D.I.Y. Cardboard Cat Scratcher Tutorial Or How To Convince Your Cat They Want To Destroy Something

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Momma Told Me: We only exist to serve them.

Truffles, like most domesticated cats, likes to think she runs things around here. When Jay and I first moved in together I made sure he provided her daily meals for a period of time, until they had established a relationship. Before him it had always just been Truffles and I, so there was, understandably, some animosity. But delicious food found a path from her stomach to her heart and Truffles was soon enough accepting enough to share her home.

Well, recently we changed Truffles routine yet again when we dropped her dry food meals down to a single portion in the morning. Understandably, she didn't catch on to the concept of portioning right away so I began insisting Jay give Truffles a secondary portion of food, or helping of treats, right before we went to bed. That stopped the hassle of a 'starving' cat wandering the hallways, demanding food at all hours, but it also brought back an old tradition. One Truffles is not about to let go.

Now, instead of random meowing throughout the day, she parks herself outside the bedroom door desperately trying to pry it open, screaming in all tones, until her father gets home (or back up) and feeds her her justly due treats.

Now, Truffles would have you believe she's been wronged with this new dietary arrangement, and her parents, like all are, are incredibly unfair, and uncool. But I'll have you know that Truffles is by far the most spoiled cat I know. Aside from constant attention (whether she wants it or not,) and a plethora of furniture, loungers, and toys, Truffles never wants for flavor or food. When I have to run into Walmart for even the quickest trip, I am always sure to stop down the pet aisle on a search for her favorite IAMS™ Purrfect Delights Canned wet food, and anything new which might catch my eye. Walmart has a large selection of pet food, including IAMS™ Proactive Health dry cat food, which comes in specially formulated recipes designed to target your cat's unique needs.

Of course one can't leave the store without buying some cat treats as well- Did I mention this was one spoiled cat? 'Treat' should be her middle name- from back scratches and sunbathing to handmade toys and IAMS™ Chicken Flavor Hairball Care Daily Treats, available at Walmart now in a Mega Bag. But some fresh IAMS™ cans and treats wasn't going to be enough to ease my guilt about cutting mealtime down to just once a day. No, this cat mom had to go the extra mile. So I came up with a ridiculously simple, pretty much free (don't tell Truffles that) project to make a cardboard cat scratcher.

First you're going to want to gather the following materials:

Exacto/Utility Knife

A Cardboard Box In Good Shape

Scrap Cardboard

Straight Edge For Cutting Along

Colored Duct Tape (For Decoration)

To answer a few quick questions- You will want to choose a cardboard box that is about 3 times the base surface area of your cat 'loafed.' Your cat should comfortably be able to sleep and lounge in the box. If you're lucky, and you leave the box lying around, your cat will inspect this part for you, if not, eyeball it for general judgement. We went with a box about 12" x 20". For your scrap cardboard try and choose one, large, box, broken down. Ideally you will be able to cut all of the cardboard needed from one large box- if not, try to find boxes that are uniform in wall thickness.

You'll want to being by turning your box into a narrow base/tray. Do this by measuring a border approximately 2" tall from the floor of the box. In our case we had a level that happened to be longer than the box and exactly 2" in width, so we used it as a guide while cutting. You may have to use whatever tools you have on hand- a stainless steel rule, scrap of plywood, or such can work just the same. While cutting be sure to move slowly alongside your straight edge, as to not dig into it. And, always work on a flat, stable, surface in a spacious work space.

Once you have your box base trimmed to size you may wish to wrap and line the inner edges with your duct tape of choice. Looking back I wish I had done the inside walls with duct tape, to add that extra pop of color and reflection on the cardboard.

Next will be a lot of repetition. If you have a high quality, thick, shipping box you'll require less strips to fill your base. To make the best use of your scrap cardboard, flatten any boxed you may be using and cut long strips to match the width of your box base. Next cut 2" strips until you have cut enough strips to fill your base. The strips should all fit side by side tightly- you may even have to force the last 1 or 2 in. The tighter they are, the more friction your cat will have when scratching and the less likely any of the boards will kick up during use.

