Is there an easy way to tame a cats claws?

Question

my little furry friend (gigi) is an indoor tuexdo cat. her claws can be a little much sometimes, shes ripped multiple holes in my curtains, scratches up the couch, etc. i refuse to declaw her. ive heard about nail caps for cats and i am considering using them. are they effective? are they safe?

Answer 1

Scratching is natural and necessary behaviour for cats. Not only do they do it to keep their claws in good condition, but it's how they exercise the muscles in their paws, front legs and upper body. The best solution is to re-direct them towards something of their own that they are allowed to scratch.



Some cats like an upright post (must be at least 3' tall and doesn't wobble) whilst others prefer scratching on flat surfaces like those cardboard block scratchers. They all have individual preferences so it's best to offer your cat a few choices to see which ones she likes best. This doesn't have to be expensive and you can even offer her a thick tree branch, wooden log or coconut door mat as cheap alternatives. You can make a cardboard block scratcher from old boxes;



http://www.designsponge.com/2009/01/diy-project-recycled-cardboard-kitty-pad.html



Another reason they scratch is to leave a territorial scent marker. This is why once they begin scratching somewhere they keep going back to the same spot to top-up their scent every time it begins to fade. The trick is to encourage them to use something acceptable for scratching because once it becomes engrained with their claw scent they will want to keep scratching there.



These articles have lots of information and advice on teaching cats to use a scratcher and how you can protect your furnishings from further damage.



http://www.celiahaddon.co.uk/pet%20problems/cats/scratching.html

http://www.catbegood.com/cat-basics/scratching-posts-exercise-play/



Resist any temptation to punish or discipline your cat for scratching somewhere she shouldn't. Cats don't respond to negative reinforcement and she'll either wait till you are not around to tell her off, or worse still, quickly realise that scratching is guaranteed to get your attention whenever she wants. Instead gently move her away to her scratcher if she does attempt to claw furnishings. Give her food treats and lots of praise when she does use it. Be patient, some cats take longer than others to learn claw manners, but they're all smart enough to adopt behaviours which benefit them in some way.

Answer 2

Firstly, a scratching post is required asap, placed in good view & easy access. Scratch the top of it yourself when you pass through each time to tempt her over to do the same. Secondly, when petting/stroking your kitten when she is in a sleepy or relaxed mood only, gently try to touch her paws and try to 'push' out her claws. Only try it once or twice to start with. What you are aiming for here is gaining her trust so she knows you are not a threat. She may pull away or move/get up or meow, if so, leave it and try another time. When she does gradually get use to her handling her paws, you can try clipping yourself very carefully, one by one, no rush or hurry. She may freak out, or may just about tolerate you doing it. Our first cat does not mind at all as long as we get her mood just right! Be quick, effective but do not push your luck. This way when she's bigger, she will be use to it. I do not know about these nail caps as never had to use them. Stimulate your cat each day using toys to engage her in play and to pounce, grab and grip too, but keep your hands clear. Best of luck...

Answer 3

I have never used the caps but i've heard they are really troublesome. I bought a pair of cat nail clippers (about 3 dollars at the pet store) and a scratch post with cat nip. We clip her nails about every 2 weeks and she loves her scratch post. Since then we have not had any issues. Best of luck :)

Answer 4

Take her to your vets and get them to clip her claws for you. At the same time, watch carefully and in the future you can do it yourself. I have a mitten kitten and she has thumbs which don't get shortened when she uses her scratching box, so I have to trim them myself. If you have a scratching pole which your cat doesn't use, try a scratch mat instead. Some cats prefer the ground rather than a pole.

Answer 5

Make sure your cat has a good scratching post and lots of toys to play with if she is kept indoors, she is probably doing it out of boredom. Try getting something called a Scratch Box, they are impregnated with cat nip and my two go wild for it. They are sold in the UK under the brand name of Willows.

Answer 6

cats claws are part of there natural animal instinct if you wanted a cat then maybe buy it a scratch post de clawing or capping them is cruel you should take the claws into consideration when buying a cat



Im glad your not de clawing your cat!

you should introduce it to a scratch post and reward when it uses it. they soon learn what they can and can not claw

Answer 7

You should keep LOTS of cat scratchers and or carpeted wood blocks around the house. Cats have to sharpen their claws, it's natural, declawing should be a very last resort!

Answer 8

id go with capping them. im getting them for my kitten soon.

Also, getting her a catnip emory board and other toys like a laser light could help with any clawing/scratching from boredom

Answer 9

Non importa, ho capito. Saban ha voluto fare tutto il possibile per assicurarsi che non l'hanno visto "First Take". Mossa intelligente, e molto umanitario di lui e