What is it with cats and stair carpet? It's like a super shitty scratching post? I had one cat that refused to scratch anything but the top two stairs to the point where he pulled the carpet pad off

[–] flicker@lemmy.world 2 points 3 months ago

I got some of those corrugated scratching boards and popped one onto the second step from the bottom and another onto the top of the stairs and he never deviated from the scratchers after that.

[–] ShaggySnacks@lemmy.myserv.one 1 points 3 months ago

Cats can be very peculiar when it comes to scratching posts. My cat wouldn't even look at a scratching post. I got my cat a corrugated scratching boards and she loves it.

My cat also loves to scratch the couch. I threw a blanket over the arm and my cat won't even touch it now. You have to use the environment to redirect cats behaviors.

[–] OutlierBlue@lemmy.ca 1 points 3 months ago

Yeah mine love the top couple steps too. We set up cat trees and scratching posts and redirect them to those now. It's really helped.

[–] kboy101222@sh.itjust.works 3 points 3 months ago (3 children)

As someone who wants a cat but is really allergic, I'm not looking forward to shelling out for a Bengal or sphynx when the temptation gets too high...

I watch shelters around here constantly, and only one of them has ever come through.

It was adopted in about 10 seconds

[–] Barbarian@sh.itjust.works 8 points 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago) (1 children)

Do not buy a sphinx if you're allergic to cats. People who are allergic are generally allergic to the oil (sebum). Sphinxs are awful for people who are allergic.

If not bathed regularly, they'll cover your furniture in that oil too.

[–] kboy101222@sh.itjust.works 4 points 3 months ago (2 children)

Ah, thanks for the info! A lot of the articles I was looking at said that they were good for people with allergies, including one from a vet service, so that's good to know.

The whole hairless thing is also super unsettling to me so ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[–] peopleproblems@lemmy.world 3 points 3 months ago

My ex thinks they are cute.

But I guess some people think naked mole rats are cute too. Or mangy bears?

[–] MeatPilot@lemmy.world -2 points 3 months ago

At the age of fourteen a Zoroastrian named Vilma ritualistically shaved my testicles. There really is nothing like a shorn scrotum... it's breathtaking- I highly suggest you try it.

[–] TubularTittyFrog@lemmy.world 1 points 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago)

if you groom your cat fastidiously you'll be fine. the allergen is not in the hair, it's in the saliva.

i am allergic but have a long haired cat. it's fine as long as i brush him out regularly. when he bites me i break out in hives though.

[–] garbagebagel@lemmy.world 0 points 3 months ago (1 children)

This might not be feasible if you're in the states but if you have access to good healthcare, go to an allergist and get the shots! I've always had cats and been allergic to them , I survived with an inhaler and prescription pills. Since I finished my shots last year I've felt 100x better. The only time I need my pills now for cats is when I visit my mom who has 5 of them, with one long haired orange boi that just needs to sit on your head.

[–] kboy101222@sh.itjust.works 0 points 3 months ago

Unfortunately, I'm American :/

[–] frezik@midwest.social 2 points 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago)

Had a friend who had two bengal kittens. They could leap up an entire flight of stairs in two bounds. Even ignoring all the issues with breeders, don't fuck with bengal kittens. You'll need to turn your whole house into a jungle gym.