DO NOT attempt to cut more than one strip at a time, as this could be dangerous.

With your box base now officially a scratcher, stuffed with lovingly cut fresh smelling cardboard strips, you'll want to personalize it to give it a little pizzaz. Go ahead and wrap the outside with some colored duct tape and scribble your cat's name on the side. It doesn't have to be a work of art- this is intended to be ripped apart and destroyed, after all.

Now the next step is crucial.

Throw your shiny new homemade cardboard cat scratcher on the floor with absolutely no concern and walk away as though it were trash. Even the slightest aura of concern or pride could communicate the wrong message to your cat. Remember- they know best. And they do what they want. When they want.

Do not be dismayed if your cat shows absolutely no sign of interest.

In fact, it is highly likely your cat will stand near the scratcher, walk past the scratcher, jump over the scratcher, and entirely ignore the scratcher for a period of time. They're testing you. Remain vigilant, hold your ground. You don't care if they ever notice it exists. You made that for you, not them, and you're happy with it laying on the floor like a grade school art project.

But just one little sniff....surely your cat could be bothered to show some interest.

Nope....they will even stand directly behind your shiny new cardboard cat scratcher and stare at you mockingly. You may even begin to have a conversation with your cat in your head. You know that look. It's the "I know what you want me to do, and it's the last thing you're going to see me do." look.

Because they are a cat. And cats do what cats want.

On their own terms.

After a while you'll forget why you're so genuinely annoyed at the stubbornness of your cat. Then you'll think- maybe if I reward them, they'll be happy- then they'll play with my scratcher.

Yes, that will work. For sure.

So, go grab a can of the IAMS™ Purrfect Delights you picked up at Walmart and treat your cat to some flaked tuna and mackerel in sauce. Just don't be surprised if they continue to glare at you from behind the scratcher. Even while a fresh plate of delicious cat food sits conveniently just to the side. It's too late. Your cat knows. It's a bribe.

And the best thing you can do is just leave the room.

You'll return to an empty dish, of course.

At least you got your way with something. Kinda.

 Now's a good time to admit again that the cat really does call the shots. You're only there to serve them. They only allow you to feel as though they need you. So give your cat a scratch behind the ear, make absolutely no eye contact with the offending 'scratcher in the room,' and go about your day.

Once you've shown sufficient enough disregard, and even contempt for the cardboard scratcher you so lovingly made for your cat, your cat will decide the lesson is over. At which point the scratcher is now the coolest thing in the house. After all, it can be laid on, destroyed, and even hauled halfway through the house in the middle of the night. It's pretty freakin' awesome.

Just don't let your cat catch you getting any satisfaction out of those crinkled shredding noises.

Yup. Cats are fickle, and Truffles is no exception. She is the queen- after all, for the longest time she DID have more Facebook fans than me. But, at the end of the day, I'm still her parent. I may let her think she makes all the decisions when I put two cans of food in front of her and wait for her to 'choose,' but I'm the one picking them out off the shelf in the first place. Discover more feline stories and pawwsitively creative cat projects on the IAMS™ Walmart social hub. Keep up with the brand, and company of fellow cat lovers, on the IAMS™ Twitter feed.

For those wondering, Truffles now lounges on her scratcher every chance she gets- especially in the window soaking up the sun. As for scratching? It's held up great through multiple daily 'therapy' sessions.

What Daughter Says: I stopped trying to negotiate with the cat a long time ago. I've been much happier ever since.

As Simple As Giving A Cat A Bath- With #BayerExpertCare

This post is sponsored by Bayer® ExpertCareTM and the BlogPaws Influencer Network. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about Bayer ExpertCare products but Momma Told Me only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Bayer ExpertCare is not responsible for the content of this article. Nothing contained below should be taken as expert veterinarian advice.

Momma Told Me: That cat's just plotting it's revenge.

