Kitty and Cat Sratching

[Zuri]

Ok, I've heard and seen cats do a number on furniture and other objects in the home. If and when I get a kitten, I'd be concerned about my living room furniture. Is there anything, fool proof, that would deter kitty/cat from scratching up the furniture? Do scratching posts really work?

[juliebove]

Scratching posts DO really work. What kind your cat will like will depend on your cat. My cat likes the rope kind attached to a sturdy post, but her all time favorite is the plain cardboard kind. She really likes the "Alpine" kind that is angled so it's sort of like a triangle. She can really stretch to scratch with that.

If you have at least one post prior to bringing the cat in the house, chances are, your cat will never scratch the furniture. Putting some catnip on the scratcher will help.

Also, the type of furniture you have could affect whether or not the cat would scratch it. Close weaves of plain cotton, velvet, velour, etc. are not the kind of thing a cat might want to scratch. But if it's a sturdy, somewhat open weave of fabric that the cat can sink its claws into, then the cat might be tempted.

Rugs are another thing cats might scratch. Some scratching posts are made either of carpet pieces or carpet and rope. I made the mistake of buying a carpeted perch/scratcher for my cat when she was a kitten. So she tends to associate carpets with scratching. She hasn't scratched up the carpet in my house, but she did it at my parent's house and a friend's house.

Cats need to scratch frequently to keep their claws in shape. So it would be a good idea to keep a scratcher in every room for them.

You can also start having their claws clipped on a regular basis. This is not the same as removing the claws and does not harm the cat in any way. The groomer will either use a special clipper or even a nail clipper like we humans use. The sharp tips of the claws are clipped slightly to blunt them so if the cat does try to scratch, there is no damage. I used to take my cat in once a month or so for this. But then one day she got all uppity and tried to bite the groomer. It wasn't a good thing and I've had trouble with her ever since. So I quit trying to get the claw clips done, although she really does need them. If the claws get too long, they can get caught on things and lead to a painful break in the claw for the cat.

Some people can clip their own cat's claws, although mine was never agreeable to this. To do it, press down on the pad of the cat's paw. This will cause the claws to thrust out. Then using some nail clippers, cut off just the very sharp tip of the claw. Make sure you do not cut too deeply, into the quick or it will hurt. I was never able to brush her teeth either, even though they say you should.

[Zuri]

Thanks Juliebove, that's some GREAT feedback. I will take it to heart when I begin preparing to bring my kitty home. :) A friend of mine that has two cats scared me to death cautioning me about how cats tear up their owner's dwelling and that I may not want to get one. I told her I was still getting a cat and that I was sure it would work out. :)

My living room furniture is also ultra suede so that will work out I'm sure.

You had me laughing too about your cat getting uppity and other things in your response. :-)

[meancat]

Definately get her a scratching post!!!

To help teach them not to use your furniture, you may want to get clear double sided tape to put on the corners of your funiture. They can't stand the feel of the stickiness so that will keep them away from your furniture until they get used to their post. Then just remove at a later date (test an area first so it doesn't effect the knapp of your fabric).

In my experience they think they own everything in the house and your furniture is there for them to use however they please!

And they will test you!! :)

Good luck and show us pics when you get you kitty!!

[KittyMommy]

Personality plays an important factor. For instance, my boy cat claws the furniture once in a while, but he allows me to clip his nails--not a big deal to him. My girl cat doesn't claw furniture--and it's a good thing, because she squirmed away whenever I tried to clip her nails. Since she doesn't go after furniture, I left her alone.

They have carpet, rope and cardboard scratchers and really prefer the cardboard most. Having those outlets has spared my furniture, even though my little fella likes to go after it now and then. But I figure, what are a few pulled threads between friends anyway? :-)

Since you're getting a kitten, it may be easier to acclimatize it to nail-clipping. (But again, it depends on personality. Talk to the people at the shelter about it.) Make sure you get clippers especially for trimming nails at the pet store--human clippers won't do the trick at all.

[Vegan Princess]

My 2 never touched the couch and I think it is because I have a sizle post in the corner of the room on one side of the couch and a cardboard scratchy thing on the other. Keep enough stuff around for them and they won't feel the need. The only time I ever saw my boy cat look like he was going to scratch was when we had a lot of people over and he felt like he needed to put his scent back on the couch. They sell a spray you can put on your furniture that is supposed to deter scracthing. I bought it when I got my cats, but never ended up trying it.

As for cutting their nails, I do my cat's nails myself. Start them young and get them used to it! The girl just plops right in my lap and purrs. The boy hates being held in the position necessary so I sort of have to sneak up on him while he's sleeping or just sitting still and do a couple nails each time.

Have fun!

Cindy

[soulshine78]

One thing my husband does when our cat is being "bad" is we have a little squirt bottle of water and spray her. It's awful, I know, but it works 100%!

[Raw Mom]

I treated my cat just like I'd brought home a puppy. I used the squirt bottle with water method too. He never actually scratched anything. I also used a harsh tone when I said NO. He responds very well. He loves the car. He loves to play fetch. He loves to greet me at the door. Oh No! I have a dog???