What can I do to stop my cat from clawing the furniture, apart from declawing them?

Answer 1

Hi there...consider using different type of scratching posts with different textures such as cardboard, sisel, carpeting that are both vertical and/or horizontal since some cats like to scratch either standing upwards or outwards. Rub catnip on the scratching posts to encourage/entice your cat to scratch those.

To discourage clawing consider using double-sided sticky tape on surfaces as cats dislike having their paws stuck to the tape and soon learn to avoid areas which are unpleasant. This method is most beneficial when you cannot be always there to supervise your cat's undesirable behaviour which is instinctual.

Trimming a cat's nails regularly will blunt the ends which can be more helpful to minimize damaging home furnishings and carpeting. Here's an instructional video on how to trim a cats nails by Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine for Feline Health: http://www.felinevideos.vet.cornell.edu/trimming_claws/full_movie.shtml

Another great product is is glue-on nail cover application called SoftPaws http://www.softpaws.com

Answer 2

There are SO many things that are not as cruel and inhumane as de-clawing. First off, training! Keep a squirt gun or spray bottle close at hand and when you cat goes near the furniture, spray it and say in a loud, firm voice, "NO!" Cats are very smart and, over time, will learn.

But you also have to give them an alternative to clawing your furniture. Give them sisal scratching boards or posts, their own cat furniture covered in tightly woven carpet like berbers that come as poles, condos or trees. Or just buy them some of the inexpensive cardboard scratchers. My three cats have a little of all of those things and all 6 that I have had over the course of 20+ years have never once clawed my furniture, except in climbing up it or falling off it - which was rare.

There is also a sticky tape that you can place over your furniture that is invisible but double-sided and sticky enough to prevent your cat from scratching. We just bought some to put on a cabinet that our boy cat, Cupid, keeps jumping on and we want to stop him. He does this only at night - knowing it's tougher to get caught when its dark and we're asleep. We just bought a roll of it for about $17 at Petco.

After that you can invest in cat nail caps - a soft vinyl/plastic cap that is glued once a month over the cat's claws. These can be found at any decent pet store - especially Petco or PetSmart.

Plus - you should invest in a decent pair of claw clippers and keep your cats claws trimmed back. Go to your vet and have them show you how to do this - most would rather show you this than de-claw a cat or have you bring a cat in having tried this yourself and cut too far and started a bleeding that you may not be able to stop.

Answer 3

People who say it's 'ok to declaw' a cat have never seen a declawing procedure. Imagine going to the doctor and he takes some industrial size hoof trimmers to 'declaw' you. It's not simply 'removing the claw', they cut / crunch the bone off from the first joint. Take a look at your fingers from the tip to the first joint, now imagine all of that gone . . . that is what is encompassed in declawing.

One of your solutions is a simple spray bottle. For a bit more amusement, one of those pumping water guns, cats learn the sound very quickly and after a couple of 'shots' you don't have to water your home anymore. Just the act of picking up the water gun and giving it a pump will get their attention and stop the behavior.

An over the counter remedy is "Soft Paws" They are caps to put over the existing claws that have rounded tips. They even come in different colors. This does require some maintenance, as you do have to trim the claws and they 'fall off' after about a month.

Of course, alternate scratching areas are also a good idea. My cats have a 'super scratcher' a cheap cardboard box with corrugated cardboard inside. I also have a sisal runner that they 'own' and they love that.

Answer 4

We had this problem, too, and I thought my marriage was in jeopardy. What ended up helping immensely was buying a tall scratching post. The kind with the sissel covered posts.
They (I have 2 cats) LOVED it and almost immediately started leaving the couch alone. They can sleep on it, too, and I think I put catnip on it to entice them even more.

If that hadn't worked, I was ready to try the kitty nail covers. I forget what they're called, but I saw them on a cat in a LEATHER COUCH STORE. The owner couldn't afford to let her cat claw the new couches, and these seemed to work really well. Just do a net search about declawing and they're bound to turn up. They're individual little nail covers that you glue on and the cats don't seem to mind.

Anyway, try those 2 things. Good luck!

Answer 5

I've always found it is nearly impossible to stop cats from clawing all together. (It's a natural and healthy habit for them to do this.) Get your cat something he/she can claw and is just meant for your cat. Here's my favorite cat tree/furniture website:

http://armarkat.com/

The cat I have now used to have a horrible clawing problem with furniture and carpeting. Once I got her to use the cat condo she rarely went after anything else. The posts on our cat tree are wrapped in a rope-like material which is supposed to feel good on their claws.

It's kind of like having a small child and not giving him any toys. What's he going to do, play with your stuff and probably break it. Give him something of his own and then start to teach him what is off limits.

Answer 6

Place a scratching post or a box next to the furniture the cat is clawing. They also have this transparent tape and spray that prevents cats from scratching furniture.

Answer 7

Buy the cardboard scratching post with catnip embedded. You can add catnip when needed and replace them when they get worn out. Most cats, and I've had 6 +, will go to that before they scratch anything else, they are drawn to it. Any time you catch them scratching anything else, pick them up and take them to the scratching post, they will learn. They probably won't even be interested in your furniture if you get the catnip scratching post.
The only thing is, you have to keep the cardboard scratching post "scratch-able". When it gets worn out you have to replace it, they need that that "tearing it up" feeling.

Answer 8

An alternative to declawing is applying softpaws. They are rounded nailcaps that are glued on. I have them on my cats. It is natural instinct for cats to scratch. To protect you and the furniture give the softpaws a try. They come in colors!

Answer 9

Clip the claws with people clippers (much easier) and then put a couple scratching posts by the cat's most favorite furniture....that helped with our cat....definitely throw in some cat nip (maybe as a reward when scratching the post instead of the furniture)

Answer 10

I buy a bunch of those cardboard kitty scratching things, they are loaded with cat nip...and only cost 2 bucks a piece at the dollar store..

leave them near the spots you dont want scratched, and the cats will start using them instead..

works for my 2 cats..I just lay them on the floor and throw them away when they start to shread because replacements are so cheap...