Can anyone tell me how to stop my cat from scratching the carpet?

Question

I've only had him a short while, he's a rescue cat and fully grown. I have bought him two scratching posts so far and he isnt interested in either!! Help! he's ruining the carpet!

Answer 1

This saved my carpet and furniture: buy a scratching post or similar which is made from Sisal Rope -its a scratchy, light tan colored thin rope. Something I had once was just a flat board that was wrapped in this rope and had a loop at the top so you could hang it off a door handle or something. My cats, however, preferred it just lying flat on the floor. They also liked the standing scratching posts but only the ones made of sisal. Then get some good dried catnip and rub it in really well into the sisal rope on the scratcher. My cats would hardly leave the thing alone, and the first thing they would do upon awakening from a nap or after eating, or using the catbox, was go up give the scratcher a good workout.

Answer 2

I make the same recommendation to people all the time. A single cat, especially if he is alone for long periods of time will become bored. I have two cats (brothers) and they are much less of a problem since they can play with and annoy each other whenever they want.

We have plenty of things for them to scratch but sometimes they will scratch the carpet, anyway. They especially like to scratch natural wood like tree bark so you might try finding a thick piece of bark covered wood like a tree limb for him to use.

He needs toys and climbing towers as well as window perches so he can see outside. My guys will sit and look out the window for hours and hours. If weather permits, leave the window open a bit so he can hear and smell the outside, too.

Getting a few things scratched up a bit is part of having a cat. Keep him entertained and groomed and he should not be a problem.

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Answer 3

Trim his claws monthly - learn to do it yourself - a groomer can show you or have a groomer or vet do it. Are your scratching posts the kind that have jute rope? Those work better - cats prefer them to the carpet ones. When I caught my cat scratching on the sofa, I calmly picked him up, carried him to the post and demonstrated. He joined right in and it was like a game. He uses it all the time now. Another option is Soft Paws, the covers for cat claws. I haven't needed them but some people swear by them.

Answer 4

If it's in a particular place that he scratches the carpet, put down some duct tape. Cats don't like scratching that as their claws get stuck. If not then use a spray bottle of water whenever you see him doing it.

Answer 5

I wouldn't buy him a cut out piece of carpet because if he thinks it is okay to claw it then he'll think it is okay to claw your carpet and won't understand. Keep on trying different scratching posts, different cats like different things. Get his paw and scratch it against the scratch post and then give him a treat. I give my kitten Whisker Lickins' .

Answer 6

Make it a scratching post with a base on it & cover it with an old piece of carpet.

Answer 7

Get a squirt bottle with water and squirt him once or twice in rear when he starts to scratch...it won't take long before he realizes that if he scratches the carpet, he'll get wet.

Answer 8

Buy a separate (cut out) piece of carpet and let him scratch that. You could sprinkle some catnip on the cut out piece!

Answer 9

You can get a cat deterent from the local pet store that you can put down on your carpet to deter him from scratching at it.

Hope this helps.

Answer 10

Every time you see him doing it take him to the scratching pole, persevere with it and he'll get the message... you could also try spraying him with a water pistol when you see him doing it....he soon get the message! good luck