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destructive scratching - how to stop it without declawing!
Because scratching is a normal behavior for cats, it is unrealistic to try to prevent them from scratching. We strongly discourage declawing cats as it is extremely painful amputation of the cat's toes up to its first knuckle. (Click here to read the truth about this awful procedure.) The goal, instead, should be to redirect the cat’s scratching to acceptable objects.
Redirecting Scratching to Acceptable Objects
- Observe the objects that your cat is scratching and provide objects that are as appealing, attractive and convenient. (Look at the location of the objects, the texture, horizontal vs. vertical, and the height that the cat scratches.)
- Place the acceptable objects (rope-wrapped posts, carpet remnants, log, etc.) near the objects the cat is already using. (Make sure that the objects are stable and will not fall over when the cat uses them. As a general rule, a vertical object should be at least 3 feet high to be considered desirable by a cat.)
- Cover the inappropriate items with something that the cat will find unappealing (double-sided tape, foil, or cover with cotton balls containing perfume, or another odor the cat will find unappealing.)
- When the cat is consistently using the appropriate item, it may be GRADUALLY moved to a new location (no more than 4-5 inches a day). However, it is best to leave the appropriate items in the cat’s preferred scratching location.
- Do not remove the coverings from the former scratched items until the cat is consistently using the appropriate items for at least a month.
Do Not Punish the Cat for Scratching
Used alone, punishment will not resolve scratching problems as it will not teach the cat where to scratch instead. Punishment is only effective when you catch her in the act and have provided her with acceptable objects to scratch. If you do catch your foster cat in the act and have provided her with appropriate objects to scratch use remote punishment (using a whistle, shaking a pop can filled with pennies, using a squirt bottle).
Do Trim Your Cat’s Nails
You should clip the sharp ends of your cats four paws every two weeks. Before trimming her claws, accustom her to having her paws handled. Do this by gently petting her paws and legs while you are holding her or giving her a treat. Gradually increase the pressure so that petting becomes firm squeezing.
Once she is accustomed to this, you can actually clip her nails. Place your thumb on top of her paw and your index finger underneath and apply gentle pressure until the claw is extended. Clip just the curved tip of the nail (do not cut into the pink “quick” of the nail).
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