Don’t give up on your cat just yet. Owning a pet requires some work. They
are a part of your family and share many of the same basic needs as everyone
else. Giving your cat an area to exercise his need to scratch is the first and
best option. Try rubbing a small amount of catnip into the carpet that covers
the scratching post. This will usually do the trick, and if done when the
scratching post is first brought into the home it will immediately tell him
‘it’s his’. You can repeat the catnip process every few weeks or so, even just
to give them the enjoyment of it. If he still tries scratching other furniture
first try scolding with a stern “no” and placing him near the scratching post.
If after a week or so this hasn’t begun to work try the reliable squirt bottle
technique, though avoid squirting him directly in the face. If this technique
still has not curbed his behavior then you might want to look into Soft Paws.
You can usually find these at your local pet store or can inquire about them
through your veterinarian. They are soft plastic molds that fit over the cat’s
claws with an adhesive glue. They come in a few different colors, as well as
clear, and last anywhere from 1 to 2
months. It is something easily done at home, but for those stubborn cats you
may want it done by a groomer.
Though the procedure of declawing is still legal in the United
States it is illegal in most other
countries. Many nations and all animal welfare organizations view the procedure
as inhumane. In countries such as England,
Germany, Brazil
and Australia
the procedure is either outlawed or only used in cases of severe medical
circumstances. The reasons to avoid the procedure seem to outweigh the
benefits, not to mention the dent in your pocketbook from an unnecessary and
costly surgery. Whether it’s the possibility of intense pain, severe infection,
extreme mood changes, aggressive behavior or the compromise in your budget,
declawing should not be thought of lightly. Alternatives exist and are easier
and more pleasant than you think. Declawing is the easy way out. Enjoy the time
you have with your cat, which includes training him to be a responsible member
of the household. After all, isn’t that why you adopted him in the first place?