. One in the middle, one on the end all verticals together. This might discourage your inquisitive kitty. I bet the noise the verticals make is just as attractive as punching teeth thru. Good luck.
  • Pat Pat on Sep 15, 2014
    A cat tree puts her up high...cats like that. They are not cheap though. Walmart had one for $40.00 ...it was high and very plain, but it might work.
  • AvonelleRed AvonelleRed on Sep 15, 2014
    I used to live in an apartment, and got a dog from my local humane society. That dog would chew up the vertical blinds like crazy if he was left alone for any length of time. He would bite off big pieces of them. I ended up crate training him, then also just put heavy drapes over the blinds (my apartment complex allowed tenants to use nails and screws in the walls as long as we patched them when moving out). I also kept an eye on the complex dumpsters. Whenever a tenant would move out, if any of the slats on their verticals were damaged, the clean-up crew would actually take the entire system down and replace it. I would just grab my little stepladder and reach into the dumpster and pull just the undamaged slats off of the blinds set. They have a small horizontal slit cut into the tops of them, which the blinds clips grabbed onto, so you could pop them right off of the clips. I would bring them back to my apartment and clean them, then put them up on my blinds system. By the time I moved out, I not only replaced all of the chewed-up slats, but I had extras at no cost to me! You could bunch your blinds slats together and use a large rubber band to hold them together at the bottom to see if that helps keep the kitty from wanting to play with them. It's probably the movement of the blinds which fascinates her.
  • DORLIS DORLIS on Sep 15, 2014
    she is probably trying to see outside. most likely she hears animals outside and either wants to see them or get at them to fight. she is curious. could you possibly just open them a bit so she can see and I agree, get her a cat tree and a piece of cardboard to scratch on. My cats love anything cardboard, especially boxes which are like the burrows they live in in the wild. they are dark, secure, safe places to hid in. i have chairs and tables near windows so they can get up high and see out. they love to watch the birds.
  • Kathleen Kathleen on Sep 15, 2014
    She flies through the air with the greatest of ease, and jumps on top of my highest furniture, and hangs out:)
  • Connie K Connie K on Sep 15, 2014
    Like many others, I beg you to try some other methods instead of declawing! It is NOT like removing a fingernail but like amputating your finger to the first knuckle. Also, declawing can lead to other problems like litter box avoidance because of the pain experienced when scratching in the litter after the surgery. Some cats are left with a residual sensitivity in their claws which is permanent. Cats can be trained, not by punishment but by making changes so that what you want is also what they think appears to be in THEIR self-interest. First, keep her claws trimmed. If she won't let you do it you may need to get a friend to help. Don't force her submission though. There is lots of info in books and online that tells you how to get cats used to the trim. They also need this because claws can grow too long and become imbeded in the foot pad. Make certain she has a good, convenient scratching post. If you can live with the "not so beautiful" look for a while, try using double-sided tape, aluminum foil, sticky side of contact paper, etc. across the bottom of the vertical blinds up to beyond her reach. Once you are up, open the blinds so she can see the outside world. If she climbs, and it appears she does from your description, do try to get her a climbing tower. It doesn't have to be a really tall one if those are outside the budget, just enough that she can look down on the world outside. Cats can indeed become bored, especially given that she is so young. Play time is essential and will promote your bond with her. If you can include a short pay session with her before you leave for the day (hard, I know) and a really good session before bedtime, this will help release some of that energy and give her such needed attention from you. My cat has slept with me since he was an 8 week old kitten (when adopted). He learned to quit bothering me fairly quickly. It took ME longer to learn how.....ignore him and pretend to be asleep, as hard as that is. When your little girl is no longer "rewarded" by your attention, good or bad, she will move on to other things or go to sleep for a while, too. There are some other great suggestions, too. There are some super books about cats and their behavior and many should be available at a used bookstore or from Amazon's used book area. I have several and two are by Pam Johnson-Bennett. "Think like a cat" was one of the first I read and as well as informative, is also entertaining with her reported incidents with cats. Also, look at some of the books on Clicker Training your cat. I wish I had known about this when my first cat, now 12, was young. Yes, cats can be trained and lots of cats love it. It is a game and play to them, with rewards. What cat could want more than that!
  • Kathi Cooley Kathi Cooley on Sep 15, 2014
    I think your best bet is swapping out the blinds for curtains of some kind, if you can. I'm not sure why so many previous commenters have asked you not to declaw your cat, as I did not read any of your post/comments to suggest you would do that. I've found that if I ignore disruptive nighttime behavior, my cats finally "get it" that they're supposed to be sleeping too!
  • Paula Edmonds Paula Edmonds on Sep 15, 2014
    I think cats hate blinds...leave them open and wear a sleeping mask.
  • Kathleen Kathleen on Sep 16, 2014
    As I have said before, I will not declaw my kitty! Thanks for all the good advise, some of which I already use:)
  • Lyn D Lyn D on Sep 16, 2014
    I make a eucalyptus lemon essential oil spray where ever I want my cat to flee. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't - but it smells great. No side effects :)
    • Kathleen Kathleen on Sep 16, 2014
      @Lyn D what a great idea, and I have the essential oils too. My lavender candle seems to calm her as well:) Thanks!
  • Paula Paula on Sep 16, 2014
    She needs a place to look outside. They make platforms that hang in front of a window. I've seen tutorials on making your own cat tree, you could probably get carpet scraps pretty cheap.
    • Kathleen Kathleen on Sep 16, 2014
      @Paula Thanks, but she has plenty of window space and time to sit and look out. It's not about that, but that she wants to tear at the blinds when they are down, and as I live in an apartment, I am very limited as to what I can hang/paint, etc. I leave them open during hte day, and also open the window so she can see the squirrels and birds, but not enough for her. I also have a slider door, which I leave open in good weather, but have had to cut back as she insists on climbing up the screen, punching big holes! GRR
  • Kathleen Kathleen on Sep 16, 2014
    Please end this topic!
