My cat is 2 years old, how do I get him to quit scratching his claws on the couches?

Question

He's an indoor cat and has a scratching post, but seems like he prefers the couch and chair (and carpet) best.
We don't want to have him declawed, and I don't think we can anyway because of his age....so what do we do?
We have a 2-month-old baby at home as well, and he doesn't attack the baby, but if he does, we don't want him to tear him to shreds!

Answer 1

double sticky tape, they don't like the feel of it and after a few times trying they will stop. if you see him do it pick him up and take him to the scratch post and show him how to use it.

Answer 2

You can try to re-train the cat by making the scratching post more appealing by rubbing catnip on it or use Feliway a pheromone spray that will attrack your cat to the post. Your cat has left his scent on the furniture he's clawed, so you must remove the scent or he'll return to it. You can try Nature's Miracle sold at Petsmart and you may have to apply it several times.

I'm not in favor of declawing, but if it means the cat may lose it's home, have the declawing done, he's not too old. But with declawing sometimes comes other behavior problems like not using the litter box or biting. In any event, choose a vet that it recommended by a family member or friend.

If the cat hasn't attacked the baby yet, chances are it won't unless the baby does something to injure the cat.

Answer 3

Do not declaw. People who declaw should not have cats and honestly i wish i could tie those idiots to a chair and take plyers and snip off thier fingers to their first knuckles and laugh maniacally as they scream in pain.

Get cardboard scratchers, they are cheap and cats love them, they come with a lil baggy of catnip you sprinkle on them. My cat stopped scratchin the new furniture the moment i opened the box and placed it on the floor. That was a year ago, i replace it every few months and its cheap only 5-10 bucks. You can also buy Soft Paws nail caps too and you can be vigilant and spray the cat if he starts scratchin the furniture. Soft paws will protect the kid but really they only will scratch if the kid is being mean to the cat, you need to teach the kid to be nice to the kitty, thats what my sisternlaw is doing currently with her 1 yr old and when he goes near the cat and pulls teh tail the cat swats him but doesnt use his claws, the 5 month old cat knows not to use his claws on the kid without anyone teaching him or punishing him. Cats are smart.
Even my friends old cat whom they had to rehome because their new place didnt allow cats. Would never use his claws when he played with thier rambunctious 3 yr old.

Answer 4

Please don't declaw your cat. It is like cutting your finger off at the first knuckle. If you have seen a cat the day of surgery and the day after, you will never do it to a cat. It is extremely painful for them and they have no defense mechanisism should they get lost. Patience and consistent training will work. A firm no and taking your cat from the couch to the cat pole will most likely be enough. The sticky tape helps as well. Shaking a tin of coins or crunching some foil may also help. Thank you for loving your cat!

Answer 5

Well, you say he likes scratching the carpet, so maybe provide him with more Horizontal scratching surfaces, or diagonal ones. I have found with 4 cats that they all prefer 1.) a different scratching material, either Sisal, wood, or carpet. 2.) a different position of scratching post/pad either Vertical, horizontal or diagonal. 3.) a specific location for thier scratching place.

So it would be best if you determine what your cats preference is and when you do he will only scratch that. Until then the best ways to stop him is to get a squirt bottle and fill it with water, whenever he scratches squirt him. Or when he scratches on your couch pick him up bring him to the scratching post instead, and play with him on there and sprinkle cat nip all over the scratching post to keep his attention. Also a good Idea is to buy "Sticky Paws" it is a double sided sticky strip you put on the part of your furniture where the cat sharpens its claws and it stops them from doing it because they dont like sticky paws!! LOL... http://www.onlynaturalpet.com/products/Sticky-Paws-Scratch-Control-Strips/143001.aspx

Another option which would also help protect your child from accidental cat scratches is "Soft Paws" they are vinyl caps glued over your cats claws that dull the tips and make it impossible for them to shred things, they are cheap and effective and can be applied by you or a vet.... http://www.softpaws.com/