When I was a little girl we had a tuxedo kitten named Tippy. She had a thin strip of white running from her chin down her belly, little white 'mittens' and a white tipped tail (thus the name, clever, huh?) You see, this little girl was not so much sugar and spice, and everything nice. To that poor little kitten I was a terror. No, nothing criminal profiling needs to be alerted of, after all I was only 5 and a rambunctious young girl. But I recall tossing that poor kitten up in the air, and pulling it by it's tail much more than I'd care to admit. As a result, I have a great respect for domesticated cats. They have it rough, possibly even rougher than the feral cats which roam the neighborhood free and proud.

House kitties put up with a lot of bull, if you will. When you really stop to think all our pets endure without ever having a voice to vent, it's no wonder your favorite leather pumps were mistaken as a chew toy, or the cat 'accidentally' couldn't make anywhere other than your handbag when that fur ball hit. I don't think pets get enough credit, really- they see and hear it all within your 4 walls. If I had to pay Truffles for all of the hours of 'counseling' she's provided while enduring my emotional rants and aggravated grumbling I'd be living in the alley for sure. So, much to her dismay at times, I pay extra attention to her own health and personal care.

Thankfully, I can do so in the comfort of our own home with Bayer® ExpertCare™ home pet care and grooming products from PetSmart. If you've ever tried to place a cat in a pool of standing water, or under the flow of falling water you likely have a few scars to tell the story. Cats, by nature, are water reluctant creatures. And my car, who was (human) toilet trained at 4 months, and drinks from a moving water fountain, is no exception.She allows me to bathe her every few months under a contract we mutually signed and agreed too, but it's not without much resentment and attitude.

Bayer® ExpertCare™ Cat Coat Cleansing Foam (also available for dogs and in wipes) helps cut out some of the drama of regular grooming at home. If you have a 'traditional' cat then you likely avoid bathing your cat all together after that incident with the switchblade and the crazy eyes. (You don't mess then fluffy when those ears go sideways, am I right?) Bayer® ExpertCare™ Cleansing Foam offers a water free bathing method that refreshes feline coats while removing unwanted odors and restoring a natural sheen. Simply pump a few spritzes into the palm of your hand, rub your hands together, and work through your cat's coat. Then towel dry any residual moisture and brush as you normally would to groom.

I won't lie, Truffles isn't exactly brushing up against my legs when I grab the bottle- but she tolerates it much better than a full blown bath. The main thing, with her, is the strong natural oil based fragrance that reminds me of Eucalyptus. She scrunches her nose and eyes from even a foot away- as she should, she's worked hard to maintain that fragrance of cat saliva and dust bunnies. However the process of bathing one's cat with Bayer® ExpertCare™ Cat Cleansing Foam is significantly quicker and simpler for all involved than a traditional bath.

Bayer® ExpertCare™ Cat Cleansing Foam is entirely natural and soap free, which is great because Truffles insists on giving herself a second 'wipe' down as soon as she is 'free' from her special bath time. It never takes her long to come back around to her cheery disposition, but your cat may benefit from the coaxing of some extra play time or a special treat to diffuse any lingering ill feelings. Of course, if bathing your cat is entirely out of the question, you can still care for your pet's grooming and health needs at home with the wide range of other Bayer® ExpertCare™ products from PetSmart. Have you ever bathed a cat before? I'd love to hear how that went!

What Daughter Says: For all that your pets endure, take extra care of them with Bayer® ExpertCare™ products for at home personal care and grooming.

How #BayerExpertCare Makes Being A Crazy Cat Lady A Little Simpler

This post is sponsored by Bayer® ExpertCareTM and the BlogPaws Influencer Network. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about Bayer ExpertCare products but Momma Told Me only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Bayer ExpertCare is not responsible for the content of this article. Nothing contained below should be taken as expert veterinarian advice.

Momma Told Me: Make sure you clean those ears!

'They' call me a crazy cat lady- but there's really only one cat in my life.

And it may sound typical, but animals seem to have a sixth sense, an empathetic intuition that transcends verbal communication. That is to say, my cat knows then I'm having a bad day long before Jay or anyone else. It's a different type of relationship than that which I have with the dog. The dog and I, we're like school buddies- we hang out and fool around, but in the end she's going to lick any face that's paying attention to her. Cats, they tend to be much pickier- they like to judge, and they prefer to do what they want, when they want. So, if you have a cat that takes the time to engage you, you either have a bag of treats in your hand, or a lifelong companion.