    • Z Z on Sep 16, 2014
      @Kathleen, since this is a question you should get an email that allows you to close this topic. Just in case you don't have one, I'm going to tag @Miriam I to help you close or delete this. I'm sorry it got out of hand. This is why I stopped commenting in hopes it would stop.
  • Kathleen Kathleen on Sep 16, 2014
    Thank you!! I did click on the message about this topic being done, but keep getting messages...
    • Z Z on Sep 17, 2014
      @Kathleen, there used to be a way for you to delete your own threads, but it looks as though that's gone now. Hopefully @Miriam, or @Yair Spolter will see my message and help you delete this comment.
  • Pat Pat on Sep 17, 2014
    Good luck with this cat problem...I hope she gets over the blinds.
  • Carol Tomlin Carol Tomlin on Oct 25, 2014
    I replaced my vertical blind with a lined curtain that I made that rolls up on PVC pipe. It ties up with the attached ties I made in cream color, matching the lining coordinating with the fabric. Made the window curtain to match. Get many compliments. Those vertical blinds were always a pain anyway.
    • Kathleen Kathleen on Oct 25, 2014
      @Carol Tomlin Thank you so very much! I have to keep the blinds, as I live in an apartment with regulations, and recently, as cold weather approaches, pulled up the blinds and have drapes hanging..not so pretty and have to tie back for light, but working for me thus far:) Sometimes she just seems to look for ways to aggravate me-grr, but love her still;) Thanks much!
  • Kathleen Kathleen on Oct 25, 2014
    resolved
  • Lynn Lynn on Jan 29, 2015
    Same problem here so I went on Amazon and got her a kitty tree. She loves it, sleeps on it, looks outside and plays on it. The best thing I have purchased!
  • Rho12110803 Rho12110803 on Oct 07, 2016
    Why not try to make or purchase a cat tree/condo. Cats like to be off the floor and higher than other things in a room and the cat will probably have no interest in the blinds or flooring after it has their own place 😀
  • Connie K Connie K on Oct 26, 2016
    I sympathize! I have three cats and all three have learned that when they thinks its time to wake me for their breakfast and I ignore them, at least one of them, maybe more will head for the blinds and bang them against the window. You didn't say exactly what she is doing to the blinds. If its scratching, then get her a good scratching post and put it in front of the blinds. You may have to teach her how to use it if she hasn't had one previously. Also, try getting her to use it during the day, then give her a treat when she does. That way she will associate the good behavior with something of benefit to her. Also, try a good play session using a wand toy or whatever she interacts with and loves to play with until she works off some energy. She is also getting your attention which may be her purpose when she goes after the blinds. After play, try a treat and some petting if she is in the mood. If she is tired out from play, has some food in her belly, and has had your attention she may be less likely to head for the blinds. I also like the idea of a cat tree, some place she can call her own. Cats don't actually misbehave to aggravate us, it just seems like it. lol Try to figure out what her motive (need) is and go from there. If this is your first kitty, I heartily suggest a couple of good books on cat behavior. That saved my life when we got our first kitty because I really didn't know much about them and the books helped me understand why cats behave as they do. They also helped a lot with ways to train cats away from antics that may be natural to a cat but we humans aren't fond of. Plus, some of the books not only had great information but made for hilarious reading. And don't forget to search the internet for information on your feline friend. As with any other subject, make certain the source is reliable. And for everyone, please have your animal companions spayed or neutered. So may beautiful animals are killed each year because of over crowded resources. Also, an intact cat can have health problems that neutering prevents as well as behavioral problems when nature kicks in. Please, if possibly, make sure your kitty has a checkup and appropriate shots each year. Even if she is an inside only kitty (and I hope she is) they are still great little escape artists. I can't recommend strongly enough that you have her micro-chipped. The chances of recovering her if she escapes are very, very slim. Vets, humane societies, animal control all have the devices to read the micro-chips and all animals are checked as soon as they are found to see if chipped. Most all cities and towns have some free or low cost clinics where people can bring their pets for micro-chipping. Oh, and keep their record up to date when you move so you can be found if necessary. Gee, I didn't mean to write a book but I am a confirmed "cat lady" now and I love to see these wonderful animals and their owners get the best out of their relationships. Cats have an amazing ability for love and loyalty and can truly earn a part of your heart. We just have to remember that unlike a dog, they don't do things for your praise and love...but for themselves and on their terms (selfish little felines).
  • LiZa Sims LiZa Sims on Oct 26, 2016
    im so happy you took her in!! I hope this works out well for you both.
  • DORLIS DORLIS on Oct 27, 2016
    Cats know which button to push. Annie decides it is time to go to bed and stares at me until I get the hint. Harley goes for a certain chair, sinks his claws in, turns and looks at me like Do I shred this or do you let me out. It could be that another cat outside is prowling in your yard and she feels threatened by it. It is invading her territory You may need to put something otside the window to keep it away.
  • Diane Bishop Diane Bishop on Oct 28, 2016
    I just found a book...The Trainable Cat by John Bradshaw & Sarah Evans. It is full of amazing info about cats. For example... Cats can be trained but only by positive reinfirment. They do not have a memory like humans but can create natural reactions to times or stimulus etc.
  • DORLIS DORLIS on Oct 29, 2016
    try "my cat from hell" jackson galaxy. this guy knows cats and people.
  • Beverly Jacobs Beverly Jacobs on Oct 29, 2016
    After the lights are out, pull the blinds as high they will go and let her in