For cat lovers, these graceful felines are part of the family. What is more satisfying than spending a cozy evening at home with your favorite cat purring contentedly on your lap? Such a scene is certainly more inviting than that of your cat exercising his claws on a chair leg or your carpet. If you have a cat that wants to scratch everything in sight - furniture, clothing, even guests - and you don't want to give him up, what do you do? There are a number of solutions to consider that don't involve having your cat declawed.
First thing you must understand when dealing with your cat is that scratching is natural. When a cat scratches something, he is marking his place and establishing his territory, as well as getting in a good exercise sessions. That said, it's important not to discipline your cat severely when you find frayed ends on your sofa or marks on tables, for this can put your relationship with your cat at risk.
Let's take a look at some suggestions to help curb the clawing:
Make Scratching Spots Less Desirable
You will want to train away your cat from the couches and tables. You can accomplish this humanely by using scents that will deter your cat from coming near your furniture, as well as special tape that repels your cat. Touching is very sensitive for a cat, and specially-made tape leaves a sticky sensation that helps discourage your pet.
Establish a Favorite Scratching Spot
Study your cat's behavior. Is there a particular place in the home where he scratches the most? Likely he is most comfortable there, so take advantage and create an ideal scratching environment that will attract him. Set up a scratching post comprised of the surfaces he seems to prefer - wood or sisal for two - and direct your cat to exercise there.
Trim, But Don't Declaw
Keep your cat regularly groomed by having his claws dulled so damage to your home is minimal. If you check with your local pet store, you may also find special products that cap your cat's paws like gloves so that they can still scratch, but your furniture won't suffer the damages. Declawing may seem like a last resort for a frustrated cat owner, but many pet experts discourage this idea as an act of cruelty.
If you have a cat that scratches too much, don't wait for him to shred your entire home. Take gentle action to train him toward an acceptable scratch space so he and you can be happy.
