How to Stop Your Cat From Clawing the Woodwork

Nothing is cuter than a docile cat curled up on your sofa, and nothing is more horrifying than that same cat tearing up the woodwork in your home. You love your pet, but you don't love the damage they can cause. Cats, like people, have different moods and needs. Providing an outlet for activity and ensuring regular grooming can protect your home and keep your cat content.

Things You'll Need

  • Nail clippers
  • Vinyl caps
  • Scratching post
  • Scratching board
  • Natural-wood scratching post
  • Plexiglas sheet
  • Double-sided tape
  • Spray bottle
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Instructions

  1. Nail Trimming and Maintenance

    • 1

      Gently hold your cat's front paws, one at a time, and press on the top of the paw with your thumb to reveal and extend the nails. It is best to do this when your cat is sleepy and relaxed. Wrap your cat in a blanket to prevent scratches or injury.

    • 2

      Trim the very tips of the nails on your cat's front paws to keep the ends blunt. This will prevent them from tearing at the woodwork. Trim their claws at least once a month.

    • 3

      Cover your cats nails with a vinyl cap, such as Soft Paws, if trimming the nails proves too difficult or time consuming. To apply, fill the cap with glue and place over the tip of the nail. Caps usually last about four to six weeks and will fall off as your cat's nails grow.

    Clawing Substitutes and Behavioral Redirection

    • 4

      Purchase or make an upright carpet, sisal or cardboard scratching post and place it near the woodwork your cat has been scratching. Usually this redirection is enough to curb the behavior, and they will revert to scratching only the post. Additionally, a natural-wood scratching post has a similar texture to the the woodwork and may be a better alternative for stubborn cats.

    • 5

      Hang a sisal or cardboard scratching board from your door or near the woodwork to encourage your cat to claw the appropriate substitute.

    • 6

      Place a Plexiglas sheet or double-sided tape on the woodwork your cat scratches---the sensation will act as a deterrent for inappropriate clawing.

    • 7

      Spray your cat with water from a spray bottle when it's scratching the woodwork. It will teach them to associate scratching the woodwork with being squirted.