How to Train Your Cat to Use a Scratching Post…Not Your Couch

Understanding Cat Claws

Cats have claws for several important reasons related to their survival and natural behaviors. In the wild, cats use their claws to catch prey, climb trees to escape predators, mark territories by scratching, and defend themselves in confrontations. Even domestic housecats retain these innate scratching instincts.

Cats scratch objects in order to remove old layers from their claws and expose new sharp surfaces underneath. This keeps their claws clean, sharp, and useful. Scratching also lets cats stretch their bodies and work their foot muscles. Additionally, cats have scent glands on their paws, so scratching leaves both a visual mark and a scent mark that signifies their territory. Cats will often return to scratch a favorite object repeatedly to refresh their scent and visual markers.

So even though scratching behaviors can damage furniture and annoy owners, it’s important to understand that they serve natural purposes for cats as instinctive creatures. Trimmed claws still need scratching outlets. Rather than punishing cats for doing what comes naturally, the focus should be on providing suitable scratching environments and materials to satisfy those innate scratching needs.

Trimming Your Cat’s Claws

Regularly trimming your cat’s claws is an important part of cat care and provides many benefits for both you and your cat. Claw trimming helps prevent damage to furniture and carpeting, reduces the risk of scratches, and keeps your cat’s claws from getting snagged. It’s generally recommended to trim your cat’s front claws every 2-3 weeks. Here are some tips for properly trimming your cat’s claws:

Benefits of Regular Claw Trimming

• Prevents damage to household items. Without regular trims, your cat’s sharp claws can wreak havoc on furniture, carpets, curtains, and more when scratching.
• Reduces risk of painful snags. Cat claws can easily get caught on fabrics and materials around the house. Regular trimming reduces the risk of painful snags.
• Decreases scratches. Well-trimmed claws are blunt, so your cat is less likely to scratch you or family members accidentally.
• Improves paw health. Trimming helps remove dead sheaths and prevents ingrown claws.

How Often to Trim

For most cats, trimming the front claws every 2-3 weeks is sufficient. Older cats or indoor-only cats may need more frequent trims, like every 1-2 weeks. Outdoor cats may naturally wear down their claws more from climbing and scratching trees. Observe your cat’s specific growth rate and adjust the trimming schedule accordingly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps for properly trimming your cat’s claws:

• Have styptic powder on hand in case of bleeding. Regular trimmers designed for cats are best. Human nail clippers can work for kittens.
• Gently press on your cat’s paw pads to extend the claw. Only trim the sharp, curved tip. Avoid cutting into the pink quick which will cause bleeding.
• Clip off a sliver of the sharp tip in a straight line. Don’t cut too close to the toe. The final claw should be blunt.
• Give your cat treats and praise throughout to keep them calm. Doing 1-2 claws a day can help anxious cats get used to trims.
• Focus first on the front claws, trimming just the very sharp ends. Back claws don’t require trimming as often.
• Apply styptic powder and pressure if you cut the quick. Dab on antibiotic ointment after. Monitor for signs of infection.

With proper technique and tools, regular cat claw trimming can be done safely and effectively at home. Pay close attention to avoid cutting the quick. Reward your cat with treats for behaving during trims. Get them used to claw care while young. Consult your vet if you have any concerns. Proper trimming makes claws duller to prevent damage and injuries.

Providing Appropriate Scratching Surfaces

Cats have an instinctual need to scratch. Providing appropriate surfaces for your cat to scratch is crucial to curbing destructive clawing behavior. There are a few key things to consider when selecting scratching posts for your cat:

• Material – Look for scratching posts made of materials cats like to scratch, such as sisal, cardboard, wood, or carpet. Sisal ropes and cardboard scratchers are affordable options cats tend to enjoy.
• Size – The scratching post should be tall enough for your cat to stretch fully when scratching, and wide enough for them to scratch without falling over. Aim for posts at least 3 feet tall.
• Stability – Ensure the post is heavy and sturdy enough not to tip over during scratching sessions. Heavy wood or carpeted posts tend to have the best stability.
• Incline – Angle the post so your cat can stretch upwards while scratching. Cats prefer vertical or angled posts over horizontal scratchers.
• Location – Place scratching posts near areas your cat already tries scratching like sofas, chairs, and entryways. Also have posts in active areas like living rooms.
• Quantity – Have multiple posts around your home so there’s always an appealing scratcher within reach. At minimum, have one post per cat, plus extras in problem areas.

Position scratching posts strategically around your home. Key spots include high-traffic areas, near sleeping/eating spaces, and next to furniture/spots your cat tries scratching. This ensures your cat has accessible and appealing scratchers precisely when and where they need them. Rotate different posts to keep your cat interested. With ample appropriate scratchers, cats are less likely to damage household items with their claws.

