Can't add much to the great advice you've been given but just in case you read again.......I've had great luck with just scattering three or four carpet samples (about 12 x 18" around for the cats to use as scratching pads. This is also where I give them catnip so they love that. They also have a tall cat hotel with both carpet and sisal on the posts. They seem to prefer the carpet. Friends have great luck with those cardboard horizontal scratch pads, too. My cats respond to tone of voice better than water or other noises but sometimes I use clapping hands if I want to really startle them. I heartily agree with the advice to get a second kitten. Not only will it give this kitten a playmate to use up energy but will keep her from getting so lonely when you are gone and will also give another cat a good home. I'd get one pretty quickly while they're still young, though, and introduce it slowly over a period of days. Congratulations on becoming a cat's human and thanks for giving a home to deserving kits! Katc

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