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How to train your cat 
to scratch where you want

1. Regular nail trimmings.
When the cat is relaxed and unafraid, gently press on the toes until the claws extend. Use a pair of nail trimmers and cut only the tip of the nail, taking care not to damage the vein or quick, which is very painful if cut. If you have never trimmed a cat's nails before, ask a vet or experienced cat person to show you how the first time.The nail "hook" is what tears up upholstery, so when it is removed, damage is greatly reduced.

2. Buy or build two or more scratching posts.
Such posts must be sturdy, tall enough to allow the cat to completely stretch (3 feet or taller). A bark-covered log, a post covered with sisal, or a tightly woven burlap-covered post works well. Soft, fluffy, carpeted scratching posts don't work -- they are one of the greatest causes of declawing because cats often don't like the posts. If you use carpet, secure it to the posts with the rough backing on the outside; soft carpeting will not satisfy a cat's need to claw. Place one scratching post where the cat is already clawing, and another close to where he or she normally sleeps (cats like to stretch and scratch when they first wake up). Another option is the cardboard or sisal "scratching box," which lies flat on the floor. These are inexpensive and small enough to scatter around the house, allowing your cat easy access to an "approved" scratching spot at all times. They do wear out fairly quickly, however, and will need to be replaced every few months -- otherwise, cats may get frustrated and revert back to using furniture.

3. Give your cat specific instructions as to where to claw and where not to claw.
Place your cat on the new scratching post and move his or her paws, or pretend to scratch it yourself. This will scent the posts and encourage exploratory clawing. Make the post a "fun" place to be. Play games with your cat on and around the post and attach hanging strings, balls and/or bouncy wire toys to it. Sprinkle catnip on the post, too. (A once-a-week or so "refresher" application will keep your cat interested.)  When kitty uses the post, reinforce this behavior with praise, but be careful not to startle or frighten him or her. When the cat claws furniture, never discourage them with physical force. Lukewarm water from a squirt gun or spray bottle directed at the back of the animal is often successful. During the training period, you may need to cover upholstery with plastic or other protection (cats don't like the slippery feel and will quickly learn to stay away).

Another option (and good for while they are learning) is Soft Paws Nail Caps for Cats, available from www.softpaws.com and at most pet supply stores. Soft Paws are soft, vinyl nail caps that are applied to cats' newly trimmed nails. The nail caps allow cats to scratch naturally, without harming furniture. Each application lasts about four to six weeks.

An excellent book that will help you understand your cat better is The New Natural Cat by Anitra Frazier, Campman and Co., Bridgeport, Conn., 1981 (available from Felix Co.). By understanding cat behavior and by using common-sense precautions and behavior modification methods, you can prevent clawing and scratching damage.

See also our Declawing article

  Copyright © 1997 - Cicki Hasselblad, Pleasant Hill, CA - All rights reserved.
  Send all questions and comments to mail to: mchassel@inreach.com
  URL: http://home.inreach.com/mchassel/

If you find this information helpful, please make a donation to the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA. You can donate online or mail a check made out to PHS to:
BEST Training
Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA
361 S. Raymond Ave.
Pasadena, CA 91105