Scratching Kitten

Visitors Ask Questions About Kittens That Scratch

Stopping Kitten from Scratching

We just got a new kitten and she's adorable. We love her so much, but she doesn't get the difference between our skin and a scratching post. How do we train her to keep her claws in when we play or snuggle? It's getting so bad that my legs look shredded and she got me in the face this morning. Please help.

~~Terry

Expert Reply

Hi Terry,

Ouch! Yes, your new kitty definitely needs to learn to keep those claws to herself. The good news is that there are many things you can do to help her learn this. Also, while she is young, start trimming her nails with a nail clipper you can purchase at any pet supply store. Declawing is actually very hard on cats. I'm not judging anyone who chooses this as I have declawed cats in the past. However, after hearing a description of the surgery, I will probably not have future cats declawed, but trim or put covers on their nails instead. So short of declawing, you should try training. Here are the steps you'll want to take:

• Start training right away and be consistent in the training.
• Spray bottles filled with water work wonders in discouraging a cat from scratching where it shouldn't. Just a quick squirt is all it takes.
• The minute the cat starts to scratch you, your legs or the furniture, give her a quick squirt. She'll learn that scratching these things is unpleasant and should stop. It may take a while though, so be patient.
• Purchase a scratching post and encourage your cat to scratch there. Cats do need to scratch. It helps them exercise their muscles. The key is teaching them to only scratch what is appropriate.
• Never rough house or box with the kitten. This encourages the type of behavior you don't want. A cat's skin is much tougher than ours, and her scratching may just be playing, but it hurts our skin and we don't like it.

These tips should help.

Good luck!

~~Lori