We have a cross-bred MC/Persian Male approx 6 years old (& his sister). We have always given him lots of love & attention, but in the last few months he has started to claw at the furniture all the time.

He seems to do it most when he is bored & wants to attract our attention. He knows that this behaviour will provoke a reaction from us. It doesn't seem to bother him that the attention comes in the form of a telling off, being threatened with a water spray or being thrown out of the house, just as long as he gets a reaction of some sort.

We can't just ignore this behaviour because the furniture is being ruined & it's impossible to supervise him constantly. Does anyone have any ideas on how to stop him doing any more damage?

-- Anonymous, December 31, 2000

Answers

It is never a good idea to put a cat outside. The dangers are just too great. Several things you can do about the scratching. Make sure you have several kinds of scratching posts near the furniture he prefers. When you catch him, take him off the couch and say "NO" then place him on the posts saying "Good boy". Place foil or plastic wrap on his favorite spots. Spray him with water whenever he scratches. Keep his nails trimmed (every 2 weeks).

-- Anonymous, January 01, 2001

One more thing, try to catch him immediately before he starts scratching and begin to play with him to distract him.

-- Anonymous, January 01, 2001

The answer for us was very simple; double-sided sticky tape on the furniture stopped all scratching immediately. A scratching post is a must also.

-- Anonymous, January 03, 2001

I think giving him a reaction of any sort will only encourage that behavior. I'm not an expert, but I have learned that you have to take a more "remote" or more passive approach to getting a cat to do what you want it to do. I agree with the sticky tape. It's a hassle for a few days, but that should discourage him. Furthermore, they won't associate any of it with you and will better help to enforce the proper behavior even while you're not there.

Hope that helps.

-- Anonymous, January 03, 2001