We have a cat that insisted on scratching the sofa, despite too obviously knowing she wasn't supposed to, and having plenty of other places to scratch.
This stuff:
http://www.feliway.com/
...'Feliway' (the spray rather than the diffuser thingamabob) worked beautifully, and quite quickly. If you don't already have some scratchable stuff, preferably marked with catnip, get some, and spritz everything you don't want scratched.
2006-11-19 15:35:54
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answer #1
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answered by Anonymous
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You need to get them a clawing tree from the pet store. Every time you see you cat go to claw the furniture, pick them up and take them to the clawing tree. Show them GENTLY what to do. Praise them when they use it instead of the furniture.
If your cat responds to catnip, you can rub it on the clawing tree to encourage it's use. You can also tie it's favorite toy up against the clawing tree as well.
Also, get yourself a squirt bottle. Whenever you see the cat clawing the furniture, squirt it. It's very important that you do not let the cat see that it is you that is squirting it. If it knows that it's you, then it will only not scratch the furniture when you are around. If it doesn't know where it's coming from, it will associate the undesirable behavior with getting wet.
It takes patience and don't expect a miracle overnight, especially if your cat has been doing this for a long time. Be patient and consistent and you will see results. Cats are trainable.
2006-11-19 15:38:43
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answer #2
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answered by Anonymous
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If you buy a clawing post, spend the extra money for a large, heavy one. Those flimsy ones that tip and teeter everytime a cat gets a good hold on it will actually discourage a cat from using one. When they claw, they are trying to trim their nails. Having a flimsy scratching post come toppling over on them is frightening and doesn't encourage use.
You could try trimming your cat's nails. A vet or groomer can show you the proper way to do it. There is also a device available in most pet stores and I've seen them on-line. They are about 16 inches or so across and have a little ball in a track around the outside. The center has a corrigated cardboard insert that is meant for scratching and if you put a little catnip under the insert, this will draw your cat to scratch there. You can buy replacement inserts. The device is alot less expensive than a truly suitable scratching post and it works for play and nail trimming.
2006-11-19 15:48:11
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answer #3
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answered by Anonymous
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Buy or build a scratching post for it. Put your cats claws on it a few times. Try putting some catnip on it. The scratching post usually is carpet wrapped around a wood frame. Rub some catnip into the carpet fibers. It can work, try this method please before you have it declawed.
2006-11-24 10:33:36
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answer #4
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answered by redbass 4
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Use a squirt bottle filled with water to squirt him when he scratches in the wrong place. Provide him with an appropriate scratching post (heavy and tall enough). Keep his nails trimmed. When my cat claws the carpet I have something soft nearby to throw at him so it startles him. Please don't have him declawed, it's cruel and painful.
2006-11-26 17:25:27
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answer #5
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answered by cats2006 3
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Make sure your cat has access to at least 1 scratching post/mat in an area they like (you can use cat nip to attract your cat to the post).
Squirt your cat with air or water when he is scratching furniture.
You can put double stick tape on areas your cat scratches that you don't want him to scratch (note, does not work if your cat tries to eat plastic!).
Trim your cat's nails weekly.
Apply soft paws.
Make sure you cat has enough attention and exercise.
Good luck!
2006-11-19 18:26:41
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answer #6
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answered by pdx 2
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Get the cat a scratching post and put its food and water by it and if you are brave enough buy it some catnip and sprinkle it on the scratching post, anything to get it "attracted" to it. Dont put its litter box by it though because thats gross and cats dont like being near there box unless its "go time."
2006-11-19 15:27:29
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answer #7
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answered by sweet_chic_3003 1
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When my cat started clawing on everything I got her a scratching post, then I took her paws and showed her how to scratch on it and that was all I had to do. She never scratched on anything else after that.
2006-11-19 15:28:24
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answer #8
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answered by witchypoo 4
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well I think that you should get a couple scratch posts or something and if that doesnt work them play with the cat more. My cat used to do the same thing and I play with him more so he stopped.
2006-11-19 15:47:02
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answer #9
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answered by pkarlinsky 1
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Good answers also you might try to put an old sweatshirt with your scent on it, then put it on the scratch post that way it might think that the post is part of home territory.
2006-11-19 15:34:42
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answer #10
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answered by thresher 7
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