Ava Monroe
Cats scratch to mark their territory, stretch their bodies, and remove debris from their claws. While this is a natural behaviour, it can be frustrating when your cat starts digging their claws into you or your furniture. To prevent this, you can redirect their attention to appropriate surfaces, such as scratching posts, and consistently reward them when they use these instead of your clothes or skin. Keeping their claws trimmed can also help minimise the damage caused by scratching, but be careful to avoid the pink, triangular tissue (the quick) at the base of the nail, which contains blood vessels and nerve endings. If trimming their claws yourself is not an option, you can consider taking them to a groomer or veterinarian, or using plastic nail caps.
How to make a cat stop digging nails into me
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Trimming nails | Trim the cat's nails to prevent them from digging into your skin. You can do it yourself or get it done by a veterinarian or pet groomer. |
| Nail caps | Nail caps can be used to cover the cat's claws. |
| Redirecting behavior | When the cat starts scratching, redirect them away and reward them with praise or a treat if they stop. |
| Provide alternative scratching objects | Offer different types of cat scratchers sprinkled with catnip to entice your cat to use them instead of your body. |
| Increase play, exercise, and attention | Cats may scratch to get your attention or initiate playtime. Try increasing their playtime, exercise, and attention, and provide new toys to reduce boredom. |
| Pheromone sprays | If your cat is stressed, use pheromone sprays like Feliway to help relieve their stress. |
| React quickly and negatively | If your cat scratches you, react quickly with an "ow" and pull away to indicate that you find it unpleasant. |
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What You'll Learn
Clip your cat's nails regularly
Regularly clipping your cat's nails is an essential part of cat care. It promotes both cat and human well-being, and protects your furniture, clothes, and skin. Cats typically have 18 claws in total, with five on each front paw and four on each hind paw. The inner, shorter claw on the front paws is called a dewclaw. Unlike the other claws, dewclaws don't usually touch the ground while walking, but they still play a role in climbing and grabbing.
It is recommended that you trim your cat's nails every two to four weeks, especially if they are an indoor cat. Older or less active cats may require more frequent trims due to thicker, brittle nails. Longer nails can also cause discomfort and mobility issues for your cat, as they can start to curve and puncture their footpads, leading to infections.
When trimming your cat's nails, it is important to only cut the very tip of the nail, as this is the least sensitive part. You should avoid cutting into the pink part of the nail, as this can cause bleeding. Before trimming, make sure your cat is comfortable and relaxed. You can position yourself behind your cat or hold them with both of you facing forward. Cats have retractable claws, so gently press on the top of their paw to extend the claw before trimming.
Some cats may be resistant to nail trimming. If your cat is adverse to the process, you can try getting them used to you touching their paw and rewarding them with treats. You can also keep nail clippers in multiple rooms and clip a nail or two whenever your cat is sleepy and relaxed.
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Use nail caps
One solution to prevent your cat from digging its nails into you is to use nail caps. These are tiny plastic or acrylic covers that are glued over your cat's nails to blunt them and prevent damage to both people and objects. Nail caps are considered a safe, non-toxic, and humane alternative to declawing, which is considered inhumane by many vets and has been banned in some places.
Nail caps are inexpensive and can be applied at home. They typically last between four to six weeks and then fall off naturally as the cat's nails grow. However, if they do not fall off by the eighth week, you will need to replace them to avoid discomfort for the cat. It is important not to use too much glue, as this will make the removal process difficult.
While nail caps can be effective, they may not be necessary if you can train your cat to scratch in appropriate places and not use its claws on people. Some cats may also find nail caps annoying or uncomfortable, and in some cases, they may even cause stress and anxiety or lead to self-inflicted injuries if the cat tries to remove them.
If you decide to use nail caps, Soft Claws is a well-known manufacturer that offers a range of sizes and colours.
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Identify and address any causes of stress
Cats may dig their claws into you for a variety of reasons. One common reason is that they are trying to convey comfort or pleasure. Happy cats often knead with their paws to show how much they are enjoying being petted or snuggling into a napping spot. This is usually a sign of affection, and cats may do this when they are feeling particularly comfortable and content.
However, it can be painful when cats extend their claws during this behaviour, especially if they are not properly trimmed. If your cat consistently digs their claws into you, it is important to address any underlying causes of stress or discomfort that may be contributing to this behaviour.
One possible cause of stress for your cat could be a lack of proper socialisation or early weaning. Cats who were separated from their mothers too soon may not have learned appropriate social behaviours, including the proper use of their claws during play or affection. This can result in excessive scratching or clawing when they are older.
Additionally, indoor cats may experience stress due to a lack of physical stimulation and opportunities to wear down their claws naturally. In the wild, cats would climb trees and run outdoors, which helps to file down their claws. Indoor cats may require more frequent claw trimming to prevent overgrowth and reduce the risk of injury during play or affection.
