Nothing is more irritating to an owner than a cat who scratches up the furniture. Nothing is more enjoyable to a cat than having furniture to scratch up. It’s a problem that has existed between felines and the people that they own for as long as cats have been kept as pets. Fortunately, today we do have solutions.
First, make sure that the cat gets a bad result from scratching the furniture. This result cannot be you yelling at the cat or squirting him with a squirt bottle. This just tells the cat to avoid you or to avoid scratching the furniture when you are around. It doesn’t stop him from doing it altogether.
There are many products that can now be purchased and applied to furniture that will deter the cat from scratching on it. There are spray products that produce an odor that the cat does not like and there are also devices, such as double sided tape that will deter the cat.
The best remedy, however, is to provide scratching alternatives for your cat. You can purchase a simple scratching post or a cat tree. When the cat starts scratching on your furniture, quickly stop him and move him to his scratching post, and take his paws and show him how to use the post. Eventually he will get the idea.
Another option is to use claw covers, such as Soft Paws. These are attractively covered vinyl covers that glue to the cats nails. If you start applying these to the cat at an early age, they will become accustomed to it and it won’t be a problem. However, you will need to check regularly to ensure that the covers have not fallen off, and as the cats nail grows, you will need to replace the covers which can be expensive.
Another option is to have your cat declawed, but this is largely frowned upon. First, you will have a hard time finding a veterinarian willing to perform this procedure. Second, if you plan to show your cat at any point, you should note that declawed cats are automatically disqualified from the shows. The overall consensus is that declawing is cruel to the animals, and is the equivalent to chopping your own fingers off at the first joint.
Cats are going to scratch. It is not only enjoyable to them, but it is also how they keep their nails in good shape so it is important from a health standpoint. Your best bet is to again provide alternative scratching opportunities for your cat that you can both live with.
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