what do I do with a cat that claws things?

Question

my cat is clawing all kinds of things INCLUDING ME. she has a scatching post! PLUS i am not declawing her. WHAT DO I DO??

Answer 1

Soft Paws are good, but they are a pain and cannot be used if your cat goes outside.

http://www.softpaws.com/about.html

there is another alternative, a clear sticky platic that you apply to the corner of your couch (will not harm couch or kitty) that stops the cat from scratching. they're pretty cheap and work well

http://cats.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ&sdn=cats&cdn=homegarden&tm=14&gps=73_933_761_399&f=00&su=p284.5.420.ip_&tt=3&bt=1&bts=1&zu=http%3A//www.onlynaturalpet.com/ProductDetails.asp%3FProductCode%3D143001%26Click%3D6875

You can also try spraying your kitty with water if you catch it.

Answer 2

Trim the cats nails on a regular basis for starters. How tall is your scratching post and what is it made of? If it's predominately carpet, you need to replafce it. If you think about it, a cat is not going to be able to differentiate between the carpet on her post versus the carpet on the floor. Also, how tall is your post? Cats scratch because it not only marks their scent on an object but because they are getting a chance to really stretch their legs and back out. You can build your own for less than what you can purchase one at a pet store. Go to a home improvement store for woods, something for the base and some sisal rope. Try to make a post that is at minimum up to your waist. Try spritzing some catnip spray to encourage your cat to use it. I built my cats a 6 ft post with 6 perches for under $50. The sisal is usually the most expensive part.

When you catch your cat scratching on an inappropriate item, have a spray bottle or a shaker can handy. You want to capitolize on their startle reaction. You are interrupting the unwanted behavior and after a while they will start to associate the back of the couch with a stream of water coming at them.

Good luck!

Answer 3

I like Paris' advice on providing a good scratching post & using the water bottle and shaker, however you also should cover the items she scratches with alu foil, plastic or doublesided tape, she'll hate getting that on her paws so she'll avoid it even when you're not there with the spray bottle. And you can use lemon spray, they don't like that smell. After a while you can take it down, and more than likely she won't return to those spots.

If she claws you during play, sternly say 'no!' and stop your playing at that time, to teach her to play without using her nails.

Regularly trim your kitty's nails.

The source has an extensive article on cats scratching, why they do it, how to train them, etc.

Answer 4

The previous poster who advised a scatching post and training has it right.

PLEASE do NOT declaw your cat. To understand the process a cat has to go through...imagine someone cutting off your fingers at the first knuckle. That is exactly what you would be doing to your cat. Many vets will no longer perform this procedure because of its cruelty.

Answer 5

By clawing at things they intend to keep their claws sharp and at tip top condition at all times

Answer 6

The 2 things I would recommend is either getting it declawed( which is sad) or buy a scratch pad( what I did)

Answer 7

Definitely time to get soft claws put on your kitty. They are relatively cheap as I have seen and apparently works - but you do have to re-apply every other month or so I hear. And top points to you for not opting for de-clawing... nasty business that.

Answer 8

Spray it with water. Or if it is scratching something it's not supposed to, then you can put it at its scratching post. It might get the idea.

Answer 9

you can try a product called soft paws where you apply a rubber like casing to each nail. Its a pain in the *** but saves your furniture and most cats dont seem to mind them. They are made by four paws i believe.

Answer 10

depends on if shes an out door cat if shes not....you can just cut her claws they always grow back and it doesnt hurt her at all..thats what i do with my kitten....she used to scratch me all the time and i was sick of it so i just cut her nails every 2 weeks and if u deside you want her to have them again just stop cutting them!!