Some people don't like cats, and I get it, it's okay- They're certainly unique creatures! When it comes to Truffles, her and I have been together nearly every day since I bottle fed and weened her as a kitten. So, in this sense, she is my furry, stubborn, whiskered child. If you don't believe me, just ask if I get to use the bathroom in peace with the door closed!

Given the bond I have with Truffles, and Nora too, I feel it is my responsibility to provide not just food and a warm home, but great healthcare too. The average pet owner doesn't have pet insurance, or even bring their pet to the vet regularly without a specific concern. But, in all cases, your pet's age, activity level, breed, and more factor into several traits that ultimately can cause health issues, or simply lack of comfort. Proper oral and ear care are one of the most overlooked maintenance chores  by pet owners. Let's face it, there's nothing fun about the idea of having to wrestle a pet (especially one with claws) while forcing it's jagged mouth open, or pouring drops down it's ears. But, did you know Bayer pet products make a complete range of Bayer® ExpertCare™ products, sold at PetSmart, that help take some of the anxiety and guesswork out of everyday pet healthcare?

Bayer® ExpertCare™ Ear Care For Cats is our go to product to keep Truffles ears squeaky clean- it's her secret to hearing the treat jar opened from 3 rooms away! There's even a Bayer® ExpertCare™ Ear Rinse for canines! This Aloe Vera infused formula has a light fresh scent, is an antiseptic, and helps dissolve tough built up wax.

I wish I could say Bayer® ExpertCare™ Cat Ear Rinse made cleaning your cat's ears fun- but it doesn't. It does, however, seem more agreeable than other ear rinse products we've tried in the past- and the nozzle offers easy, targeted, application. Simply apply a few drops directly in your cat's ear canal, gently massage the exterior of the ear, then use a clean cloth to daub up any extra residue/solution. Never put a cotton swab into your cat's ears- you don't want to spook them, or accidentally injure sensitive tissue! Ears should be cleaned twice a month, to no more than twice weekly, as directed by your veterinarian.

The ear cleaning process doesn't stop there, though- You wouldn't take a toddler to the pediatrician for a flu shot and not give them a Scooby-Doo band-aid and a lollipop. Be considerate of your feline friends and reward their endurance of the process with some targeted play time and extra cuddles. Of course, if your cat has yet to establish a routine for ear cleaning, and is especially miffed by the event, you may want to allow some 'cooling' personal time before engaging them again. Truffles actually seems to enjoy being preened and pampered and, much like after baths, will bring me toys until I play with her following one of these care routines!

If your cat's less motivated by 'things' then tempt them with food. Reward good behavior, or even the sucess of having cleaned your cat's ears without losing an eye, with a treat. The more you reward the less than pleasant tasks, such as at home grooming and healthcare, the more your cat will become complacent with the tasks in the future. Who says you can't train a cat new tricks?

But really, at the end of the day, consider Bayer® ExpertCare™ home pet care and grooming products because your loving touch will always be far more calming and agreeable than any trip to the vet! Bayer® ExpertCare™ at PetSmart has a wide range of quality products from skin and coat moisturizers to cleansing cloths and probiotics. Read more about Truffles and our experiences with Bayer® ExpertCare™ Spot On Skin Moisturizer in our previous post here. There are even a few fun photos of Jay and Nora in their ugly holiday sweaters! Now, tell me, are you guilty of 'skipping' at home care because Fluffy or Fido doesn't tolerate it too well? What could help you feel more confident in tackling at home grooming and health care for your pet?

 What Daughter Says: Pets are children- who you clean up after their entire lives. Take care of your fur children in ways they cannot, even if they can't quite say 'thanks!'

