Hey all, I’m at my wits end with this cat and my stair carpet I just got fitted. I’ve had a lot of success with my other cat who lives here and he only had to be told off once and he stopped. I’ve brought them new cardboard scratchers too and he still insists on using the new carpet which is ruining it instantly.
He’s got four cardboard scratchers he likes sleeping on and uses sometimes, which are very close to the stairs both top and bottom. He’s got a very heavy scratching post he also uses and a cat tower he’s used before too. I keep his claws trimmed as best I can and do my best to keep him entertained with toys, play, and supervised outside time daily. I only have a one bedroom house so everything he can scratch on is within several feet of the stairs themselves.
I’ve had to resort to covering the stairs with blankets when I’m not there but it’s not stopping him from doing it whilst I am. I feel like I can’t do anything in my own home because I have to constantly watch him. I even reward him with treats or pets for using the correct scratchers. I’m very consistent with this too. He’s just really kinda stupid, if I’m honest. My other cat is clicker trained and everything, but I’ve never been able to teach this one anything.
I’ve also tried sprays on said carpet and it’s not helping. Please tell me there’s something else I can do without adding sticky tape to every single step? This has been a battle for a month now. Photo of him for tax purposes laying on one of the blankets I put down on the stairs.