[onscreen action] Narrator speaking on screen.

[female narrator] Okay, here are some of my favorite methods
to help eliminate destructive scratching.

(energetic rock music)

[onscreen text] Trainer’s Tips
Scratch that.

[narrator] Scratch that.

[onscreen action] Narrator speaking on screen.

[narrator] So you've found the best scratching post for your cat
and he's still scratching your furniture?

Try this.

[onscreen action] Person applying a furniture protector.

[narrator] Apply a furniture protector specifically designed for cats.

Cats don't like these textures
and will usually stop scratching where the tape is applied.

[onscreen action] Man places scratching station next to couch.

[narrator] Placing a scratching station directly in front
of the furniture can also provide him
with an appropriate alternative.

(energetic rock music)

[onscreen text] Trainer’s tips.
A pawsitive touch.

[narrator] A pawsitive touch.

[onscreen action] Narrator speaking on screen.

[narrator] One of the primary reasons cats scratch is
to remove the dull outer portion
of their nail called the sheath,
so we recommend you clip your cat's nails
at least once a month.

Here's how you do it.

[onscreen action] Woman trimming a cat’s nails.

[narrator] Get a pair of nail clippers specifically designed for cats.

Gently hold your cat against your body
and softly press down on his paw pads
to extend one nail at a time.

Then begin clipping the clear hooked portion of the nail.

Don't clip the pink part, because it could cause bleeding.

[onscreen action] Picture of styptic powder product displayed.

[narrator] In case you cut one too short,
we recommend purchasing a product called styptic powder
which can help stop the bleeding.

[onscreen action] Woman trimming cat’s nails.

If your cat resists having his nails trimmed,
try just trimming one nail a day.

Also, reward your cat with a treat
right after you cut his nails.

This positive reinforcement should make the process easier
in the future.

(energetic rock music)

[onscreen text] Trainer’s tips
Wait a minute, Mr. Postman.

[narrator] Wait a minute, Mr. Postman.

[onscreen action] cat scratching on post.

[narrator] When your cat's scratching post begins to wear out,
don't just throw it away.

After all, your cat has spent a lot of time
and effort claiming it as his own.

[onscreen action] A woman puts a new scratching post next to an older one.

[narrator] When you purchase a new post, set it alongside his old one.

Once he starts using both,
the older one can eventually be removed.

(energetic rock music)

[onscreen text] Trainer’s tips.
Toe caps.

[narrator] Toe caps.

[onscreen action] Narrator speaking on screen.

[narrator] If you have a cat who continues to scratch your furniture,
consider using some vinyl nail caps.

[onscreen action] Woman sitting down with her cat.
Woman trims cats nails.
Woman applies toe caps.

[narrator] These caps are designed to cover your cat's nails
in order to minimize the damage caused by his scratching.

Nail caps are affordable
and available through your veterinarian,
as well as many pet supply stores.

They're simple enough to apply yourself
and only need to be reapplied every four to six weeks.

These caps are a humane and effective solution
for a cat who continues to scratch your furniture.

(energetic rock music)

[onscreen text] Declawing

[narrator] Declawing.

[onscreen action] Catch scratching at a scratching station.

[narrator] Many people think that declawing a cat is a simple solution
to scratching problems.

We recommend you follow the steps we discussed
to help eliminate scratching
before you consider such a procedure.

If you'd like more information about declawing,
you should talk to your veterinarian.

[onscreen action] Male narrator on screen speaking.

[male narrator] Always keep in mind that cats don't scratch
to get back at you for being at work or to make you angry.

[onscreen action] Cat scratching at a scratching post.

[male narrator] As we've just learned, your cat needs to scratch,
so it's your job to provide him
with lots of scratching stations
and encourage him to use them.

[onscreen action] Male narrator on screen speaking.

[male narrator] Remember, taking the time now to provide your cat
with good scratching alternatives can save you lots of time,
money, and aggravation, and provide your cat
with a fun outlet for this natural behavior.

(energetic rock music)