In article ,
enlightened us with...
My 2 cats like to claw things(especially me!) I don't want to declaw them,
but I doupt I can afford to buy any Soft Paws. Is there an easier way to
keep them from clawing without training them?


You want easy with no training? Remove the items from your home.

Now, since we know that isn't going to happen...
All changes in behavior are a result of training. Softclaws are meant to be
used as a training aid, not as a replacement for training. Like those head
halter collar things for dogs. They don't teach in and of themselves. They
simply give you a means to an end. You still have to show the animal the
proper behavior and PRAISE IT.

Stop thinking of training as some huge, horrible, lengthy process that you
aren't capable of. It is small things, throughout the day, on a daily basis.
Consistency is the key.

Clip their nails (or pay the whole $5 for a groomer to do it) to reduce
damage.
Start correcting their behavior. Give them acceptable things to claw and
praise the hell out of them for using them. Redirect inappropriate scratching
to appropriate things and make inappropriate things less attractive (scent
them with citrus or move them or put tape on them or whatever). When you see
them using the right thing, PRAISE THEM. Give a treat, a pet, playtime,
whatever. Something positive to them. When you catch them doing the wrong
thing, interrupt the behavior (clap, NO, penny-can, etc), then call, coax, or
bring them to the right place, and PRAISE THEM.
It isn't rocket science, I promise.

Remember -- inappropriate or "wrong" are simply human definitions. The cat
doesn't attach a monetary value to your couch.

You don't expect a dog not to chew the "wrong" things or a child not to draw
on the "wrong" things simply by osmosis. Don't expect a cat to just not claw
the "wrong" things, either. Teach it.

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~kaeli~
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