They have and use a nice big cat tree primarily, but they still occasionally use two spots on two of my couches. They scratch nothing else in the house. It is just 2 of the 3 cats that I catch doing it. I yell at them when I see them do it but I think they mainly do it while Im at work. I have tried all the "no scratch" spray products and they still do it. They seem to do it most when they are playing. I will not de-claw them so dont bother suggesting it.
2006-08-17 03:39:06 · 18 answers · asked by Michael C 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
Try tin foil, or there is a double sided sticky tape product sticky paws. This website has a few other ideas. http://cats.about.com/od/scratchingchewing/tp/scratchingaids.htm Have you tried the water bottle?? Good for you for not wanting to mutilate your cat.
2006-08-17 03:51:09 · answer #1 · answered by Heather S 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some have called for the declawing of the cats but that's like cutting off a person's hand for stealing. Barbaric and inhumane. To train a cat to do what you want it to takes patience, but so does everything else that's worthwhile. I would suggest that since you have a scratching post, you put the cats the litter box , the scratching post and their food in one room, say the kitchen. Close the door to the other rooms. For several days, confine them to that room. (Be sure you make regular visits to the room and play with them so they're not isolated). In the meantime, remove the odor they have left on the couch with some cleaner or wax. What ever you use should be nice and smelly. After several days, you can let them into the other rooms but not the one with the couch. After they have demonstrated that they have been properly retrained, you can let them run around freely.
I would suggest that you get several scratching posts or rubber tiles and put them in various places around the house. There should be something to scratch whenever they get the urge.
Please remember, yelling doesn't work. it's also cruel. Positive reinforcement always works the best with animals and kids. Praise them when they do well, If they do something they shouldn't immediately pick them up and say 'No'. If they persist, confine them to one room.
2006-08-17 04:09:16 · answer #2 · answered by pepper 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The double-sided sticky tape is the best idea. You can buy a packet of it at a pet store for $10. It is called Sticky Paws. Just apply it to the places the cats are scratching. It is usually near the entrance to a room and the cats are marking the room as there territory (Cats own your house, you know).
This will work. They hate that stuff.
Also, if you are there when they use their post be sure to praise them LAVISHLY. "Oh, you are such a gooooood kitty. I love you so much, etc. Cats do respond to attention and praise. Positive reinforcement will go a long way in correcting their behavior.
2006-08-17 04:36:05 · answer #3 · answered by old cat lady 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You may need more trees of different textures, eg: sisal, carpet and cardboard. If you can't stop them scratching them couch, pop a smaller tree in front of the areas they're scratching and see if that helps. But a big mink blanket and toss over the couch, that will protect your couch somewhat and also it seems to deter them, probably because when they scratch on it, it slips a little.
2006-08-17 04:43:31 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You may want to look a little deeper into the situation.
Cats who still scratch furniture even though they use a scratch post maybe telling you something. Most cats who do this sometimes just wants the attention (though its negative) from their owners. So the next time your cats scratches the furniture, you may want to observe the situation, and hopefully understand what your cats are trying to communicate to you.
Try reading this:
http://cats.about.com/library/guest/ucfeature20a.htm
I consider declawing inhumane, so I'm not recommending it.
2006-08-17 04:08:34 · answer #5 · answered by augel 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
do you have any actual scratch posts? if not I would suggest that you get one or 2 maybe 3 of them different kinds, (ex) rope, carpet and cardboard). When ever you catch them doing it take them to the scratch post and show them how to use it.
there are also soft paws they are plastic caps that go over your cats claws that you glue on them.
2006-08-17 03:56:44 · answer #6 · answered by macleod709 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Put plastic or tin foil over the area. They don't like the feel of plastic or foil. I've heard that hot pepper juice deters them too. Also try getting them a scratching post and spray catnip oil on it, or just spray catnip oil on their post if they have one. I've also squirted them with a water mister when I catch them.
2006-08-17 03:46:05 · answer #7 · answered by MamaSunshine 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
what you need to do is get a little scratching post and give them treats every time that they use it. they will eventually learn that they won't get rewarded for scratching your couch so they won't bother with you couch any more. and keep the scratching post away from the couch so they don't get any ideas.
2006-08-17 04:34:18 · answer #8 · answered by forgottendream49 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Persistence and a water bottle. Cats don't like the smell of citrus, you could try that. My mom put a log by her couch and they started scratching that instead.
p.s. Beach Bum, I thought leftwingers were conservatives.....
2006-08-17 03:54:27 · answer #9 · answered by unworthychild 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I put double sided tape on my chair and my cat stopped scratching it because he hated the way it felt.
2006-08-17 03:49:49 · answer #10 · answered by megz61184 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