We are happy to announce that we no longer offer declaw surgery!
Here are some alternatives to declawing:
**Ssscat is a registered trademark of Radio Systems Corporation
Here are some alternatives to declawing:
- Start training your kitten young. Offer a variety of scratching posts and reward your kitten every time he or she uses it. NEVER punish if they get it wrong. Quickly distract the kitten with a noise, such as a loup clap, and gently pick up the kitten and place him or her next to a scratching post. Reward, reward, reward when they get it right.
- Young cats and kittens prefer scratching posts with carpet and sisal rope, while older cats prefer carpet alone.
- Scratching posts should be upright with two or more levels and at least 3 feet high, with a base no larger than 3 feet wide.
- If your adult cat is scratching furniture or unwanted areas: again NEVER punish the kitty. Cats do not learn from negative reinforcement. As with kittens, distract the kitty when caught in the act with a loud noise to get their attention. Using a wand type toy may also aid in distraction. Immediately place kitty next to a scratching post and always reward when properly used.
- Consider using Feliway* spray on areas that you don't want to be scratched. This will let kitty know that these areas are"familiar" and they don't need to apply their scent to the object. Also placing the scratching post near or next to the undesired object is a good idea.
- Cats don't like shiny or reflective materials, so placing aluminum foil on or around the item your cat is scratching can act as deterrent. They also don't like the feel of it on their paws.
- Some pet stores sell double sided tape strips that can be applied to furniture. Cats also don't like the feel of something sticky on their paws, so this is another option that may act as a deterrent.
- Using a Ssscat**device: A Ssscat** device is a canister of compressed air that will spray when activated by a motion sensor that is triggered when a cat comes near it. Placing this in front of the undesired area will startle your cat and he or she will avoid that area.
- Regular nail trimming will prevent your cat's nails from becomming sharp. Not only will this prevent damage to items in your house, but also injury to family and other pets in the house. The frequency will vary for each cat, but every 2-4 weeks is recommended. If you are not comfortable trimming your cat's nails yourself, your veterinary team can do it for you and will be happy to show you how to do it at home. It is also advised to get your kitten used to having this done from a very young age.
- Applying synthetic nail caps over your cat's nails will prevent them from being able to cause damage to objects or people. They have to be glued on and re-applied every 4-6 weeks as the nails grow.
**Ssscat is a registered trademark of Radio Systems Corporation
