How do I stop my cat from scratching our carpeted stairs? We recently moved and did not have carpet before.?

Question

She has 3 scratch posts in different areas and has been introduced to the spray bottle, however, she thinks it's a game when I spray her...she hides and peeks around the corner, then she swats at the spray bottle!

Answer 1

I agree with the people who said NOT to de-claw. That is extremely cruel. Imagine if someone ripped out your finger nails. Having that done opens up chances for infection when they use a liter box. The claws are also your pets defense if they get out or are allowed outside they are not able to defend themselves or retreat out of harms way. The spray bottle is an excellent way to train your cat but the problem is your cat needs something to distract him/her. A scratching post and/or cat toys.

This is some info I found online:
It's normal for cats to scratch objects in their environment for many reasons:

To remove the dead outer layer of their claws.
To mark their territory by leaving both a visual mark and a scent - they have scent glands on their paws.
To stretch their bodies and flex their feet and claws.
To work off energy.

Answer 2

If you don't have a scratching post, get one. They arent too expensive and they can even match your decor. Also, if you do have one or get one, use a catnip spray that will attract them too it. That way they are more interested in scratching that rather than your carpet. The whole idea is to make to post (which is made for them to scratch) more appealing than your new carpet.

You other option that can be used in conjunction with the scrathing post is a water pistol. They work VERY well in training cats. They eventually will learn that scratching there will equal water in the face. It sounds kinda cruel, but it doesnt hurt the cat at all and it teaches it.

Answer 3

basically trim the loose bits off the stair carpet and bypass away or not it somewhat is, it is not as though it somewhat is the middle of the lounge floor. be sure your cat has scratching posts the two upright to stretch up and flat on the floor too, the corrugated cardboard ones are sturdy, much low-cost and thoroughly different to carpet so it removes the association with scratching the carpet. i wouldn't in any respect advise spraying water at a cat, it basically makes them shrink back and alter into careful of you, and utilising pepper is basically uncomplicated nasty. while she does it say kindly yet firmly NO and %. her up and take ger to the flat scratcher and coach her what you want her to do. in the process the day you will desire to positioned an some gadgets on the stair carpet so she could not do it, yet make it something vivid sufficient for all and sundry to make certain as a fashion to not fall over, perhaps some saucers or tins of peas for occasion or you will desire to attempt putting cat toys, balls and cat nip there so if she is going to do it she gets distracted . you may make it right into a interest together with her via throwing a ball up the stairs and letting her capture it because it bounces down. specially please do not even evaluate declawing her or your problems would be basically initiating. there is not lots evaluate your hubby getting on at you approximately it, and although "getting rid" is actual mentioned looking a sparkling secure and loving homestead for an grownup cat is somewhat perplexing. And in case you have 2 extra cats then you definately of course love cats so i would not think of you would be wanting to "get rid" besides. Ug

Answer 4

Once the habit starts it is almost impossible to start. You can, however, get a scratching post and see if that works. In conjunction with that I would suggest using "Apple bitter" spray from your local pet store. This will prevent the animal from scratching or urinating in a specific spot.

If the behavior persists, you will have to consider having the cat declawed.

Answer 5

declawing a cat is cruel but the real reason is every time they stretch out their nails their stretching the muscles in their arms and without claws they can't stretch their muscles, declawed cats tend to have more arthritis then other cats not to mention more muscles problems. I would try buying a scratching post or a small piece of carpet and a bunch of catnip to lure him with it

Answer 6

Just trim his nails. My cat scratches the carpet too but I found that as long as their claws are not sharp, the scratching don't seem to hurt the carpet.

Answer 7

We had a similar problem. My husband made a scratching posts and we used old denim to cover the wooden post. I also found that scratching posts of any kind with catnip sprinkled on it attracts them as well. Good luck!

Answer 8

you cant train a cat. they only understand a spray can. or just trim the front nails with a clipper taking care not to cut a vessel. AND DONT DE-CLAW A CAT . ONE OF THE MOST HIDEOUS THINGS YOU CAN DO TO AN ANIMAL. YOULL HAVE A BLOODY MESS AND A SCHIZOID CAT AFTER THAT

Answer 9

Get your cat scratching posts or they have these cardboard things you can get at walmart. But if that doesn't work you might want to get you cat declawed. I don't like the idea of it, but sometimes it has to be done.

Answer 10

clip thier nails constantly, and give them a scratching post. Squirt water at them for scratching the carpet.