I just got a new cat, never had one before. I got her a week ago. She's about 6 months old and walks around like she's obssessed w/her claws. She is clawing everything, including myself. I wanted her to be an indoor cat, but if she doesn't stop I'm going to have to put her outside. Why do you think she's doing this? Claws in, claws out, claws in, claws out, even in her sleep!
2007-09-09 07:15:44 · 18 answers · asked by jen 3 in Pets ➔ Cats
do you have a scratching post? encourage her to use it, give her a little treat when she scratches on it!
Maybe a trip to the vet if you think they're infected.
I made the mistake of my kitty thinking my hands were toys when he was a kitten, its cute when they're small but not so cute when they're big! If she claws you when you play squirt her with water or make a loud noise to teach her no.
if shes doing a little ''podding'' type action (kneading you like bread) before she sits on you its just a comfort thing, pop a blanket on your knee when you sit down and it wont hurt!
2007-09-09 07:31:18 · answer #1 · answered by gingergeorgecat 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cats need to scratch, it's a natural part of their behavior. First, try providing her with some scratching posts andcatnip. You might want to buy a few different kinds of scratching posts - the small ones are cheap, and some cats like certain kinds and not others (rope posts, corrugated cardboard, etc.) Rub the catnip on the scratching posts to attract her to them, and when you catch her scratching, move her to a scratching post and put her paws on it. She might eventually get the hint.
If that doesn't work, then buy "Soft Claws." They are soft plastic claw caps for cats, and you can get them at most larger pet stores. I have had great success using them with my scratch-prone cats. Just make sure you get someone else to help you put them on - one to hold the cat, and the other to put the caps on - to make it easier on yourself and her.
Please don't turn her into an outdoor cat. She will live a longer and much healthier life inside with you. There are solutions to this problem.
2007-09-09 07:24:29 · answer #2 · answered by devouring_wind 4 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Well, she's a cat - they do that sort of thing. You'll need to get her a good scratching post (maybe more than one), and teach her to use it instead of the furniture. Whenever she begins to claw something inappropriate, take her over to the nearest scratching post.
It sounds like she's also 'kneading' - repeatedly flexing her claws on a person or object when relaxed or going to sleep. This is what kittens do when nursing to stimulate the mother's milk flow. Many kittens continue to knead long after weaning.
If that's the case, try giving her a piece of that fake sheepskin fabric (available at pet stores or fabric shops). I had one cat who would knead and suckle hers, and even carry it around from room to room.
2007-09-09 07:30:24 · answer #3 · answered by daa 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
You have to get her a scratching post or some cats will scratch up everything in sight. You will need to get a spray bottle with water and spray her when she does something you do not like, or put coins in an aluminum can and shake it loudly. Please do not put your kitty outside, as she will probably run off. Also spay her if she isn't so she doesn't have kittens no one wants. There is this beautiful little cat who has been coming to our house for a week. She has no collar, and I don't know what to do with her except feed her and give her water. I already have become attached to her, but I'm allergic to cats, and I worry about her every night I go to bed. I am going to have to figure out how to get her to the humane shelter or something as I leave for work before 7 and get home after 7. She is infested with fleas, and your cat will get them too.
2007-09-09 07:23:59 · answer #4 · answered by Sparkles 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
My sisters cat did the same thing, but she was a baby. After about a year she calmed down alot. But she still claws me once in a while.
2007-09-09 07:23:46 · answer #5 · answered by Eve 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Some cat's are more 'clawy' than others.
Try clipping her toenails, that might help a bit.
This is not a behavior you can correct I think, you will just have to deal with it as best you can. You can train her to use a scratching post, so she is not scratching up your furniture.
Cats that age, can really be spazzy acting also. Mine is 6-7 months and he definately has his weird moments, so it may just be a phase.
Instead of putting her outside, give her a chance by working with her. Trim her nails, and buy a couple of scratching posts- along with some catnip. Sprinkle a bit of catnip on the post, and whenever you see her scratching elsewhere- take her to the post. They do learn pretty fast. :)
2007-09-09 07:22:35 · answer #6 · answered by Laura S. 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I have 2 cats whose claws are trimmed down but they will scratch everything apart from the scratching post of course...I let them..they are CATS !
Am one who believes that cats should be outside and that it is just cruel and unnatural to keep an animal - unless it is goldfish or gerbils or stg - inside.
I know some cats do well inside like in condos but if you have a garden........poor thing not to be able to experience the smells, view the flowers, etc.!
Of course an accident could happen......but gee that is life !
edit : I kind of expected the points down anyway. Please be aware that the humane society in many countries (Britain etc..) wil NOT let you adopt a cat if the animal is not able to go outdoors..different strokes for different folks !
It is the same way I feel about zoos and cramped spaces, factory chickens, bovine animals etc.
I live in the suburb and all my neighbours who own cats let them outside so am certainly not unique in my thinking. We live in houses and it is simply not possible with the back doors open during the summer to force a cat to stay inside. Common sense ! What then ? put the cat on a leash inside or in a box ???????
Should a child be kept in capitivity for its own "benefit" and "safery" would be called child abuse....
2007-09-09 07:34:13 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
well cats claw/scratch to spread their scent and mark their territory. she may be a very loving cat and some cats claw to show they are happy. give it some time if it doesnt stop stick double stick tape on the things that you dont want her to claw/scratch and maybe use a water bottle to keep her from scratching as well. good luck
2007-09-09 07:25:42 · answer #8 · answered by first time mommy 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
because shes a cat and they like to claw everything, my cat decides to claw my couch now and then, its also a triming thing, oh and they clawed there mothers teat at birth to get milk out and they never stop...it becomes a thing when they purr....its a good thing i think its cute. she wont stop its an insinct
2007-09-09 07:20:23 · answer #9 · answered by nae_duck 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Oh sure! All the time lol, it makes me soar up with fright and ask for forgiveness (cats title) after which I have an understanding of it is only probably the most cats rubber balls that I am stepping on. It is so humorous whilst that occurs! lol
2016-09-05 07:53:03 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