Using Soft Paws and Claw Caps

Soft Paws and claw caps are small vinyl caps that slip over your cat’s claws. These are a humane alternative to declawing that helps protect your furniture and home from scratching damage.

How They Work

Soft Paws and claw caps slide over the claw and are affixed to the base with a non-toxic veterinary-grade adhesive. They are lightweight enough that they don’t hinder your cat’s natural scratching behavior. However, the caps blunt the tips of the claws so that they can’t cause damage when scratching. The caps shed with the natural growth of the claw and need to be replaced every 4-6 weeks.

Pros

• Protects furniture and home from scratch damage
• Non-invasive and humane alternative to declawing
• Easy to apply at home after initial vet/groomer application
• Comes in fun colors and designs
• Allows cats to still enjoy natural scratching behavior

Cons

• Can fall off between applications requiring monitoring
• Some cats don’t tolerate wearing them well
• Doesn’t address root cause of undesirable scratching
• Cost of frequent replacement
• Potential for ingestion if the cat removes them

Soft Paws and claw caps can be a good temporary solution to protect your home while also training your cat to use appropriate scratching surfaces. However, they don’t address anxiety or stress that may lead to destructive scratching. Its best to couple these with training, behavioral modification and addressing environmental enrichment.

Trying Deterrent Sprays

Deterrent sprays provide a simple and humane alternative to declawing that can be attempted before considering more drastic measures. There are two main types of deterrent sprays available for cats:

Scent-Based Sprays

Scent-based sprays deliver an unpleasant citrus or floral fragrance when a cat scratches. Most cats dislike these strong scents and will avoid areas that have been sprayed. Commercial products like Ssscat spray contain oils from plants like citronella, lavender, lemon, and eucalyptus. You can also make DIY sprays using essential oils.

To use scent sprays, apply the product liberally to any surfaces you want to protect from scratching. Reapply frequently, as the scent will fade over time. Try to catch your cat in the act of scratching inappropriate areas so you can quickly provide a negative association through spraying.

Texture-Based Sprays

Texture-based sprays create a sticky barrier on surfaces that cats find unpleasant on their paws. These sprays are transparent but contain tacky ingredients that cats want to avoid. Some popular texture sprays for cats are Sticky Paws and Claw Withdraw.

For these sprays, thoroughly coat any problem scratching areas. The sticky texture should deter scratching without causing pain or irritation. Reapply these sprays whenever they lose their tackiness. Focus on applying them vertically on furniture, doors, and other commonly scratched places.

By using deterrent sprays consistently whenever your cat scratches inappropriate places, you can train them to avoid areas you’ve sprayed and redirect scratching to approved surfaces. Rotate between scent and texture sprays for maximum effectiveness. Ensure you also provide enough desirable scratching posts and pads to make it easy for your cat to scratch in acceptable areas.

Considering Declawing

Declawing is a surgical procedure where a veterinarian removes the entire claw and last bone of each toe. It is an extremely controversial procedure that is viewed as inhumane and unnecessary by many vets and cat experts. There are numerous medical and behavioral risks associated with declawing cats. It should always be an absolute last resort after exhausting all other options.

The declawing procedure involves amputating with a scalpel, laser, or guillotine clipper. It is very painful for cats, involving cutting through nerves, tendons, and ligaments. While many vets require anesthesia for the surgery, some perform it without, causing tremendous suffering.

Complications from declawing include:

• Chronic pain in the paws or back from altered gait
• Increased biting aggression since claws are removed
• Litter box avoidance due to paw pain on scratching litter
• Higher risk of arthritis in declawed paws
• Possibility of regrowth of deformed claw inside toe

There are many effective alternatives to try first before considering such a radical and inhumane procedure. Start by providing ample scratching posts and deterrents. Consider regular nail trims or soft vinyl caps (Soft Paws). Anxious cats may benefit from pheromone diffusers or anti-anxiety medication prescribed by a vet. Behavioral modification techniques can also help redirect scratching.

As a very last resort, consider a partial procedure like tendonectomy which removes the claw but spares the bone. But the most humane and effective approach is to exhaust all other options first and understand that scratching is normal cat behavior. Do not make the extreme decision to declaw without fully exploring alternatives.

Training Your Cat

Cats can be trained to curb undesirable scratching behaviors through positive reinforcement techniques like clicker training and treat rewards. The key is to reward them when they scratch acceptable surfaces.

• Keep treats handy and immediately reward your cat with a click and treat when they use a scratching post or cat tree. Say “Good kitty!” so they associate the praise with the desired behavior.
• It may help to catnip spray approved scratching areas so your cat is drawn to use them instead of furniture. Lavish rewards and praise when they scratch there.
• Place double-sided sticky tape on furniture or areas you want to deter scratching. Cats dislike the stickiness. When they avoid those areas, praise and give treats.
• Try putting plastic, vinyl or aluminum foil on furniture to discourage scratching. Reward elsewhere.
• Use a distraction or loud noise like a whistle when catching unwanted scratching behavior. Then redirect your cat to a proper scratching zone and praise when they use it.
• Consider placing scratching posts directly next to furniture that’s being scratched. Reward your cat for using the approved scratching post right next to their old scratching spot.

