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Scratch happy: Alternatives to declawing

Cats enjoy a good scratch, so help them get one

By Dr. Marty Becker and Gina Spadafori

published 11/02/2009 | View all articles from this day

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We don’t like declawing, and we don’t recommend it as a first reaction to any behavior problems in cats.

That said, we understand how in some cases it’s a cat’s last chance to stay in a good home rather than face uncertain prospects at a shelter. And we know, too, that a well-done veterinary declawing with full pain control is no worse in the short-term than many other surgeries. But we still don’t recommend it as anything except a last-chance alternative to losing a good home. In other words: It shouldn’t be a preventive or immediately reactive approach to a behavior problem that can be dealt with in other ways.

That’s because scratching is a natural and satisfying behavior for cats. It provides a good stretch, marks territory and keeps the claws in good shape. If at all possible, we’d rather a cat be allowed to be a cat in all ways, and that includes enjoying the pleasures of scratching.

If you absolutely, positively have no tolerance for scratching, one great alternative to declawing is to adopt a cat who has already been declawed rather than taking home a kitten and having him declawed. If you already have a cat who’s driving you crazy clawing your couch, try the carrot-and-stick approach to changing the behavior to one you can live with.

The carrot: Offer your cat alternative places to scratch.

The stick: Make your furniture unattractive to a clawing cat.

The best investment you can make for your pet’s enjoyment — and your furniture’s preservation — is a cat tree with a high perch for your pet to look down on the family. (Cats like being above it all!) Sisal, a natural ropelike covering, is a good covering for cat trees, as is carpet with loops that aren’t too shaggy. If you’re even a little bit handy, you can make your own cat tree by using scrap lumber, sisal or carpet remnants.

You can make a cat tree even more appealing by playing games with your cat on the tree and by petting and praising him for scratching there. Some cats may enjoy having fresh catnip rubbed onto the cat tree as added enticement.

Cat trees aren’t the only options. Add other approved places for your cat to scratch, such as vertical or horizontal posts, scratching trays filled with corrugated cardboard or scratching pads hung from doorknobs. Experiment to see what your cat likes best.

Once you have approved scratching areas in place, make the places your cat shouldn’t be clawing unattractive by putting double-sided patches (such as Sticky Paws) or tape on the furniture. If the furniture fabric is too delicate, put the double-sided material on a piece of cardboard that wraps around the corner of the furniture. Cats hate to touch anything sticky, and so anything mounted sticky-side out will discourage scratching.

Start with your scratching alternative near the problem area. Your cat may shift his attention away from your furniture to the scratching post or tree. Offer praise and treats for good behavior.

Once your cat understands what the scratching post is for, you can slowly move it to the part of the room where you’d like it. Leave the sticky deterrent on the furniture during the retraining and be patient.

Keeping the sharp tips of claws blunt will also help to minimize damage from clawing. It’s best to start clipping nail tips when your cat’s a kitten, but most adult cats can learn to tolerate the procedure. Use a regular human nail-trimmer, and be patient as your cat learns to tolerate having the very tip nipped. Treats and praise are a must!

Declawing shouldn’t be the first strategy for solving a scratching problem. Give your cat a chance to learn and follow the rule, and you will likely be pleased with the results.