Bassists with cats, advice needed

[HaMMerHeD]

My cat ignores my vinyl covered Ashdown 4x10, but very much likes my guitarist's rat-hair covered cab.

 

[Rebecky]

If you're worried about a cat being left on its own for hours and not being able to go outside, maybe you should adopt two if you have enough room. I'm sure many shelters would have pairs of cats who are already housetrained and possibly used to staying indoors. I definately reccomend adopting from a shelter, they're normally overrun with animals and could use a responsible owner to take a cat off their hands. I've had three cats but never bought a kitten, all of the cats just turned up at our door and they were so sweet that we couldn't shut them out.

I also rescue rats because I'm not allowed pets in my house (the cage is easy to hide in the cupboard). They're also very fun pets although they might cost you a fortune in vet bills!

 

[manbearpig97]

Release them into the wild. It's where they belong.

Lmao

 

[sleepytime]

Buy or make a scratching post right away. When you see the cat scratching something, just tell him "no" and bring him to the scratching post. Gently simulate the scratching motion and encourage him. Don't overdo it, and be patient. It will take the cat a bunch of times to understand.

It has been my experience that simply stopping undesired behaviour, demonstrating desired behavior, and encouraging and rewarding good behavior work a lot better than punishment. Cats are generally cooperative if you treat them with respect. Treating them poorly just makes them obstinate and rebellious. There may be behaviors that the cat simply insists upon. Hopefully it is not something intolerable and you can come up with a compromise.

Also, they may do annoying things just because they want your attention. My cats favorites--rustling paper, rattling things, and my favorite at 4:00 in the morning...

twanging the doorstop.

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

I have to laugh even though I want to strangle him.

 

[Carver]

Beautiful cat!

+1 to scratch post training. Once they find a place they like to scratch, they will stick with it. Also, not sure how big your apartment is, but I recommend having a dedicated room for your gear, and keeping it off limits. No pet hair getting in your electronics, and no chewed up cables. I have a strict "no pets in the studio" policy, and my cat doesn't seem to mind since she pretty much owns the rest of my house

Here's a shameles pic of my cat Cannoli being awesome.

 

[MatticusMania]

twanging the doorstop.

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

I have to laugh even though I want to strangle him.

This is how my cat lets me know she wants in our bedroom. From the inside of the room she can only mew to let me know she wants out (she used to tear at my gf's poster, but we put an end to that). But, when she wants in, its "brrrinng, brrrinng, brrrinng"

 

[pbasswil]

Yupp, biggest problem is that rat fur on some speaker cabinets. And occasional obsession with a gig bag that feels great to claw at!

I'm tired of wrapping my cabs in sheets, I'm ordering up some covers from LeCover or Tukki.

Never had problems with peeing; but you have to get them neutered before adolescence.

The nice, warm laptop can be a pussycat magnet sometimes, though (you might have to click a link):

 

[rtslinger]

Yeah cats and amps are a bad combo claws destroying amp grills, pissing on the cab, spraying their scent if not fixed. You will not be happy to what you come home to if you get a cat trust me been there got rid of that!

 

[Atoz]

Your bass will be okay, but keep cats away from cabs covered in rat fur (carpet), they'll destroy it in minutes.

This. I accidentally left the door to my music room open while I was gone for two days. Came home to a massive carpet hole on the side of my Ashdown.

 

[UncleFluffy]

+1 to most of the above.

They're not going to scratch a bass unless it's carpeted.
They will pee on whatever you value most (in my case a collection of rare Zappa promo vinyl) if you offend them.
Rat fur cabs bring them great joy to scratch.
If they despise you they will inform you of this by vomiting in your shoes.
If they want your attention they will escalate their annoyingness until they get it, if they don't they will out-ignore a mere human every time.

... but they're great and I love mine to bits

 

[EagleMoon]

Anybody got any suggestions on how to keep an outside male cat from spraying on your front door? I have two cats but they're spayed, so I doubt he's attracted by that. He's just started doing this, and I haven't caught him in the act, but the smell is nasty. I've tried orange extract and vinegar, neither of which seem to help much.

 

[Sijjvra]

I'm 100% a cat person, and currently have 3 cats. None of them show interest in my bass guitars. They don't show much interest in the amps either, but I could just be lucky, as I could definitely see a lot of cats getting very interested in picking at amps.

Cats aren't actually sharpening their claws when they scratch at stuff -they're doing two things. They're removing the excess "sheath" material and also leaving their scent, mostly the latter.

If you get one kitten, but are going to be gone a lot - get two kittens. Most people don't realize domestic cats -are- social animals. Not as much as dogs, by a long shot, but even feral cats will live in colonies and domestic cats often prefer to have some company rather than just be alone all the time. Also, never declaw a cat. It would be the same as you cutting off the first knuckle of your fingers.

Feliway is good stuff if you're worried about spraying - it's a (to us) scentless air plug-in that releases feel-good pheromones for cats to help them calm down and may aid in stopping bad behavior like spraying. Getting a cat -fixed- between 4-6 months old is also key. Male cats (and even females, sometimes) will still mark territory if they are fixed AFTER that instinct and habit has formed, and it's much harder to get them to stop once they've figured out how to do it.

But your basses should be fine. It's the furniture that you'll have to worry about :|

 

[Gopherbassist]

In 20 years I've never seen a cat scratch wood. But, to train the cat what to scratch you'll need to be on his tail all the time, and if he scratches something you don't want him to scratch, take him to something you do want him to scratch. I've also heard that putting a scratching post near their food is useful in training them.

 

[DrZ]

I have two cats, male and female - if you want a more interactive & loving cat get a (neutered) male. Female cats tend to be much more independant. Ask a veterinarian.

My male, Rudie isn't much interested in my basses or gear, the female - Nika, though - loves everything bass...especially when being played. Her favorite spot is on top of the cabinet or amp while i'm playing.

Neither one has scratched or destroyed anything, and they both have claws - i agree with previous posts about providing alternative "interesting things" to claw and play with... the water squirt bottle works well as a deterrent and training tool, you shouldn't need it for long.

My biggest thing to look out for is cat hair, getting in the amp if Nika lays on it, open gig bags or even more attractive - an open case.... Interestingly, they have no desire to claw any cases, inside or out, or course they've been trained well.

One last thought, you are far better to keep your cat an indoor cat only, if you live on a farm, then fine let the cat be an outdoor cat, but in the city and in many cities it is against the law to let your cat run free - it is suppose to be on a leash, or not leave your property - ever try that? doesn't work.... As far as hunting mice? Get an inexpensive remote control car to zoom around the apartment, you'll have hours of great fun since it's now an interactive "sport" that both you and your cat will enjoy.

My veterinarian tells me that indoor cats are much healthier, than outdoor cats that are exposed to other possible "sick" cats in the neighboorhood that spread feline aids, leukemia, and other diseases.there are many hazards for cats outside these days - keep e'm inside from when they're young and they'll be very happy. Since you live on the 4th floor your cats probably won't have fleas either if you keep them inside

Nika, my female doesn't like my thought of me selling one of my basses...

Seen in the picture she's guarding the bass & showing her dis-pleasure with my decision.