With positive reinforcement like treats, praise, and redirection, you can train your cat to keep their claws on approved scratching surfaces. The key is consistency and giving them positive alternatives.

Addressing Stress and Anxiety

It’s important to understand the common signs that your cat may be feeling stressed or anxious. These include:

• Excessive grooming and licking
• Urinating or defecating outside the litter box
• Changes in appetite
• Aggression or hiding
• Dilated pupils
• Restlessness or pacing

If you notice any of these behaviors, there are some steps you can take to help reduce your cat’s stress levels:

• Make sure your cat has access to plenty of vertical space, like cat trees, shelves, and window perches. This allows them to get up high and survey their territory.
• Provide hiding spots around your home so your cat can retreat when needed. Boxes, cat tunnels, and covered beds all work well.
• Use synthetic feline pheromones like Feliway to help comfort your cat. These come in plug-in diffusers and sprays.
• Try calming treats or supplements containing L-theanine or other relaxing compounds. Talk to your vet for recommendations.
• Keep litter boxes extremely clean, as cats prefer pristine latrines. Add extra boxes around your home if needed.
• Give your cat solo “quiet time” in a spare room to decompress. Provide food, water, litter, and some toys.
• Rule out medical issues by having your vet perform a thorough exam. Pain or illness can cause changes in behavior.
• Consider anxiety medication prescribed by your vet for severe, persistent stress.

By identifying sources of stress and making your cat feel secure, you can help them live a happier, less anxious life. Contact your vet if your cat’s behavior concerns you.

Seeking Professional Help

If your cat’s destructive clawing or scratching behavior persists despite your best efforts, it may be time to seek professional help from your veterinarian or an animal behaviorist. Here are some signs that it’s time to get a professional opinion:

When to Contact Your Vet

• Your cat is clawing excessively or to the point of self-injury. Excessive clawing can lead to injuries, pain, and infection.
• The destructive scratching is paired with signs of stress, anxiety, or compulsive behavior. If your cat seems distressed or obsessed with scratching, a vet visit can help identify any underlying issues.
• You’ve tried various solutions with no success. A stubborn scratching problem may have a medical cause that your vet can diagnose.
• Your cat’s scratching leads to injuries for people or other pets. This may signal a behavioral problem requiring intervention.
• Your cat starts eliminating outside the litter box. Inappropriate elimination can sometimes result from stress related to clawing issues.

Working with Animal Behaviorists

• An animal behaviorist can observe your cat’s environment and routines to pinpoint triggers for problem scratching. They can recommend targeted solutions.
• Behaviorists can help you implement positive reinforcement training to teach your cat appropriate scratching. This is especially helpful for persistent behavior issues.
• If stress or anxiety contributes to destructive scratching, a behaviorist will suggest environmental changes, products, and therapies to make your cat feel more secure.
• For tough cases, a vet may prescribe anti-anxiety medication but a behaviorist can provide complementary behavior modification therapy.

The key is addressing persistent clawing issues early before the behavior becomes entrenched. With patience and professional support when needed, you can curb destructive scratching.

Keeping Your Cat and Home Safe

A cat’s sharp claws can do damage to furniture and cause injury if used inappropriately. Here are some tips to keep your cat and home safe:

Protect Your Furniture

• Use scratching posts, cardboard scratchers, and cat trees to redirect scratching away from furniture. Place these directly in front of or next to furniture your cat tries to scratch.
• Trim your cat’s nails regularly to blunt the tips.
• Apply double-sided sticky tape to furniture to deter scratching. Cats dislike the sticky feeling on their paws.
• Try a cat repellent spray made specifically for furniture. These contain scents cats dislike. Test in an inconspicuous area first.
• Cover furniture with blankets or furniture covers when unattended.
• Consider using furniture made of leather, microfiber or wood rather than fabrics if your cat is determined to scratch.

Treat Scratches

If your cat does scratch and break skin, clean the wound right away with soap and water. Apply antibiotic ointment and cover with a clean bandage. Signs of infection include redness, swelling, oozing, and pain. See your doctor if infection occurs.

Keep the wound clean while healing and watch for signs the skin isn’t closing properly. Deep scratches may require medical glue or stitches. Tetanus shots are recommended every 10 years for adults and 5 years for children.

While scratches can be painful and inconvenient, don’t punish or yell at your cat. This will only cause them stress and worsen unwanted behaviors. Stay patient and consistent with training using positive reinforcement. And be sure to give your cat appropriate outlets for their natural scratching instinct.