I now have a cat. And a question

[jpgray]

What's the best way to deter said cat from scratching the arms of my couch? Squirt bottle is an obvious choice, but what's the preferred method for when I'm not around?

[Kutjara]

1. Get a high quality scratching post.

Cats tend to scratch furniture when their scratching posts don't give them the resistance they need. Get a good post and move the cat to it whenever he/she starts to scratch the furniture. It'll get the message soon. If the post isn't a good one, hoever, the cat will think, "screw this, the sofa's much better" (or words to that effect.)

[jpgray]

2. I scratched the couch in an effort to get the same apparent buzz

And I have to admit it's rather relaxing. :P

Thanks!

[terrya]

17. I agree with this.

I am so pleased that a certain barbaric ritual is NOT being considered. I did that when I got my cat...never a day goes by when I don't regret doing that.

There are some good options here, jpgray. Just enjoy the cat. Any names yet? :-)

[Whoa_Nelly]

3. Many good tips and and basic tricks at these sites

http://www.ehow.com/how_2543_stop-cat-scratching.html


http://www.catscratching.com/#prefer

<snip>
Cats have an aversion to citrus odors. Use lemon-scented sprays or a potpourri of lemon and orange peels to make her former scratching sites less agreeable to her.

If Kitty still persists in scratching the furniture, try squirting her with a water gun or a spray bottle set on stream. Another option is a loud whistle or other noise-maker. You must employ these deterrents while she is scratching for them to be effective. The point is to establish an aversion to the spot you don't want her to scratch.


And, the Mega-Google search pages for you! :hi:

http://tinyurl.com/2yjh58

[Fenris]

4. Double-stick tape.

Anything you can put on the couch arms that is sticky - cats hate sticky things on their paws. The downside is that you've got tape on your couch arms.

[jpgray]

7. I considered that

I just don't want my beautiful pre-war plaid couch to be taped up. :cry:

[Demoiselle]

16. They make a special tape called Sticky Paws.

I'm sure you can find it on line. It's relatively unobtrusive, and they really hate the feel of it.
You can remove it easily if you're having a party--it does habituate them to avoid the places you put it on.
If you catch them backsliding (or, in this case backscratching) you can always put more on.
And, of course, provide them with a good sturdy official scratching post or two.

[Maddy McCall]

5. If he's inside all the time, try softclaws.

www.softclaws.com

Little vinyl caps you glue on your cat's claws. Kitty doesn't even know they're there. They'll stay on for about two months or so, until natural nail growth pushes them off...then you just reapply.

You can get the kit for $15 or so at any petco or petsmart.

Or you can order online at: www.softclaws.com

[havocmom]

13. If I could get my cat to sit still for having those put on...

I could just keep her nails clipped. As it is, I have a rather rare blood type and the little furry killer would have to be strapped down and sedated before I would try either method again ;)

[jpgray]

14. Sounds like a good idea

Thanks!

[mike_c]

6. yep, get at least one good scatching post, and a climbing tree....

Cats NEED to stretch their finger muscles, their forelimb muscles, and their shoulder muscles. It feels good to them, so it's self reinforcing-- you cannot convince them to not do it without creating neurotic kitties. The solution is to provide them with more appealing alternative resources to scratch and pull on.

[GirlinContempt]

8. Have a serious, sit down conversation.

Lay down your boundaries and rules. See if you can work out a compromise.


Whats the cats name?

[jpgray]

Do I have to let him out of the freezer for that?

[GirlinContempt]

11. At least open the door.

[Critters2]

9. A good scratching post made of wood (which is what cats scratch in the wild)

Here's the one my cats love:

www.naturalscratch.com

[jpgray]

10. Looks classy! Must be made in Chicago

[Critters2]

12. No. It's made in Wisconsin. It's made from trees, which are few and far between in Chicago. nt

[begin_within]

15. I put small towels on the arms of the couch, then if the cat tries to scratch it, it just comes off,

and the cat walks away. It also leaves evidence that the cat tried.