Clawing Issue...HELP!

Our new Ragdoll is cute as a button, but he's been clawing a particular section of our loveseat. I know that spot was previously scratched by another cat and speculate that our kitty is trying to replace the other cat's scent (though I could be wrong).

We have a scratching post not even a foot away from that spot, which he uses but still then goes to the loveseat. We can't use a rattling can because we have two birds, who would become very disturbed from such loud, unexplainable noise. Since we work full time, we can't consistently squirt kitty's tail with water. And I don't want to use those clapper (simulated mouse trap) thingies (our kitten could reach over them to scratch, and I don't want him fearful about getting on the loveseat).

I feel my only recourse is to drap tinfoil over the area, but I'm not sure that would work.

Any ideas would be much appreciated!

Jenk

Jenk,

I don't know how this works because I haven't had to use it, but I've seen double-sided sticky tape in pet stores that is supposed to prevent clawing (and doesn't damage furniture). Apparently, the kitties don't like the stickiness.

I've read about double-sided sticky tape and forgot all about it. It sounds like the best option I have thus far. It's certainly worth a try, although I'll feel bad knowing the little guy is getting his fur stuck to the couch.

Jenk

Your loveseat may be a bit unattractive for a while, but here are a few suggestions. First, get an enzymatic cleaner and clean the place that the kitten is scratching. If he is trying to replace a scent of another cat, that should help a lot. Double-sided tape (any tape sticky side out) should help, as di2001 pointed out. Tin foil is another option. Generally, they don't like the feel of either of these on their paws. Citrus is another good deterrant, maybe putting a citrus air freshener on or right by the loveseat (you would want to move his scratching post away). I've also heard of putting helium balloons in an area you don't want kitty (but that was more for keeping him off the counter), which look bigger and intimidate kitty. There are also "No Scratch" products that you can get at a pet supply store (like PetsMart) that you spray on your furniture.

Disclaimer: There is no sure-fire way of doing this. Cats are supposed to hate sticky, but my Ophelia loves chewing on packing tape and batting around tape balls sticky side out. I've heard of cats who love drinking orange juice, even though they are supposed to hate citrus. Point is, keep trying things or a combination until you find something that works. Even if the water is a deterrant, you want something to happen every time kitty scratches or he will learn that he just can't scratch it when Mommy and Daddy are home. When you do see him scratching, just move him to his scratching post so he knows that is the ONLY place acceptable to scratch.

I've bought stock in Mead (the makers of duct tape)

:laughing:

Disclaimer: There is no sure-fire way of doing this. Cats are supposed to hate sticky, but my Ophelia loves chewing on packing tape and batting around tape balls sticky side out. I've heard of cats who love drinking orange juice, even though they are supposed to hate citrus. Point is, keep trying things or a combination until you find something that works.

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valanhb - I understand completely. Sticky tape only worked as long as it took them to rip it off, then they continued to scratch what I didn't want scratched. And tin foil was apparently too tempting too, the second I coated my counters in it to stop them from walking all over them, the jumped up and began playing. And squirt guns work, but only if I am there and pointing the gun at the cat, then they jump down.

I guess what I am saying is, good luck Jenk Nothing is truly cat proof, I think they enjoy proving humans wrong.

you can also get a few helium filled ballons with long strings. Take the strings and place them under the cushions and anchor the balloons over the area where kitty is scratching. Do this only when you are home to gauge her reaction.Most kitties are afraid of the floaty things, though some do attack them. LOL You can even add cause to the effect by placing a small fan near enough to blow air and cause the balloons to move. A day or so of these scary things in her place will stop her from wanting to get up there at all.

One thing that comes to mind... is he scratching the loveseat vertically or horizontally?

The Dreaded Tum,

I've only seen him scratch horizontally.

I should mention that he has three vertical scratch posts (the cone-shaped kind that you can get at PetsMart), which he uses because he was raised with them. He also has a 6' cat tree, which has one very high sisal-wrapped post and four pine posts. I've only seen him use the sisal-wrapped post thus far.

Jenk

There are nail caps that can be placed over the kittens nails that will keep the furniture from being damaged. It comes 20 to a package and includes the glue. It takes 2 people to hold and apply them but it's worth it.They come in different sizes so bring kitty with you to fit them. Hope this helps!

If he's scratching in a different direction on the loveseat than his other scratchers, he may have to stretch in a way that the other scratcher don't allow him to. Go to Wal Mart/Target something like that and get one of the cardboard scratchers that lay flat on the ground. It's basically a little box with rows of cardboard for scratching. It comes with catnip already in it, so he should understand what it's for. They cost less than $5 so if it doesn't work at least you aren't out much. Put that down beside the loveseat and see if he doesn't choose the one he's supposed to scratch on.

DragonLady and Valanhb,

To answer you both in one feel swoop:

We're getting nail caps on the kitty this upcoming Monday, when he gets his shots. (We've had this planned for the last three weeks.)
Simon only scratches vertically, unless you count our front-door throw rug, which, of course, lays horizontal on the floor. He always scratches the couch vertically. I find it odd, though, since he doesn't reach any higher there than he can on his smaller vertical scratching posts. (As I've said earlier, I think he may be scratching that area of the couch because it was scratched by the cat of the couch's previous owners.)

Thanks,

Jenk