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It is in your cat's nature to scratch. Cats evolved their razor-sharp claws to hunt and to defend themselves from prey. When humans domesticated them, their claws, and their instinct to use them by scratching, did not go away. For many people, scratching is such a nuisance that they end up getting their cats declawed. This kind of surgery and its aftermath can have many complications and be extremely painful and debilitating for most cats. Fortunately, there are many alternatives to getting a cat declawed.

The first and simplest solution to a habitual scratcher is to buy a few scratching posts and place them around the house. By using scratching posts cats can let out their need and desire to scratch in a way that is safe and doesn't cause his owner a headache. Scratching posts are generally made of something coarse, such as corrugated cardboard, burlap, or sisal. Not only does using a scratching posts satisfy the cat scratching instinct, it also aids in removing dead skin and nail from a cat's paws.

By using scratching posts, cat behaviors like scratching can be improved easily and inexpensively. The costs for this posts can range from less than ten dollars for a disposable cardboard post to the very extravagant posts that are carpeted and essentially cat furniture. It is a good idea to also provide more than one post per cat due to the cat's instinct to mark their territory by exercising claws throughout the house.

If you are still having trouble keeping your furniture from being scratched, you can purchase some bubble wrap or double-sided tape. Use these materials to completely cover the scratched surfaces. The next time your cat tries to scratch, he or she will find that it is uncomfortable and unpleasant, and soon give up the habit. Just keep the bubble wrap or tape on for a week or so, and your cat will soon learn his or her lesson.

Clipping your cat's claws can also help if you are having a hard time with a cats behavior of scratching. Special tools to do this are available at pet stores, but you can also use your own fingernail clippers to give your cat a trim. Firmly hold your cat and lightly squeeze its paw pads, which will make the claws pop out. Then cautiously clip off the end of the claw, making sure not to cut off too much. Cutting off too much can cause your cat a lot of pain.

If you haven't successfully altered your cats behavior by using scratching posts and covering the scratched surfaces, then you can try using claw covers. Claw covers are like artificial nails for your cat. They can be applied either at home or at your vet's office, and come in a variety of fun colors. A small amount of special glue makes them cling to each claw. The slippery, blunt surface of the claw cover will protect your carpet and furniture.

Cats have a natural instinct to scratch, so occasionally cat owners have to deal with problem cat scratching. By using scratching posts cats can let out their need to scratch without wrecking your furniture or drapes. Inexpensive models cost less than ten dollars. You can also try covering parts of your furniture with bubble wrap or double-sided tape. Your cat will dislike the texture and in a few weeks, stop scratching. Other ideas to curb your cats behavior are clipping your cat's claws (but only a little!) or buying claw covers. A dab of adhesive keeps these blunt covers on a cat's claws to save carpet and furniture.