I’ve just been welcomed into this beaut house. While I’m settling in my humans play lots of fun games with me and my toys, and everyone laughs like mad. Sometimes I get so excited I race up the curtains and up and over the sofas. Actually, I’m finding the sofas great for sharpening my claws, creating a work of art at the same time. This seems to make my owners angry. Why don’t they appreciate my talents? (Smiley, Burmese Cross, 4 months, North Narooma)

Dr Alan

Smiley, I’m afraid your artistic side will be greeted by some serious consequences if you don’t redirect your claw sharpening and curtain climbing antics. To sharpen your claws and exercise your muscles, your owners could get some carpet roll end pieces from a carpet layer. A two meter width of carpet wrapped around a 100 mm pvc plastic pipe, to give the carpet support, held in place by a couple of ties of twine can be leaned against the corner of a room and makes a wonderful “tree”. You can run up the tree, sharpen your claws or sit on top it to survey your kingdom. Many owners purchase those expensive “cat scratch posts” – most of them are too small for a real cat! Your tree will cost very little, and will be much more fun for you. Cats with “carpet trees” find furniture and curtains less fun. Believe me, your owners will be pleased and you will not get into trouble.