1. A tall, sturdy and heavy sisal scratching post sprinkled occasionally with catnip is the favored alternative.  Some Cats are partial to sisal doormats.  Many cats also like the cardboard scratchers available at Target, Wal Mart and pet stores.
2. When selecting furniture, a tightly woven or very smooth (like velour) fabric is best.  Cats find it difficult to pierce these with their claws and soon lose interest.
3. When your Cat begins to scratch on a piece of furniture, give him a firm warning such as “NO, KITTY,  NO” and then give him a quick squirt of plain water from a spray bottle or squirt gun.  You can safely add a tiny bit of vinegar to the water if you desire.  This should discourage him.  Then call him to his scratching post with a food treat and praise him when he comes and uses the post.  This may have to be done over and over until he understands, but he WILL understand. You can place his scratching post next to where he tries to scratch on your furniture.
4. If accustomed to the procedure, Cats will tolerate having the curved part of their claws clipped regularly.  Consult your veterinarian, groomer or local shelter for instructions.
5. Until your Cat learns that only the scratching posts (it is recommended that you have several) are for scratching, cover his favorite furniture scratching areas with one or a combination of these items:  aluminum foil, double sided tape, blown up balloons taped to the furniture. 
6. When playing with a Kitten or Cat NEVER use your hand or arms in play.  This teaches him that people are toys and he may scratch simply in play.  Each time your Cat scratches you, give a LOUD high-pitched “OUCH” and then leave the room.  One of the most effective “punishments” to a Cat is to be ignored.

Scratching is the very essence of a Cat being a Cat.  Cats scratch for several reasons:

• To stretch their spines and muscles
• To exercise
• To shed old claw tissues
• To sharpen claws
• To alleviate boredom
• The rhythmic action is psychologically comforting to them

Each year thousands of Cats suffer the painful and psychologically damaging experience of being declawed.  People hastily declaw Cats hoping to protect their furniture as well as themselves from potential scratches. 

When a cat is “declawed” the last joint of each toe is amputated and the results of declawing are often pathetic.  Changes in behavior can occur.  A declawed Cat frequently resorts to biting when confronted with even minor threats.  Biting becomes an overcompensation for the insecurity of having no claws.  Bungled surgery can result in the regrowth of deformed claws or in an infection leading to gangrene.  Balance is affected by the inability to grasp with their claws and to walk on their toes as they were designed to do.  Chronic physical ailments such as cystitis or skin disorders can result from a declawed Cat’s frustration and stress.  Spraying is not uncommon among declawed cats.

Remember it is always important to have an alternative scratching area for your Cat.  When your cat is caught scratching furniture, discourage him using one of the suggestions in #3 and then place the Cat’s paws on the scratching post or board.

Scratches to humans can be avoided by always handling Cats gently and respectfully. 

It is natural for a Cat to scratch, but with a little human effort you can direct that energy so that you, your Cat and your furniture can comfortably live together. 

Home furnishings are expensive, but a Cat’s well-being is priceless.  Your Cat trusts you and depends upon you for protection.  Don’t betray that trust by declawing him.