Choose #BayerExpertCare So Your Pets Can Get Back To Chasing Laser Beams

This post is sponsored by Bayer® ExpertCareTM and the BlogPaws Influencer Network. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about Bayer ExpertCare products but Momma Told Me only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Bayer ExpertCare is not responsible for the content of this article. Nothing contained below should be taken as expert veterinarian advice.

Momma Told Me: String is not a toy.

I love my cat, I do. But she is not the best authority when it comes to her own well being and care.

When pets are puppies and kittens special attention is given to them through the course of vaccinations and potty training. We meticulously screen and treat for fleas, encourage good behavior with rewards and obedience training, and even experience scenarios similar to 'second child' human parenting. For example, when Truffles was a kitten I would have never dared leave her home alone with access to rooms where small items were left out.  And goodness knows I'd have had a minor heart attack if I saw her walk by with a piece of ribbon in her mouth. But, today, some years later, I've learned not to sweat the small things. After all, cats will be cats.

And, much like human parenting, pets require constant health and physical care throughout their lives. Regular vet visits don't just stop because the puppy stage is over and all of the scheduled vaccines are current. Too often do I hear tales of my friends and family bringing a beloved fur-child into the vet for what turns out to be an issue that could have been caught, and even treated sooner. As adorable as their voices are, pet's cannot always clearly communicate to us their physical needs. After all, Truffles is the one walking around with the ribbon hanging from her mouth; I wouldn't take her word as to what's 'normal' or not.

Just like you likely moisturize your skin after shaving, or exposure to extreme and harsh weather, or how you take a probiotic to encourage healthy digestion, pets require nurturing and care that goes beyond walks and full food bowls. That's why we shop at PetSmart, where we can browse a variety of health and wellness products for all of our furry children. Not only are the associated on hand welcoming and eager to answer any questions, Nora gets to help pick out gifts for her big sister. I don't think that sweater will go over too well with Truffles though!

For your pet's skin care and grooming wellness needs consider Bayer® ExpertCare™ , exclusively available at PetSmart, for at home care that is trusted by discerning parents such as us. The
Bayer® ExpertCare™ product range spans feline and canine product ranges with gentle and safe formulations for fuss free use. With the Winter coming up, shedding will surely be turning to dry skin- so we've already begun treating Truffles with the Bayer® ExpertCare™ Spot-On Skin Moisturizer. If you've noticed a duller coat, itching, or flaking, this has worked wonders to solve some of these issues for us!

The Bayer® ExpertCare™ Spot-On Skin Moisturizer includes 4 applications of a fatty acid rich formulation that goes on just like modern flea or tick prevention treatments. Simply part the fur at the nape of your cat's neck and apple the pipette. Repeat weekly for 2 months, then bi weekly for as long as needed. You should expect to see a change in your cat's coat as soon as a week, as their skin absorbs and hydrates naturally. I'll admit, Truffles usually has a little bit of a 'gelled' look on her nape for several days, but this eventually settles, and the impact on her coat and skin has been noticeable. We've seen a lot less scratching and flaking! Look for Bayer® ExpertCare™ Spot-On Skin Moisturizer for dogs too!

Taking care of you pet's skin and coat between baths is just as important as brushing your own hair and choosing the right beauty products. If you see dandruff on your shoulders you'll switch shampoos, right? Don't let your pets walk around with dry, irritated, skin! As we head into the Winter it will only get harder for coats to maintain their natural luster and shine. Or course, a healthy diet will also help! For now, though, we're not leaving it up to the the cat who considers a paper clip, a bottle cap, and a discarded grocery store receipt all things that belong in hr mouth!

Maybe you've seen the impact of the weather and seasons on your pet's coat already, maybe you haven't. Regardless, it's always important to keep your pets comfort and health at the top of your mind, even when there seems to be no reason. Preventative health and wellness, as well as maintenance, can hep keep your pet looking and feeling their best. Discover the wide range of Bayer® ExpertCare™ products for pet health and wellness at PetSmart today. Now, tell me, what's one of the strangest things your pet has declared a toy?

What Daughter Says: Let's face it, your pet is NOT an expert when it comes to their own health and well being. Look out for them with simple health and wellness at home care.