A Scratchy Issue

How to deal with claw-happy cats…

For those cat owners plagued by frisky felines who insist on using antique furniture as a scratching post, the frustration this can induce is well-known. Declawing (the surgical removal of the claws) is illegal in Australia and many other countries, although it is still practised in the USA. Most of us would never consider this anyway (for reasons of animal cruelty), but what are the options when it comes to preventing that family heirloom from becoming kindling?

If you’re pulling your hair out (while moggie is pulling the carpet out), we’ve put together a few tips and options to deal with those claw-happy cats!

Scratching posts
If you don’t have one, get one. When choosing a scratching post for your cat, consider the kind of textures your cat loves to dig his paws into. Most cats prefer something very textured and rough, and a post that is stable and sturdy that they can really go wild on.

Cats scratch for a number of reasons: exercise (it’s a combination of kitty-yoga and pull-ups); marking their territory; and of course, the reason our beloved felines do most things in life… for the sheer pleasure of it.

Providing your cat with a post that satisfies these needs can help to stop puss looking elsewhere.

Nail-trimming
Trimming or filing your cat’s claws is another way to limit the amount of damage they can do. Purpose-made nail trimmers are available from most pet stores and vet clinics, as are instructions on how to do it. If you’re nervous about doing it properly or can’t get your cat to stay still long enough, perhaps a grooming service or vet may be a better choice.

Soft Claws®
Soft Claws® (known in the US as Soft Paws®) is a product invented by veterinarian Dr Toby Wexler and serve as a humane, non-toxic and painless solution to over-zealous clawers.

Essentially acrylic nails for cats, Soft Claws® utilise technology whereby a soft vinyl cover is applied over each of the cat’s nails to eliminate the damage they are able to cause.

According to softclaws.com.au, ‘the vast majority of cats don’t even know they are wearing them. The product is exceptionally successful in the USA where claw caps are an established answer to the problems of furniture damage or injuries caused by playful cats.

They also help cats with feline skin conditions by preventing self-mutilation from hind claw scratching.’

Images: Ametxa and mngl