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Kitten tips Anonymous
Hey /an/ we got a new kitten (pictured) a week ago. I've never had a cat before, what's the best method to prevent scratching (both people and furniture)? Declawing is not an option. Any other tips greatly appreciated.
>> Anonymous
In b4 war of the catfags.
>> anymoose
>>48881
Truth.

There are several methods, I guess, to prevent your cat from being an asshole. One would be spraying them with water when they do it. However, I'm sure someone thinks this is OMG CRUEL AHHGHGskfjlsfs. Another would be putting those little caps on your cat's claws - again, I'm sure someone thinks this is equivalent to beating your cat with a baseball bat.

Make sure you have a scratching post available for him/her, though.
>> Anonymous
I second the recommendation for a scratching post. The spraying with water is not a bad idea; just don't use a lot, only enough to annoy him/her. Also, don't do it conspicuously, as you don't want the cat to associate it with you.

Also be sure to have some other cat toys laying around in case he/she gets bored.

So what's his/her name?
>> Anonymous
>>48883
The kitten's name is Nikki. She loves laying on top of my laptop, as it heats up nicely.
>> Anonymous
Well....

If you're lucky you'll get one like mine who doesn't scratch anywhere but his post.

More likely though you'll get one like my old cat.
I trimmed her claws. She was always doing stupid things that I had to punish her for so since she hated the trimming I used it as a punishment. It worked.

There are also little covers they sell. I don't know if they work though I have a feeling they'd only stay on 5 minutes wiht my cats.

Another thing you can do is get 'training spray'... stuff like "Pet No". Spray it on things you don't want scratched. Then get some catnip spray and spray it on the scratching post.
Seems to work with my kitty right now and helped cut down with the cat i had before.
>> Anonymous
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I have three scratching things like I pictured and one cat tree. With these at their disposal, all four of my cats (two bottle raised kittens, two older cats we fostered) tend to keep their claws off the furniture. We've also got some toys we rotate out and an activity center of sorts (with hanging things and feathers, etc).

I'm glad you're not going with declawing. Sounds like it *really* fucks up their personality.

Also: fixed yet? Especially if you're concerned about your cat scratching people!
>> Anonymous
A quick sharp 'HEY!' usualy stops them from clawing.

They have cheep cardboard box things, some of them have catnip in them. They usualy go after those first.
>> Anonymous
1) Snip claws regularly.
2) Get something called SoftPaws ( the plastic thing for claws ) - They last about 3 months and cost 20 dollars.
3) Get it a nice carpet that he will scratch. Mine doesn't scratch anything but the carpet. Don't catnip your cat if it's under 4 months old ( They can't smell it, and some wont even care for catnip ).
4) Keep him occupied.
>> Anonymous
When my kitten would scratch the furniture, I'd raise my voice or spray on him a few water drops. Then I'd lead him to the scratching post and gently squeeze his nails out and scratch the post a little, with an encouraging voice. Dunno if it's the only method, but it worked perfectly.
>> Anonymous
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Thanks for all the great tips!
>> Anonymous
depaw her
>> Anonymous
>>48915
this Anonymous is right.

Softpaws + clipping nails is great. Get them used to you handling their paws early and it will be easy to clip their nails.
>> Anonymous
We have had several cats, and none had their claws fixed.
The water thing is great, just remember it has to be sprayed while they do it, otherwise they won't connect the spraying to the scratching, and they will just think you are cruel.
However, cats are sneaky, we got a out-dorr cage with birds, and the cats was not allowed to sit in front of the cage, as they would jump up and try to catch the birds, scaring the feathers off of them. My mother used a water-hose, which they quickly learned to respect. If thought we weren't aound the would watch the birds, but as soon as they cought a glimpse of us, the ran, lied in the corner and pretended to be heavy at sleep.

So perhaps the method with leading to the post and pretend-scratching would be better...
>> Anonymous
fag, i hope you die.
>> Anonymous
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