How To Handle Cat Scratching: Know Your Options

Does your cat seem to have a problem with scratching everything in sight? Even if you've bought certain items for your cat to use, such as a scratching post and scratching pad, the animal may still be scratching you, your furniture, and lots of other items inside the home. If you're not sure what to do but you do want to keep the cat because you love your pet, there are some alternative options for you to consider.

Caps For Claws

Did you know it's possible to cover your cat's claws? Several brands offer special caps for cat claws. The cats get to keep their claws but would no longer be able to tear into your belongings or cause a lot of harm by scratching people. If you'd like to try the caps for your cat's claws, you'll need to purchase the right ones based on the size of the animal. After choosing a size, you can select a specific color. The caps are available in a clear shade as well as assorted vibrant shades, such as orange, blue, pink, and even red.

Putting the caps on the claws is the trickiest part. It's not too difficult, but some cats aren't as cooperative as others. It only takes a second or two to add the glue to the cap and then place it on each claw, but it could take a bit longer if your cat is moving around a lot. Simply do what you can to make your cat feel relaxed. If you're having too difficult of a time, you can always visit a local pet store to ask for assistance. Once the caps are on, they typically last for several weeks at a time before they need to be replaced with new caps.

Declawing the Cat

If you're having trouble with the caps and your cat is biting at them while trying to remove them, you may want to consider a different option. It's possible to have your cat declawed to prevent the animal from scratching at people or furniture. It's often recommended as a last resort for cats if the caps aren't working as well as you'd hoped. If you choose to have your cat declawed, a portion of the claw is removed to keep the animal from being able to push the claw out and then scratch all kinds of things. The procedure is permanent, and the recovery time is normally quite short. Most cats recover from the surgery within a week or two at most. To learn more, talk with a vet like those at Animal House Veterinary Hospital.

If your cat has a major scratching problem and nothing seems to work, try caps for the claws. These caps could prevent some of the scratching from taking place. If the caps don't work and you're not sure what to do moving forward, you could consider declawing the cat.