Also it is a good idea to invest in a multi surface/shape cat tree like these ones... http://www.cozycatfurniture.com/catgyms_cattowers.html
http://www.cozycatfurniture.com/cat_scratching_posts.html


A multi surface post like this one is IDEAL to encourage a cat to scratch there.... http://www.catsplay.com/fur10.php3
http://www.catsplay.com/scratch_poles.php3

Also here is an article on how to teach your cat what to scratch and why it is better not to declaw... http://www.catscratching.com/

PS this is an exceptional training post and can be placed in front of your furniture to protect it while training the cat to scratch it instead... http://www.catsplay.com/cataround.php3

Answer 6

Hes not too old to be declawed, He will have a harder time adjusting than a kitten would but it is still an option for you. if you dont want to do that you can have his nails trimmed by a groomer. I have also heard spraying a cat with a water bottle will keep it away from the place it scratches.. but only spray the cat when you catch it scratching, not before not after, so it knows exactly why its getting into trouble. There is also a product called softpaws that you can try they are like a nail cover. Personally I think it'd be a pain to try to put on but I dont know much about the product, my cats are declawed. Discuss your ideas and concerns with a vet for the best solution.

Answer 7

do NOT get the cat declawed. That is crewl and unessassary. Just spray the cat and scare him away each time he starts clawing on the couch. You can also put catnip on the scratching post to get the cat to scratch the post. and remember to praise the kitty after he scratches on the right spot.

Answer 8

Yeah, a squirt gun or spray bottle.

Also YELL at him when he does it. Cat's are not dumb, they catch on. Take him to his scratching post and rub his paws on it like he were sharpening his claws there. Show him it's OK there but not else where.

Why are you concerned for the baby? Not that you shouldn't, but has the cat shown some kind of danger to the little girl? IF SO, kitty gotta go.

But I'm glad (as others are) you are NOT going to declaw the cat. I have a cat too. He does things he's not supposed to from time to time, but a quick sharp shout at him and he knows not to try that again. Like I said, they aren't dumb.

Answer 9

Thank you for being considerate enough not to declaw your cat. That leaves the poor creature in permanent pain for the rest of their lives. I have 2 cats that I have used a water bottle on when they would scratch. NOw i just have to shake the water bottle and they run. YOu can also use double stick tape for a while - - put it on the places where the cat scratches. They don't like the feel of sticky tape on their feet. Make sure your cat has plent of toys and a good scratching post. Encourage your cat to use the scratching post by rubbing catnip on it. Spend time playing with your cat so that they don't feel so aggressive from getting bored.

To keep your baby from getting scratched just make sure to keep an eye on him and don't let him corner that cat. cat's usually won't attack unless they feel like there is no way out. Good luck!

Answer 10

I'm glad you haven't declawed him.
Try getting a bottle of liquid cat nip. Spray the cat nip on their scratching post and that should lure him there. Try dabbing a little vinegar on the arms of your couches as well, the cats hate the smell and it will stear them away. You can also clip your cat's claws just like you would trim your own fingernails. Places like about.com will show you the proper way to do it without hurting your cat. With just that little claw maintinance it would stop your worry about your son getting scratched badly

Answer 11

1) One of the most effective things I've ever used for inappropriate scratching is a product called Sticky Paws. It is a double sided tape they just HATE. My cats don't particularly scratch - they are trained from day one with cardboard scratching matts, scratching posts and a variety of cat trees two of which tower in my living room. But I had one cat I praised as a kitten for using the cat tree and the misguided thing thought that stretching out on the tree (or my woodwork) would gain my attention. She was right! I just put these things on the woodwork & it stopped in short order.
2) Use a squirt gun with water & spray him when you catch him in the act. Coupled with a sharp "NO!" he'll understand your displeasure.
3) Keep his nails short, and if necessary use nail caps too.
PLEASE don't declaw. See this site for further info: http://www.cfa.org/health/declawing.html