Wednesdays Helpful Tip #5

                             Trimming Cat Nails
                     and Maybe Saving Your Furniture.

A cat doesn't set out to destroy the furniture on purpose. He just needs a place to exercise his nails.

Trim nails regularly. Have a friend hold the cat or kitten (it's best to start young, getting your kitten use to having its paws handled and its nails clipped).

Gently press on the pads of the paw and the nail will extract from its protective sheath. With a nail clipper (like the one you use to trim your nails) clip the end of the nail.

 Do not clip beyond the darken area that is a vein) Only the front nails require clipping.

Some other things that might help keep the kitties from destroying the furniture are:

Buy or make your own scratching post. A scratching post need not be a post at all. There are several inexpensive corrugated cardboard types that cats seem to love.

Purchase or grow your own cat nip to spread on either the post or box to make the scratching area even more enticing.

Making loud noises anytime the cat goes near the furniture. Clap hands loudly. Saying “NO!“ in a firm voice or blowing a whistle.

Put bubble wrap near the edge of the furniture. The popping noise may stop him from going near the furniture.

Attaching tape with the sticky side out on and/or around the furniture.

Cover scratched areas with aluminum foil. Cats don't like the feel of it.

Keep a spray bottle on hand to give kitty a quick squirt anytime she is near the furniture.

Use an indoor/outdoor dog repellent (it also works for cats). Spray the furniture with it. Spray rugs and carpet around the furniture as well. It requires regular reapplication but it can be effective.

When scratching, cats leave behind their own scent to mark their favorite spots. Remove the scent by cleaning the upholstery with a product like Nature’s Miracle.

Close the doors to rooms with upholstered furniture and keep the cat out of them.

When purchasing new furniture, try to find some with plain textures. Cats will be less attracted to them.

Cover furniture with slipcovers, blankets or sheets.

Play with your cat often and give it a lot of toys with which to independently play.

If nothing else seems to be working, consult your veterinarian. The last thing you want to do is declaw your cat because it is a very painful procedure. But some veterinarians can apply plastic caps to the cat’s claws. These will have to be replaced somewhat regularly, but at least it won’t destroy the furniture when it claws at it.