How to Keep Cats From Ruining Carpet

Damage Due to Scratching

• 1

  Trim your cat's claws. Human nail clippers work best for this job, as they conform to the shape of a cat's claw. To see the cat's claw, gently push on the toe near the base. The claw will unsheathe. You will notice that the claw is not round; rather, it is flat on the perpendicular edge. Hold the nail clipper so that the cutting surface aligns with the flat side of the claw, and trim the nail. Repeat for the front claws. Generally, it isn't necessary to trim the back claws.

• 2

  Get someone to help you hold the cat if your cat is uncooperative, or wrap the cat in a towel, removing one paw at a time. If your cat isn't used to this procedure, you may only be able to do a few claws at a time. While declawing a cat may seem like an easy solution to claw damage, the procedure can leave the cat in permanent pain and may create unacceptable behaviors such as biting.

• 3

  Provide your cat with a variety of suitable scratching surfaces. Cats have an innate need to scratch, and carpet can be a tempting surface. If you provide other options, your cat will be less inclined to damage your carpet. Scratching posts come in a wide variety of materials and styles, with prices ranging from a few dollars to hundreds of dollars. Experiment with several materials and styles to find the one your cat likes best. However, avoid carpeted scratchers, as cats can't distinguish between carpet that is acceptable to scratch and carpet that is not.

Cleaning Stains

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  Clean stains promptly. Treating stains while fresh makes a permanent stain less likely. Before using any cleaning product on your carpet, test it in an inconspicuous area to make sure the cleaning solution doesn't damage the carpet. While many products are available for cleaning pet stains, a mild household soap, such as castile soap, often works just as well. Blot up as much of the stain as possible. Then, using a rag or paper towels, apply soap to the carpet with a light scrubbing motion. Using a scrubbing sponge may be helpful. Blot up as much soap as possible with paper towels. Treat the stained area with an enzymatic cleaner to remove all traces of odor.

• 5

  Repeat the treatment to remove the stain, if necessary. In some cases, professional carpet care may be required.

• 6

  Seek veterinary advice if your cat regularly vomits, defecates or urinates inappropriately, as these behaviors are often symptoms of underlying illnesses.