We have a 3 month old kitten. He is sweet, cuddly, healthy, and playful. He likes to pounce on our hands and feet, our dog, and our furniture. It is just in play, but sometimes he does it with his claws out. Ouch! We would like to avoid having him declawed if possible. Is there a way to train a cat that it is OK to play with his people and other pets and it is OK to sit on the couch, but that it is not OK to do these things with his claws?
2007-04-14 13:51:50 · 6 answers · asked by l8ybugn 3 in Pets ➔ Cats
Just as we humans extend our fingers to grasp something, so do the feline's extend their claws. You're not going to be able to train any cat to NOT use their claws in any situation.
Please, DO NOT even consider having your pet declawed (Feline Digital Amputation).
It's extremely painful since the claws are simply pulled out by their roots...who would want any animal to endure such pain?
Just get yourself a feline nail-trimmer from the Vets or pet store and learn how to keep his nails trimmed.
Have a look at the instrument used to declaw a cat...
http://www.laserles.com/Declaw%20Instrument/Declaw%20instrument%20nail1.jpg
2007-04-14 14:01:59 · answer #1 · answered by GeneL 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I doubt you could train them completely to never use their claws. It's part of a cats nature. You can try to encourage him not to play with his claws out, but he will probably still have mishaps now and again. Cats don't really do well with negative reinforcement, so try praising him when he plays without claws out. Give him a treat, some kisses, or extra pets. If he starts with claws out again, stop playing with him.
One of the biggest ways to help minimize scratches or other problems due to claws is to regulary trim them. Since he's only 3 months old, get him into the habit of it now. I assume he's a small cat still and shouldn't put up much of a fuss. You want to take off the sharp tip of each nail, but don't go too far down or you'll cut into the 'quick' of the nail. That's the pink vein you see, and if you cut it it will bleed. Trim them every 2-3 weeks.
A scratching post, or something similar would be a good idea, too. That way, he still has an acceptable area to use his claws.
Please don't declaw. It's painful and not necessary.
2007-04-14 21:50:05 · answer #2 · answered by J 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You could bop his nose when he does these things. Once when I was playing with my cat at that time he got too rough with his claws (BIG claws, by the way). I had to swat his rear end to make him let go, and he never clawed me for the rest of his life.
Of course, your cat is a kitten- so he will be enthusiastic about his play for quite a while. Consider going to Pet-Smart or Petco and getting Soft Paws- little things you can use to cover his claws so he can't scratch.
Good luck!
2007-04-14 20:59:35 · answer #3 · answered by Tigger 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We had an incident where our tom cat jumped on a person sitting in a chair, lost his balance and injured the person. It was an accident. All we have to tell him now is no when he plays to rough and he stops. Cats are very smart animals and learn very quickly. You have to be consistent and speak in a very firm voice. I have three cats, none de-clawed. They have several scratching posts and use them.
2007-04-14 21:00:32 · answer #4 · answered by flieder77 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
there is a product called SOFT PAWS. they are little rubber tips that fit over your kitten or cats claws. they come in all colors and you just glue them over their nails. if they fall off you just put on another one. the cats get used to them pretty quickly too. they are perfect for kittens. it is a great alternative to declawing too.
2007-04-14 22:43:02 · answer #5 · answered by Katwil 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When our cat was young I would squeeze his paws just a little and say no. It didn't take him too long to catch on. Now he even roughhouses with the dogs without using his claws.
2007-04-14 21:07:02 · answer #6 · answered by putzer 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