cat scraching?

Question

how can i stop my cat from scraching the furniture????

Answer 1

A cat scratches because it's a physical requirement. He is trying to get rid of the dead sheath around his claws. He also needs to scratch to relieve frustration and stretch his arms. Therefore it is important, regardless of whether he is an indoor cat or an indoor/outdoor cat to a have a scratching post or a scratch pad (something like a rubber tile) so that he can take care of his needs. Once you get the scratching post, rub his paws on it in a scratching motion. You might even say 'Scratch, scratch!'. When he uses it, praise him profusely. Believe it or not, with my cats, all it took was once.
If your cat has been scratching the furniture, make sure you keep him out of that room until he starts using the scratching post. Everytime he reaches for the furniture, say 'NO' firmly but not loudly. Cats don't respond too well; to yelling and screaming. Positive reinforcement is better. Please, do not even think about declawing. Declawing is banned in most countries as cruel and inhumane mutilation. That it is still legal in the US boggles the mind. Basically it is the same as amputating all your fingers at the first joint. The cat is crippled for life. Better to give the cat up for adoption than to subject him to such pain and agony. Please check these websites..
http://www.declawing.com
http://community-2.webtv.net/zuzu22/STOPDECLAWCOM
http://declaw.lisaviolet.com
We make the choice to bring an animal into our lives. Therefore it is us that must compromise.

Answer 2

1.)Get several cat scratching posts with different levels to play on.. Spray it with Feliway synthetic cat pheromone to make it smell familiar and friendly.
2.)Get Soft Paws nail tips for your cat. www.softpaws.com
3.) Interact with your cat more often in a positive way. Play hunting games where your cat eventually "kills" the toy and wins. Very empowering for cats.
4.) When your cat is scratching inappropriately, non-confrontationally move him to something appropriate.
5.) Keep the nails trimmed if you don't use Soft Paws. *Every 2 weeks*
6.) Get aluminum foil, double-stick tape, or the spiky plastic runners for rolling office chairs in a carpeted office. Cover your furniture with these not-fun-to-scratch surfaces when you're not home.
Try that. And if those things don't work, try harder. If it REALLY comes down to claws vs. cat, get rid of the claws and keep the cat indoors...but have the vet apply a Fentanyl patch for the pain relief and look for a vet who can do the surgery with laser. Don't cut corners or take this lightly. (I'm probably jumping the gun, as you didn't even mention declawing yet, but it is something to consider if all else fails.) A declawed cat in a loving home is better off than a cat with claws getting ready to be euthanised at the pound, IMHO.

Answer 3

You need to discipline your cat and tell her "no" sharply. They really DO understand this.
But I found the best thing and that is a can of something called "Feliway" which I found in our local TSC store. Pet stores may have it. Walmart and Kmart do not.
You just spray a little on the object you don't want the cat to scratch, and she/he will leave it alone.
You do NOT spray it on the cat. It's a small can, but it lasts a long time and is under 5.00.
Also, you CAN buy a cat scratching post or there is such a thing as a scratch box available at Walmart for under 10.00. You put catnip on it and the cat scratches there all the time.
Ask your Vet about the spray if you can't find it.
It's probably available at Petsmart or Petco also.

Answer 4

You can use a scratching post, roll a piece of tape around your hand with the sticky side out and put that where kitty normally scratches (they usually don't like the feel of the tape), there are also little electronic devices you can attach to your chair or couch, so that when kitty starts scratching, they vibrate and scare kitty away, some kind of bitter apple or something that tastes bad on it so that kitty will get it on the claws and not like it.
Good Luck

Answer 5

*#*#Scratching Post*#*#

-Spray/sprinkle catnip on or around it to encourage use.

-Use a dog clicker to praise her after she's used it.

-If you catch her scratching the furniture. Say "NO!" sharply. Not so loud that you scare her. But sharp so she knows you mean business.