Cats That Don’T Scratch: A Complete Guide

Scratching is a natural behavior for cats, allowing them to remove dead outer claws and stretch their bodies. However, this normal feline activity can wreak havoc on furniture and skin. If you’re looking for ways to curb scratching, you’ve come to the right place.

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: Provide appropriate scratching posts, trim your cat’s nails regularly, use deterrent sprays, and consider nail caps or declawing as a last resort.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover why cats scratch, how to trim their nails safely, effective scratching deterrents, ideal scratching posts to redirect scratching, soft paws/nail caps, and more. Read on to learn how to curb scratching from your feline friend.

Why Do Cats Scratch?

Natural Claw Maintenance

Scratching is a normal and beneficial feline behavior. Cats have an instinctual need to scratch for many reasons. One of the main reasons cats scratch is to remove the dead outer layer of their claws and reveal the sharp new claw underneath.

Extending and retracting their claws while scratching conditions the claw sheaths and muscles, keeping them healthy.

Cats also scratch to mark their territory and leave both a visual and scent mark. When cats scratch objects like furniture, they leave behind a visual mark from their claws. Their paw pads also have scent glands that release pheromones onto the scratched object.

This leaves a scent mark that communicates information to other cats that may come across the scratched object.

Communication

As mentioned, scratching leaves scent marks that serve as a form of communication between cats. The pheromones released from scratching communicate information about the cat, such as their age, sex, reproductive status, and more.

Scratching objects allows cats to let other cats in the area know they were there.

Cats may also scratch when they feel anxious or stressed. By scratching items in their environment, cats are able to release some of their nervous energy. The act of scratching produces endorphins in the cat’s brain that help them feel more relaxed.

Scratching also allows cats to mark items with their scent, making their environment more comfortable and familiar.

Stretching

Scratching serves an important physical purpose for cats by helping them stretch their bodies and flex their feet and claws. The act of scratching stretches and works a cat’s back, leg, shoulder, and paw muscles.

As a form of exercise, scratching helps cats release energy and keep their bodies supple.

Cats especially like to scratch when they wake up from naps and sleep. Scratching helps them stretch out their muscles and work out any kinks after being curled up sleeping. Providing cats with a good scratching post allows them a place to fully stretch and work the muscles in their paws, legs, shoulders, and back.

How to Trim Your Cat’s Nails

Start Young

Getting kittens used to having their nails trimmed when they are young sets them up for success later in life. Most experts recommend starting nail trims when kittens are around 8-12 weeks old. At this age, they are still impressionable and will hopefully come to see nail trims as a normal part of their routine.

Start by gently handling their paws and rewarding them with treats. Over time, work up to clipping just the very tips of their sharp little nails. Taking it slow and making it a positive experience will help prevent anxiety about nail trims down the road.

Use Proper Nail Clippers

Having the right tool for the job makes a big difference when trimming kitty claws. Standard human nail clippers are usually too large for cats’ tiny nails. Opt for a pair of clippers specifically designed for pets, which allows for a clean, quick, and precise clip. The best cat nail clippers have a guard that prevents you from cutting the quick.

Guillotine-style trimmers are easy to position and often recommended by vets and groomers.

Take Breaks

Trimming all of your cat’s nails in one marathon session can be stressful for both of you. It’s often better to break the process down into multiple quick trims. For example, you could do the front paws one day and the back paws the next day.

Some cats may even need breaks within a single session, only allowing 3-4 nails trimmed at a time before needing reassurance and distraction. Pay attention to your kitty’s body language rather than powering through. Repeated positive, low-stress experiences will help them build tolerance.

Give Treats

What better way to make nail trims more enjoyable than with tasty treats? Giving your cat a small morsel of wet food, a lick of Churu, or a few kibble as a reward helps reinforce that nail trims = yummy things.

You can either give treats throughout the process or save them all for afterward as a “job well done” reward. Offer encouragement and praise too – cats understand our approving tone of voice. Pretty soon your cat will look forward to clip days.

Avoid the Quick

The whisker-like nerve endings in the quick can make trimming painful if they are clipped. It’s easy to avoid with a little know-how. The quick recedes farther back in older cats with thicker nails, so you only need to remove the sharp tip.

