how do I stop a new cat from clawing the furniture and carpets?

Question

I intend to get a cat but don't want it to ruin my new carpet or my lfurniture. I know a scratching post helps, but can anyone suggest anything else as well?

Answer 1

A GOOD scratching post is all you need. It needs to be tall enough for the cat to stretch out fully (at LEAST 3ft tall) and should have both carpet and rope on it. Most cats seem to prefer rope. It neednt be expensive... you can make one yourself with a 4x4, a piece of plywood or a cabinet door (for the base) and some carpet scraps and rope. Use sisal rope (available at a home depot type store) as their claws can get stuck in other types.

Sprinkle cat nip on the post to encourage kitty to play with it.

If the cat still tries to go for the furniture (I've only had a few that will if you have a GOOD post)... you can keep their nails clipped with fingernail clippers. Just clip off the sharp point... dont' cut the qwik (the pink part) or they'll bleed and learn that it's an unpleasant experience. I keep all my cats claws clipped just so they don't get caught in the carpet, etc and so they don't scratch me when they jump on my lap.

You can also used double sided tape or tin foil if your cats find a certain spot they like to scratch that's inappropriate. Just line the spot with foil or tape and they won't like how it feels next time they go to use it. Spray bottles work good too, if you catch them in the act.

If you need more idea, feel free to email me.

Answer 2

the best way for a cat to use a scratching post effectively is to spray the post with Catnip and they will associate the post with feelings of pleasure.

If they do detour and start on the furniture, you could try the water pistol (sounds cruel - but it works) or spraying some sort of citrus smelling fabric freshener on your carpets and furniture. They hate the smell of citrus.

The real trick is to be consistent with punishments and rewards and to teach them from an early age. Pretty much the same way as children are rewarded for good behaviour and punished for being naughty.

Hope this helps.

Answer 3

Put a few things around that he can scratch. I have an old table and old chair that he is allowed to scratch. Although my cat did chose these items, he limits his scratching to these areas and so the rest of the furniture is preserved!
Cats are very persistant when they start to scratch a spot - they will always try and return they.
Set the rules straight away and make sure you stop any banned scratching immediately so that he doesn't get a chance to leave his scent which will draw him back again and again.

Answer 4

Get the cat a scratch post if this does not work then get a bottle and fill it with water and spray them every time they scratch. If you don't let your cat out i suggest you do because it is unhealthy to keep a cat in. the cat needs to scratch something to get the dead skin off it's claws so make sure you have something that you don't mind it scratching in the house.

Answer 5

Yes, A scratching post is your best bet. I have had cats all my life and training them can be done with time and a lot of patience.
Get yourself a spray bottle, fill it with water and every time the little one does something wrong you give it a good spray along with a VERY STERN "NO"! Kittens are like children they have to be told over and over. Put some cat nip on the scratching post. Also bring them "often" to the post and manually put their paws on the post in a scratching motion....they will learn, it just takes a lot of patience. Both my cats now are a year and a half. They no not to go on the bed or any where their not supposed to. I no longer have to use the spray bottle, just a stern voice every once in awhile. I recommend getting a kitten just weened from it's mother they are easier to train that way. After the first 6months or so he/she will no who's boss and you will be very happy together. I wish you well

Answer 6

Visit www.declawing.com on everything you can do to train your cat to not scratch inappropriate objects. It's pretty easy to train a cat to scratching a scratching post or cardboard scratcher, but you need to make sure you have all of that stuff available when you introduce the kitty to your home. Have fun with your new kitty! Also, keep in mind that kittens are just like children. They have lots of energy and LOVE to get into trouble and it takes them a little while to grow out of it. Fortunately for them, they are adorable while doing it!

Answer 7

alot of good ideas, bitter almond, providing an alternative scratching item like posts with catnip and rope, a log. scratching is a form of territorialism. i have heard that cats hate perfume, so i suggest, in addtion to the scratching alternatives, spray some perfume that you like, i personally dont like many, on the items the kitty is attacking. maybe some diluted fabric softener, not too smelly, see how that works..good luck

Answer 8

Don't declaw - it's inhumane. Go for the Rolls Royce of scratching posts -

www.catscratcher.com

Kitty will never look near your furniture or carpets ever again.

Answer 9

Keeping their claws trimmed will keep them from snagging anything, and double sided tape will keep them from scratching what you don't want them to. Put the tape on the places they scratch. You can also use clear contact paper in the same manner, keeps them from getting claws into the cloth.

Answer 10

You should find out where it likes to scratch before you do anything. After it occurs:
1. take the "classical conditioning" method (if you have lots of time): clap loudly when the cat scratches at something
2. rub catnip on the places it likes to scratch

For before/complete prevention:

1. cut its nails
2. declaw (not recommended. I heard it was like removing a phalanx/bone in the finger)
3. buy vinyl nail caps (combined w/ cutting nails, one of the best methods)