When cat owners start seeing their furniture in tatters and their carpeting pulled up, the first solution often considered is declawing: surgical removal of the last bone of each digit on the forepaws. This irreversible procedure is followed by a period of painful recovery, which takes longer with age. Declawed cats that spend time outdoors are unable to successfully climb away from danger, and falling from an attempted climb can result in serious injuries. Without its normal means of warning and defense, the cat must resort to biting its assailant if it can’t flee – this applies to situations involving humans, too. Finally, imagine being stripped of the ability to pick things up! Anyone who’s seen a cat play with a paper ball or a piece of string knows that they routinely use their claws to grasp things. There are, however, effective alternatives to declawing your cat. All they require is your commitment, love, and patience.

Training your cat to use a scratching post is the ideal way to avoid torn up furniture. But it’s not always as simple as bringing home a carpeted post, setting it in the corner, and waiting for your cat to decide to use it. Here are some helpful training tips:

1. GET YOUR CAT’S SCENT ON THE POST. This is easily done by spreading the claws, and rubbing the paw against the post. Your cat will be more attracted to the post if the aroma from its own scent glands is applied.
2. USE CATNIP ON THE POST. Catnip can be sprayed or rubbed onto the post. Periodic reapplication will keep it smelling irresistible.
3. ROPE OR SHAG? UPRIGHT OR FLAT? Scratching posts come with different features because cats come with different preferences. Posts which offer a variety of surfaces are ideal. And an easy way to provide that horizontal “scratch-the-floor” feeling is with a cheap kitchen rug. Households with more than one cat may require more than one post, if your cats are reluctant to share.
4. POST PLACEMENT IS IMPORTANT, TOO. Use it to block access to those items that are taking a beating. For example, place it at the corner of your couch, in front of your stereo speaker, or on the carpet next to the door. Also, your cat may be more apt to use the post it it’s in the den instead of the laundry room.

Three essential elements of any training regimen are PREVENTION, DISCIPLINE, and REWARD. You can prevent your cat from scratching furniture with one of the many sprays sold at pet supply stores. These sprays are furniture-safe, with a scent that won’t bother you, but will fend off your cat. Discipline is easily accomplished with a water bottle and a stern tone of voice. Never yell at or hit your cat. And remember to BE CONSISTENT – punishing some transgressions and ignoring others sends a confusing message to your cat, and can make training a long and frustrating process for both of you. Finally, don’t forget to reward your cat for using its scratching post with praise and play!

Available through your veterinarian, these synthetic nail covers permit scratching while preventing damage. You can buy a pack of thirty for $23.55 – less than 8 cents per nail cover. On your cat’s paw, they last anywhere from three weeks to three months, depending on how hard your cat uses them. Putting the nails on does require that you be able to manage your cat’s paw; each claw must be clipped and a drop of glue applied. Through repetition and gentle handling, however, your cat can adjust to the routine. If your cat spends most of its time outside, keep in mind that Soft Paws will make climbing more difficult, but not impossible.

So before you declaw, please make the effort to explore other alternatives first. You cat will appreciate it!