Kittens have shorter quicks that are more visible as a pinkish area inside the nail. Only trim off the sharp white end, taking care not to squeeze the nail and expose more of the quick. If bleeding occurs, apply styptic powder or cornstarch to stop it.

With practice, nail trims become quick and painless for all!

Effective Scratching Deterrents

Double-Sided Sticky Tape

One of the most popular and effective options for stopping cats from scratching furniture or other areas is double-sided sticky tape. This clear tape has a sticky adhesive on both sides so when a cat touches or presses on it, they instantly recoil and learn to avoid that spot.

Studies show that cats dislike and actively avoid sticking to the tape, so it trains them to not scratch where it is placed. When applied to furniture legs, door frames, walls, or any other scratched surface, double-sided tape provides an inexpensive and harmless deterrent.

It’s easy to find at pet stores or hardware stores and can be cut to size. Replace the tape every couple of weeks when dirt accumulates and reduces stickiness. With consistent use of double-sided tape on problem scratch zones, damage to household items can be greatly reduced.

Scat Mats

Scat mats, also called startled cat mats, provide a harmless but unpleasant surprise for cats who step on them. They have a flat plastic surface with multiple stiff plastic spikes that are harmless to cats’ paws but deliver a startling sensation when touched.

This immediately deters cats from continuing to scratch or climb on the areas protected by the mats. Scat mats can be particularly useful for covering furniture like sofas, chairs, and even window sills that a cat may be prone to scratching or climbing on.

The mats are designed to not damage furniture underneath. While scat mats don’t physically harm cats, the prickly feeling on their paws provides an instant unpleasant stimulus that motivates them to avoid those areas. With consistent use, cats learn not to scratch or climb where the mats are placed.

Scat mats are a great option for protecting specific furniture items without having to cover entire rooms in deterrents.

Sprays (Citrus, Vinegar, Bitter Apple)

There are a variety of natural cat deterrent sprays that can be applied to scratched surfaces to repel cats from those areas. Popular options include citrus, vinegar, and bitter apple sprays. The strong smells of these substances are unpleasant and irritating for most cats.

When sprayed directly onto problem scratch zones like furniture, carpets, drapes, wood trim, etc., the smell teaches cats to avoid those areas. Citrus sprays use the oils from oranges, lemons, limes, or grapefruit for their strong citrusy aroma. Vinegar has an equally unpleasant sharp odor.

Bitter apple spray replicates the terrible taste of bitters to cats. These sprays provide a simple, natural option compared to chemical-based products. Reapplication every few days is needed as the smells dissipate over time.

Consistent use can effectively train cats to redirect scratching to appropriate places. Just be sure to avoid spraying right on kitty – aim for the scratched items instead. Various spray brands can be found at pet supply retailers or made at home with natural extracts.

With persistence and consistency using deterrents like double-sided tape, scat mats, or unpleasant aroma sprays, cat owners can curb and redirect scratching habits. Each cat’s personality determines their sensitivity and response to deterrents, so find what works best for an individual.

Rotating methods provides variety. Focus deterrents on the exact scratch zones first, then expand protected areas as needed. Be sure to provide enough suitable scratching posts, pads, etc. so kitty has appropriate outlets. Stopping scratch damage takes time and patience, but is very achievable.

Ideal Scratching Posts

Vertical Is Key

Cats have a natural instinct to scratch vertically, so upright scratching posts are ideal. Look for posts that are sturdy, tall, and allow for a good full-body stretch. Multiple levels or tiers also allow your cat to scratch at different heights.

Multiple Textures

Cats like a variety of textures when scratching. Scratching posts wrapped in sisal rope or natural jute are great choices. Carpeted posts are also enticing. Look for posts with both vertical and horizontal scratching surfaces.

Some posts combine sisal, carpet, and wood for the ultimate scratching experience.

Catnip

Sprinkling some catnip on your feline’s scratching posts can make them even more appealing. Catnip activates scent receptors and triggers a response that makes cats go crazy with joy. They’ll be drawn to rub, roll, and scratch wherever that delightful catnip scent is found.

Strategic Placement

Place scratching posts near your cat’s favorite lounging and playing areas. Posts by a sunny window or cozy cat tree are ideal spots. Make sure they’re easily accessible and visible – don’t tuck them away in a corner. You want to encourage your cat to use them often.

