Conference misery::feline

    When we were looking at carpet, the salesman didn't recommend the
    berber for us since we have cats.  I'd recommend talking to a
    knowledgeable salesperson.  Some Berbers are continuous loop and some
    aren't.  I think the continuous one would be the problem.
    
    Steffi

    I have a looped carpet (only a cheap thing, so it doesn't matter too
    much) and Rosie especially regards it as a legitimate scratch-post,
    despite being sprayed with water.

    A friend of mine who has also bred had Berber in her whole house
    almost.  She hasn't had a problem with the cats.  As a matter of
    fact she just got a whole new one put in on her top floor and stairs. 
    Only because she didn't like the color of the old one.  
    
    I should think also that if you keep their nails clipped it might
    help.\
    Karen

    I really appreciate the timing on this one, since my next major
    renovation is to overhaul the livingroom carpet and stairs.
    
    We too are considering Berber, and now that it has been raised I ask,
    what about Barney?  He is *huge* as a Siamese, and has equally as huge
    paws (and claws).  On occation if he can't get our attention, or just
    wants out in a real big way, he will sharpen his claws on the current
    carpeting, we have actually seen him pick the carpet up with this
    effort!  This guy is strong!
    
    Now as a related carpet question, if we redo the carpet, get rid of the
    old carpet and padding completely, what is the chance he may decide to
    "christen it", but spraying a scent where he had done before we had him
    neutered last summer?  He seems very territorial at times, and part of
    the reason I want to replace the carpet now is simply the odor.  I
    don't want to sink megabucks on new carpet, only to have him spray on
    it again.  Worse yet, will any of the odor seep through, should I do
    anything to the subfloor before the padding and carpet are installed,
    or do I just assume all the odor will be eliminated?
    
    Lyn

    
    Lynn,  when they lift off the carpet and the padding, pour some baking
           soda on the spots and wait a half day or so for it to absorb.
           Then vaccum the baking soda and sprinkle some fresh baking soda
           on the spots and leave there with the new padding over it. 
           Kitty should not be able to smell the odor any more. 
          
           I don't know about spraying, my male cat, stopped spraying after
           he was nuetured. 
    
    Shaw

    We have a berber in the bedroom, their claws have never been a problem.
    I keep my gang's claws clipped so maybe that's the key.  A treatment
    of Scotchguard will help prevent staining.  You can buy this and spray
    it yourself.
     

    One of my scratching posts is covered with berber carpeting. I've had
    the post for about 8 months, and I have no problems with pulls.
    
    Deb

    To anyone who is replacing carpet where there has been urine or feces
    in a specific spot don't ask for to much.  I replaced my carpet this
    summer and the we placed Borax mule team, purchased in the laundry
    aisle at a percentage of the odor eliminators, on the glued carpet. I
    am only renting and wasn't going to have the floor replaced.  The
    installer said that the Borax Mule team would help with the odor, but
    the only way to keep them from using the same spot again, was placing
    moth crystals over it.
    
    I have used and tried every method given to me, spent hundreds of
    dollars using elimintors.  Cats have a high amonia (sp) content in
    their urinary tract, this comes from not being consumers of vast
    amounts of water.  Even a dead cat can kill an big old pine tree
    because of the chemical make up.
    
    So if you can really get rid of the floor, because it will haver seeped
    into the wood, don't get your hopes up.  They shouldn't christen the
    same spot if you immediately place moth crystals over the area that
    they used.
    
    As for the pretreatment go with the 2.99 dollar box of all purpose mule
    team.  Vinegar and seltzer water are suppose to help, but it smells
    like a dead salad in the corner.  
    
    If you need to cover up a smell never use flowery potients, use
    eucalyptus (sp) oil and place on a cotton ball.  Place in spots where
    your guests and cats cannot find.  It will help in the meantime.
    
    
    

    Well, since Karen Kolling is not here to do it anymore, let me remind 
    everyone that mothballs (and probably crystals) can be harmful to cats.
             
    Jan

    True mothballs are harmfull to the cats, but there are crystalls out
    now just the smell keeps them away.  Also if you tape aluminium foil
    over the crystals, not moth balls, that will also deter the cat.  
    
    I've yet to have a cat get sick or die from that even the kittens know
    now that this is not cool stuff to be around.
    
    Years ago I questioned my neighbor about the use of mothballs in her 
    garden and she told me it hinder the animals from urintating in
    the bushes.
    
    Thanks for the reminder
    

remember, that if using mothballs inside, the fumes can be 
hazardous to *your* health.