Do cats NEED to shed their claws? I am thinking of applying SoftPaws to elimnate sofa scratching, is it cruel?

Question

My cat has started to scratch the corner of my leather sofa (grrr) and in an effort to stop her I am thinking of applying Soft Paws - those claw cover things. Is it cruel though? I mean so they NEED to shed their claws???

By the way I have two scratch posts, a scratch pad and loads of toys. Its like a cat creche in here!

and i have had another cat for 2 years, who has NEVER clawed the furniture - she loves her scratch posts. They both have specialist indoor cat food etc too.

Answer 1

Take him to the vets and get his nailed clipped. He doesn't really need them as a domestic cat.

Answer 2

The soft paws are a good idea, along with buying a bunch of different cat scratch things to have around the house. Show your cat by example, holding her paws and scratching on the scratch items made just for cats. This should do the trick. Good luck.

Don't declaw your cat...think about this...how would you like someone amputating your fingers from the top knuckle down? Yikes! How mean.

You can also cut your cat's nails with a regular toenail clipper by pushing on the pad under the nail to make it stick out. Click above the skin that grows inside the nail, you'll be able to see where it's just the nail. If you cat doesn't want to cooperate, then wait for the vet. by the way, my vet recommend the soft paws, so don't be afraid of using them.

Answer 3

My personal belief, having known both normal and declawed cats, is that it doesn't seem to cause pain if done properly. However, it IS destructive as all get-out to the cat's ability to defend themselves, plus they still "think" they can, and so they might try to stand their ground with another animal that they CAN'T defend themselves against. Not to mention the beating it gives their ability to climb. I suppose there must be, at least theoretically, some circumstances where it is okay, but _I_ for one can't imagine what they might be. If you want to change an animal for your own purposes, do it through genetic surgery, or through breeding. Don't try to re-build the poor animal once it's fully-formed! So, yes, it's unnecessary. Not certain it's always cruel, but I can certainly imagine situations where it would be VERY cruel. And frankly, it seems pretty decadent, and indicative of something psychologically amiss with the human who arranges it. It's real simple - if you don't want an animal with claws -- DON'T GET A CAT. .

Answer 4

Have a vet trim the claws. Have him/her show you how it's done so you can trim them at home. I have a house cat and I trim her claws. It's very easy. My partner will hold the cat by the scruff of the neck, to keep her still, while I trim the claws.

Kuschke, not all people who clothe their dogs are morons. I have 4 Italian Greyhounds. These dogs are short-haired and require a coat in cold weather. Judging by your statement, one might think that you're not really an animal person.

Answer 5

I have a Cat Tree and have NEVER in almost 8 years since I have had my two babies, nave they clawed my furniture. it goes from the floor to the ceiling and only costs $35.00 and they lase for two years or longer, (if you only have ! cat) One weighs 16 lbs, and his brother weighs 12 lbs, and the Cat Tree holds them both It has shelves (3) that they can climb up on, and they also USE this to claw to keep their claws sharp. They are STRICTLY INDOOR and HAVE NEVER been outside at all. Also if your cat is an Indoor Cat like mine, BUY the Proper Food for INDOOR cats.. You can get the Tree at Wal Mart or any pet store. Here is a link also that you can use to see some and get great info also. My babies are like I said they are, MY BABIES. All of my children are grown and have their own life now, so I have become THEIR guardian. They let me live with THEM and all I have to do is pay the bills and buy groceries, and they are happy with me and this arrangement.

http://www.drsfostersmith.com

Answer 6

The Soft Paws work well and eventually wear/fall off themselves. My sister uses them on her cat, because of excessive clawing of everything, and her cat really doesn't notice a difference. You might need an extra pair of hands to help you get them on, though! You can also ask specific questions on the manufacturer's website.

Answer 7

Try the anti scratch spray, I'll be honest it doesn't smell great but it works. Or be ready with a water spray, when she starts, say a firm no and squirt a tiny bit a water at her. My cats pull a really offended look when I do this but it makes them associate the sofa with a gentle yet affective punishment. Best of luck

Answer 8

When I got my kitten and she tried scratching the sofa I would pick her up and say 'No' then carry her to the scratching post and place her paws on it (ready to scratch) and she soon got the message. I also leave the scratching post next to the part of the sofa that she used to scratch. Problem solved .... not instant but be persistent ... she WILL LEARN, I promise.

Answer 9

Soft paws are great, they still can scratch things but without doing damage to your furniture. And they still shed their claws when the soft paws fall off. Plus they look so darn cute....

Answer 10

Don't worry, even when using Soft Paws, they will shed eventually.

Soft Paws have been recommended by the Humane Society of the US and they're far better than de-clawing, which is completely cruel.

They are quite tricky to fix though, so have you tried other methods of stopping your cat scratching, like citrus sprays and water pistols first?

Answer 11

yes they do, they grow like your nails. you could keep them trimmed using a claw trimmer, just nip off the curved end, cats claws are usually clear so you can see the quick (vein), if not buy a purpose built scratching post, with fun toys hanging from it smelling of capnip which they adore, better than your leather sofa