My cat scratches stuff constantly and won't stop?

Question

My 5 month old cat constantly scratches the floor, walls, and furniture. I tell him to stop but he won't. He often seems to be very wound up. What could I do to make him stop?

Answer 1

Do you have a scratching post? If you don't, get one it helps. If you have one and he won't use it, try this. Sprinkle cat nip on the post (they like it better). You also might want to show him how to use it. I know it sounds silly but it worked for me. I got down on my knees and scratched at the post (make sure the cat is watching or you just look nuts!!)

If that doesn't work get a squirt gun. They don't like it. Anytime mine acts up I whip out the gun. She only has to hear it to stop what she's doing.

BTW if your cat is not neutered you can do it now at 5 mths. Plus it might keep him from spraying.

Answer 2

I agree with Elayne Trakand, play with your kitten, this is a crucial time for him. He needs socialization. Without this socialization or playtime a personality you won't like will be formed. Buy him toys(balls and such)that he can entertain himself with while you are out. Stores have scratching posts that are helpful too.
As far as neutering, wait until the kitten is 6 months; if you intend to keep him in the house you will want to neuter him from spraying urine all over your house.
The spray bottle - a good idea especially if you don't want him: getting on cabinets(he would have to be older to do this), furniture, or he developes a habit of biting or anything else. The spray bottle is very handy, just don,t over-use it or he will become used to it.

Answer 3

Does your kitty have a scratching post or mat? Have you tried clipping your kitty's claws? You can also by cat "nail covers" that is made of soft plastic to protect your furniture. Sometimes using a squirt bottle to spray them when they are doing a "no-no" helps too. If all else fails...there is the drastic measure of declawing, which I'm not really in favor of. Try everything else first!

Answer 4

Someone told me that for cat, scratching is like yoga. A cheap way to direct his scratching: get a sisel rug (the kind that go outside), cats love scratching those. Take clear packing tape and put it over the places he likes to scratch best, cats hate the slick surface.

Answer 5

All the previous posts had great ideas. You may also want to try using some canned air...like what you'd get to clean your computer keyboard out with. Cats seem to hate the noise when the air blasts out because it sounds like another cat hissing. My brother uses it as a deterrant on his cats and Ive started using it with mine too.

Answer 6

get a cat scratching post (or make one), all cats naturally will want to scratch to keep their nails sharp. if you let me outside then it will be less of a problem because he can go scratch on trees but then you have the worry of him running off (make sure he's neutered before letting him out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) and just the other day i saw a dead cat on the roadside. =( we are planning to keep our cat indoors because we have enough room and give her plenty of attention. she still loves ot sit in the windows though..

declawing is not nice and use it as your last option. talk to the vet if it continues ot be a problem..

Answer 7

Play with him more. Have him neutered when he is old enough (6 months). Also when he is scratching at stuff squirt him with a water bottle.

Answer 8

Scratching is a natural instinct.

Ask your vet about "SOFT PAWS" basically nail tips for cats do there is not damage :) Work for my 5

Answer 9

trim his claws, and get him a scratching post. Whenever you catch him scratching something, bob him in the nose, firmly tell him "no," and carry him to the scratching post.

Answer 10

Yeah, so what's your problem? He's sharpening his claws. You gotta a problem with that, if so I wouldn't get too close!