As you have probably noticed, Cousin Earl has only three legs. Although it doesn’t seem to slow him down in almost any way, especially in the naughty department, like his cousin Newton, he doesn’t seem to want to (or be capable of) scratch on the types of scratching posts and scratchers he has been given.
He and Nellie have this great home-made tree. The cross piece was specifically wrapped with him in mind, since the thought was that vertical would be difficult for him.
Second, an Ess was added to the mix. Looking for something similar to the carpet he was continuing to use. He used it as a fort for a while, but soon abandoned it altogether.
Then we went old school with a simple cardboard scratcher. Once the catnip is gone, so is he.
Earl has two types of scratching. One is a byproduct of how he likes to lie down. The digs into the carpet with his front claws and then flops on his side. The second is pure scratching. He will stop, and pull at the carpet with that front foot, claws out.
Any suggestions, short of de-clawing and capping his nails, would be greatly appreciated!