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scratching away...

saxxy27 Jan 22, 2004 12:44 AM

My kitten scratches everything in sight, which luckily includes his sisal and carpeted scratching posts, but unfortunately also includes many other "no-no's". Sounds like nothing new, right? Well, I have scars up and down my legs and arms, and I've only had him for ~3 months. He's very sweet and good-natured, but he's like playing with a tiger kitten! My relatively new couch and carpet are beginning to show wear from him as well, which are really my primary concerns. I do keep his nails trimmed, but his persistance makes up for what the claws lack in sharpness. I've tried the "No Scratch" and "No Stay" sprays, but he's apparently immune. Those adorable little claw covers haven't worked either -- he chews all but one off on each foot within a day or so (always the same one that he leaves on too -- on the "longest" toe). Stern commands work only every once and a while. Shaking a plastic jug with pennies in it doesn't even phase the little guy. Spraying him with a water gun (we're talking VERY small water gun, not a super-soaker or anything!) worked... for about 3 days. I do not really want to get him declawed for several reasons -- primarily because he's still a kitten and I know he could potentially grow out of what I hope to be a phase. But what can my couch, carpet and I do in the meantime??

Thanks for looking,

Holly and Gir

How can something so cute be so destructive??
Image

Replies (3)

BobnDaisy Jan 22, 2004 08:13 AM

Being a kitten he is just a furball full of energy. Have you tried sticky paws (kinda like big scotch tape) or Feliway (a spray you apply on the areas being 'attacked'). Maybe one of these will do the trick.
As for scratching and biting you, you can give a soft tap on the nose to let him no its not OK and then just walk away from him. He is probably a little bit bored and trying to get your attention, so try to schedule play sessions where you make him play with you and the toys (fishing pole type toys) until he is exhausted.
Good luck...

PHMadameAlto Jan 22, 2004 08:36 PM

Your kitty probably is full of play aggression. When he bites you you should yell "Ouch" in as high and loud a voice possible. This imitates the sound a kitten uses when he cries "uncle" because he's had enough roughhousing. Most cats will back off at that sound.

Sticky paws are another good thing to help with unwanted clawing. So is covering favorite scratching surfaces with aluminum foil.

Here are some articles about play aggression that may help you:
petplace.netscape.com/articles/artShow.asp?artID=3498
www.drpetra.com/Cats/Aggression & Play in Cats.htm
www.sniksnak.com/cathealth/aggression2.html
www.kingstownecatclinic.com/Play Aggression.htm

Good luck! The kitten sure is a cutie pie!

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Smile, it will make them wonder what you are up to!

JaimeMarie Jan 31, 2004 09:42 AM

Your kitty is adorable. Don't put duct tape on anything. Bf tried it with Moxie. What he got a kitty foot that need tape removel. It was horrible. He had to cut the fur off the pads of her feet to get it off.

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Jaime owned by
Mya the dog
and the cats:Crash, Moxie, Gabby and sometimes Tucker

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