4 Tips to Stop Those Claws!

Cats are less domesticated than dogs and DEFINITELY less inclined to please you. Even so, it's possible to train them so they understand the house rules.

One of the most important rule is about claws. When they shouldn't come out and what can they unleash their scratching frenzies on.

By applying the right tactics, you can stop kitty from scratching and those claws!

Tip #1 Get a Scratching Post

Cats need to scratch. That's their nature and if you think kitty won't scratch anything at all, you're likely to be disappointed. They scratch for a variety of reasons: to exfoliate their claws, exercise, and mark territory.

Your cat needs to know that it's okay to let this Wolverine in them loose, but only on permitted objects. That's where scratching posts or scratchers come in.

When the scratcher or post first arrives, bring your cat to it. Let them sniff and get familiar—then, take their front paws and puppeteer them to scratch the scratcher or post. They'll think you're weird and hate you for it, but this is telling them, "See here, this is for you to scratch." If you can get them to extend their claws and feel the nice sensation of destroying that material, that's a bonus!

Next, every time they scratch anyhing they're not supposed to, you have to shout an angry and stern, "NO!". Then, take them to the scratcher or post, and repeat the puppet act with praises or even better—treats!

Eventually, your cat will start to understand what can and can't be scratched around the house. After time, they'll stop rogue scratching. They might even start to notice the pattern in materials: so whenever you get a new scratcher, they'll magically know this is theirs to annihilate. Cats are quite intelligent—at least we think so!

Avoid buying scratchers that wrap around furniture, like the legs of charis or sides of sofas. It's better to have a separate item for scratching at a distinguished corner, such as cat condos or a standing scratching post. It's clearer and leaves no room for miscommunication, especially when they go berserk halfway scratching and decide to swat targets. You wouldn't want your legs to be mistaken for crunch time.

Tip #2 Teach the Command "Claws In"

Cats can be trained to retract their claws. Wait, what!?

Yes, it's true. They can be trained to sit, give paw, rollover, play dead, AND retract their claws. That means it'll be less painful when you carry or let them walk all over you (pun intended).

First, learn how to push their claws back in and be comfortable doing it without hurting them in the process. Gently take your cat's paw and with a finger, slowly push the claws back into the unguicular hood, which is the section at the base of their claws. Get used to doing this.

Now, every time your cat unknowingly extends her nails, digs into you, or scratches you—push the claws back into the hood, and say "Claws in." Repeat this and do it assertively.

Soon, your kitty will know the command and you'll have the pleasure of watching them retract their claws without help. Soon, they'll understand: a civilised kitty doesn't show her claws.

Tip #3 Be Consistent

Cats are like children. They'll forget, deliberately test the water, and push their luck. You'll need to repeatedly remind your cat of the house rules at every opportunity. No free passes or day offs!

After a while, you'll find you've turned into a broken tape recorder, and that's when you know you're being consistent. Bravo!

Here are the house rules for kitty. One, no scratching of anything else except what's yours to scratch. Two, retract claws at all times other than on designated materials. Three, no scratching of living things, especially humans.

The last rule is important because your cat needs to know that scratching is attacking and that's bad. So any time your cat looks like she's about to attack, you've got to snap them out of the rage and firmly say "NO!".

Do check out the guide, Rules of Disciplining Cats, to see ideas for positive and negative reinforcements.

Tip #4 Trim Claws Regularly

Even though your cat knows the house rules. they may accidentally scratch you. No matter how much they try to keep their claws hidden—if they're too long, they're too long and will scratch you unintentionally. When this happens, it's time to cut!

Trim claws every 1 to 2 weeks. This also prevents overgrown nails from puncturing their pads and you'll know if your cat is stubbornly not following the house rules.

With the tactics above, patience, grit, and consistency—you'll be able to stop your cat from scratching and those claws!

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