Proper placement is key for redirecting scratching to appropriate surfaces.

Soft Paws/Nail Caps

Application Process

The application process for soft paws or nail caps is relatively straightforward. First, trim your cat’s nails to avoid any sharp edges. Then, fit the nail caps over each claw and apply a small dot of the accompanying glue to the inner surface.

Hold the nail cap firmly for about 30 seconds as the glue sets. The caps simply slip over the existing nail, so they are completely safe and painless for cats.

Proper sizing of nail caps is important for a good fit. Measure your cat’s claws and select the right small, medium or large size caps. Most brands offer a handy claw sizer tool for this purpose. Apply new nail caps every 4-6 weeks as your cat’s nails grow out and the caps fall off on their own.

The whole application takes only about 5-10 minutes per paw once you get the hang of it.

Pros and Cons

Some key advantages of nail caps include:

• Protect furniture and household items from damage
• Painlessly blunt claws so scratches don’t break skin
• Allow cats to keep their claws and exhibit natural scratching behavior
• Easy and safe for cat owners to apply at home

However, there are also a few potential downsides such as:

• Require reapplication every 4-6 weeks
• Some cats may try to chew off caps at first
• Not recommended for outdoor cats who need claws for protection/hunting

Best Brands

Based on reviews from cat owners and veterinarians, some top recommended brands for nail caps include:

These brands consistently receive positive feedback for good fit, ease of application, and quality materials that allow natural claw growth underneath yet safely dull sharp points. Prices range from $8-$15 for an initial kit with caps for all four paws and glue which can then be reused for several applications.

As the global nail caps market size reached $59 million in 2021, major brands continue to innovate with designer colors and patterns. However, cat comfort and safety remain top priorities, so be sure to monitor fit and watch for signs of chewing or irritation.

Declawing

What It Entails

Declawing, or onychectomy, is a surgical procedure that removes a cat’s claws by amputating the end bones of the cat’s toes. This involves severing tendons and ligaments as well as the bone removal. It is an extremely painful procedure that permanently disables a cat from engaging in normal scratching behaviors.

Sadly, declawing remains a common practice in some parts of the world despite increasing opposition from veterinarians and animal welfare advocates.

Risks and Complications

Declawing comes with many potential risks and complications, both in the short and long term. Anesthesia carries inherent risks, and the surgery itself can lead to excessive bleeding or infection. Nerve damage may occur, leaving cats with long-term chronic pain in their paws.

Since claws are vital for balance and movement, declawed cats may struggle with pain and mobility issues for life. Other issues like inappropriate urination may arise. Research indicates declawed cats are more likely to develop unwanted behaviors and suffer increased stress.

Tragically, declawing can ruin a cat’s quality of life.

Cats use their claws for stretching, exercising, and relieving stress through scratching. After declawing, cats are deprived of these natural behaviors critical to health and happiness. Declawed cats may turn to biting when frustrated because their primary means of defense has been removed.

Humane Alternatives

Thankfully, there are many effective and humane alternatives to declawing:

• Regular nail trims – Keeping a cat’s nails short greatly reduces scratch damage.
• Scratching posts and surfaces – Offering acceptable scratching outlets satisfies natural scratching urges.
• Soft Paws/nail caps – These cover a cat’s claws with soft plastic caps preventing scratch damage.
• Training – Using positive reinforcement helps redirect scratching to proper locations.
• Furniture protection – Special scratch deterrents like double sided sticky tape can protect furniture.

With patience and effort, it is entirely possible to have a well-behaved cat that scratches appropriately. Declawing should never be an option. There are always better solutions that do not harm cats or take away their ability to behave naturally as cats.

The ideal cat owner makes the small sacrifices needed to provide appropriate scratching outlets. Taking the time to humanely train a cat saves years of pain and behavioral issues. Through education and advocacy of humane training methods, declawing can hopefully become an unnecessary relic of the past.

Conclusion

While scratching is innate to cats, there are plenty of humane ways to curb the damage caused by those sharp claws. With proper training, nail maintenance, deterrents and scratching posts, you can redirect scratching to appropriate surfaces.

The key is addressing the underlying causes, not punishing the behavior itself. Be patient, consistent and reward good behavior. With time, even the fiercest feline scratcher can learn to scratch smart and spare your furniture.