Cat claws..?

Question

I have a cat working on 3 years old. He scratches my couch only, but is just destroying it. I will not move on my decision to not de-claw him as I deem in inhumane. Any ideas or advice on deterring him from the couch?

Answer 1

Claw caps, they really do work. The only pain is getting them on, but you can do it, it's worth it. And the cats get used to them quickly.

Also, if you haven't already, get a scratching post - money well spent because no cat can resist them!

Answer 2

You can get something called "soft paws" for your cat. They're little plastic covers for their claws so they can't destroy things. They have to be reapplied every month or so, and pop off easily if a cat gets outside in terrain that's a bit more "rough" than the house. This ensures that your cat will be able to defend itself should it ever escape. They've worked very well for me - you can usually get them at any vet's office or some pet stores. Also, they make sprays to make your cat avoid the area entirely. They work very well, but tend to smell terrible to humans as well. Also, most pet stores carry sticky patches that you can stick to the areas your cat scratches, which deters them from doing it again - these also work very well, and they can be easily removed without destroying your upholstery.
Any of these options would be effective. Congrats on choosing not to declaw your cat!

Answer 3

I'm against declawing too, but you should trim his claw. It's actually good cause it makes the flesh part recede over time and so, less chances of him hurting himself should anything happen to his claws and it's not bad for the cat at all. In fact, it makes them use the scratchpost more (but of course, they have to be used to it to do it) - as it did for my kitten. The only thing to watch is that they understand that they don't have as much to hold on to your furniture with when they jump up a couch or a curtain. Which will save your furniture but might make your cat face a surprise sliding down the piece of furniture hehe

Answer 4

I've seen a product called "soft claws" on the net. I can't speak for the product itself but it's an interesting idea. It's a sort of sheath that is glued to the cat's nails after they have been trimmed (kind of like fake finger nails) and the tip is very dull. They last about 6 weeks from what I've read and if you're into fingernail polish, they come in a variety of colors.

I can't imagine getting a cat to sit still while giving it a "manicure and falsies" but who knows, maybe they'll work for you. Google soft claws and check it out.

Answer 5

Thank you for your anti-declawing choice. I would place a scratching post where he likes to claw the couch and spray the couch with a citrus scent. Cats hate the smell of citrus like lemon or orange. Hopefully this well help him remember where he should and should not scratch.

Answer 6

dude, my cat was so bad, scratching on the couch...even when I bought him a scratching post. I was yelling at him ALL the time. But last month I set up our christmas tree and temporarily put the scratching post right next to the couch...and he started scratching the post instead! I left it there and he barely ever touches the couch anymore. He used to ignore the post, but now he loves it. It's all about location, I guess...

Hope that helps.

Answer 7

Just get a spray bottle and fill it with water. Every time he scratches the couch, spray him a couple of times and say "NO-NO". It won't hurt him in any way and he will quickly get the message that scratching furniture equals getting wet, which most cats hate. This is how I broke my cat of scratching our couch. She still likes to jump up and sleep on the back of it, but I don't mind that as long as she isn't tearing it up. Hope this will help you too.

Good Luck and good for you for not taking away his best line of defense. I'm sure he thanks you most of all!!!

Answer 8

Regular nail trimming might help. You can do it at home, it's easier than you think.

I have used the tape method (sticking the tape to the item but with the sticky part facing up so tht they get it on their paws, they hate that), a couple of times getting stuck and they'll think twice about scratching there.

If it's on the corners of your couch, you can get a thick mil plastic at a craft store then attach with upholstry screws to the material. They'll have nothing to scratch then.

Just some thought, hope they help a bit.

Answer 9

I have seen it said a few times here the actual product is called "Soft Paws". I used them with my 5 yr old male for about 6 months. They were really easy to apply and they fell off when he shed his claws. I would put another one on as soon as I noticed one had come off and he got so used to not being able to claw that now he doesn't even bother trying so I don't have to buy them anymore. They are the absolute greatest! They are inexpensive and some vets will even put them on for you.

Answer 10

They are called soft paws and are just like fake nails. You put a dap of glue inside the cap and slip it onto your cat’s claw. I find they are wonderful. I only put them on the front paws because the kitties getting at the furniture was all I was worried about. I’ve been doing it for years and it’s old hat to them now. They actually get a little confused if one of the caps falls off.