Articles

It is in your cat's nature to scratch. Cats evolved their razor-sharp claws to hunt and to defend themselves from prey. When humans domesticated them, their claws, and their instinct to use them by scratching, did not go away. For many people, scratching is such a nuisance that they end up getting their cats declawed. This kind of surgery and its aftermath can have many complications and be extremely painful and debilitating for most cats. Fortunately, there are many alternatives to getting a cat declawed.

Scratching posts are a very simple way to deal with a cat with a scratching problem. The basic instinct to scratch can be dealt with by having scratching posts cats can utilize to express this instinct. A rough material such as cardboard, sisal or burlap is usually used in the construction and manufacture of scratching posts. The cat scratching instinct is satisfied by scratching on this rough surface at the same time it helps remove from the claw area dead skin and nails.

Inexpensive disposable scratching posts can be bought for five or ten dollars, but you can spend hundreds for luxurious carpeted cat furniture for your pampered kitty. It's all up to you. Remember, though, that you should have more than one scratching post per cat. Cats like to mark their territory throughout the house and multiple scratching posts will probably discourage this. The use of scratching posts can be an effective and inexpensive solution to frustrating cat scratching behavior.

Another option to protect your furniture from scratching is the use of double-sided tape or bubble wrap. When you cover your furniture with these items your cat will discover that scratching is not a pleasant experience and will quickly stop the habit. All you need to do is put up the tape or bubble wrap for about a week and your cat will learn not to scratch.

One solution to consider is to clip your pet's claws. You can use a grooming tool specially designed for that purpose, or just use regular fingernail clippers. Gently hold your cat and apply light pressure on its paw pads, which will force the claw to come out. Then very carefully clip the end of the claw with the clippers. Make sure to cut only a very small amount at the very tip, otherwise this procedure can be painful for your cat. Clipping your pet's claws can be an easy solution to difficult problems with a cats behavior.

If scratching posts and covers have been unsuccessful at changing your cats behavior, then claw covers are another thing to try. Covers are like artificial cat nails, which can be applied by you or by your vet's office. They come in many different styles and are applied by a thin layer of special glue to the claw. Since they are slippery and blunt, your carpet and furniture will be protected from your cat's scratching.

Cat scratching is cats behavior that is instinctive to maintain the claws. Unless you want the drastic step of declawing, you need to provide acceptable outlets other than your furniture. The obvious is to try scratching posts cats will use instead, made of rough materials like sisal, burlap, or corrugated cardboard, and have several since cats mark territory by scratching. To further discourage using furniture, use double sided sticky tape or bubble wrap covering problem areas until the cat gives up. Another option is temporary glued on plastic claw covers which protect carpet and furniture.