To address these causes of stress, there are several steps you can take:
- Provide ample opportunities for physical activity and stimulation, such as interactive toys, climbing structures, or supervised outdoor time if safe for your cat.
- Establish a regular routine for claw trimming to prevent overgrowth and minimise the risk of injury. You can gradually acclimate your cat to claw trimming by starting with one nail at a time and using positive reinforcement.
- Consider using nail caps, such as the popular brand Softpaws, to cover your cat's claws and prevent them from extending and causing injury.
- Socialise your cat by exposing them to a variety of people, other cats, and environments in a safe and controlled manner. This can help your cat feel more comfortable and reduce any underlying anxiety that may contribute to excessive clawing.
By identifying and addressing these potential causes of stress, you can help reduce your cat's tendency to dig their claws into you and improve their overall well-being.
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Buy a new scratching post
Cats scratch for various reasons, such as marking their territory, stretching, nail maintenance, and stress relief. If you don't provide your cat with a suitable item to scratch, they will find their own, such as your sofa, carpet, or curtains. Therefore, buying a new scratching post can help redirect your cat's scratching behavior away from you and towards an appropriate outlet.
When choosing a scratching post, it's important to consider the following factors:
- Material: Sisal, corrugated cardboard, carpet, and wood are all good options. Sisal is a durable, rough material similar to tree bark that many cats prefer. Cardboard scratchers are less sturdy and may not withstand vigorous scratching. Carpet-covered scratchers can be a good option if your cat enjoys scratching carpet, but be aware that some carpets may shed.
- Height and orientation: The scratching post should be tall enough for your cat to stretch fully and reach above its head. Horizontal scratchers should be long enough for your cat to stretch out along their length.
- Sturdiness: Choose a sturdy post that stays in place when your cat scratches it. Avoid materials that claws can easily get stuck in.
- Catnip: Some scratching posts come with catnip, which can help attract your cat to the post. However, some cats may not be interested in catnip, and it may be something you want to avoid if you dislike the scent.
- Tall sisal scratching post: This type of post is durable, provides good traction for your cat's claws, and is often preferred by cats. The Art of Paws scratcher and the MaxScratch Oversized Cat Scratching Post from Hauspanther are well-reviewed options, but there are also other similar products available on Amazon and in big box stores.
- Frisco Triple Sisal Ball scratcher: This product features two horizontal scratching posts and three spinning balls, all made of sisal. It's perfect for playful cats and kittens, providing both scratching and play opportunities.
- Cat Craft scratcher: If your cat enjoys scratching carpet, this flat carpet-textured scratcher might be a good option. It's designed to be easy for cats to dig their nails into without shedding like some other carpet types.
When introducing a new scratching post, place it in an easily accessible area of your home, preferably in a location where your cat likes to spend time. You may need to try out a few different styles and materials to find the one that your cat likes best.
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Increase play, exercise, and attention
One way to prevent your cat from digging its nails into you is to increase play, exercise, and attention. Cats may dig their nails into you when they want attention. Therefore, spending more time with your cat and giving it more attention may help to prevent this behaviour.
You can also try to distract your cat with treats when you notice it about to dig its nails into you. This can help to redirect its attention and reinforce positive behaviour.
Additionally, regular nail trimming can help to blunt your cat's nails, making it harder for them to dig into you. It is important to introduce nail trimming to your cat when it is still a kitten, so it becomes accustomed to the process. Choose a quiet room and gently massage your cat's paw to extend its nails before trimming. Be careful not to cut the pink part of the nail, called the quick, as this is where the nerves and blood vessels are located.
If your cat refuses to let you trim its nails, you can ask your veterinarian or a groomer for assistance.
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Frequently asked questions
Cats may scratch their owners to get attention, mark their territory, exercise, or simply because they are bored. To prevent this, you can increase playtime, exercise, and attention, and provide different types of cat scratchers. You can also try trimming your cat's nails or using nail caps.
Cats may scratch their owners when they try to pet them because they are stressed or bored, especially if there has been a recent change in routine or a new pet or person in the household. If this is the case, try to identify and minimise the causes of stress. You can also use pheromone sprays, such as Feliway, to help relieve stress.
If your cat is objecting to nail trimming, you can wrap them in a towel or thick blanket, exposing one leg at a time to gently trim their nails. This method, called the "kitty burrito", helps your cat feel secure. You can also try trimming only one or two nails at a time to minimise stress. If you accidentally cut the nails too short, you can use styptic powder or an unscented bar of soap to stop the bleeding.
Yes, an alternative to nail trimming is using nail caps. However, this can be a lot of work as they only last for about 24 hours, and some cats may eat them.
