Training kitten to not use claws

GossamerWillow

We just got a female kitten and she really sweet, friendly, and playful. The problem is that she wants to use her claws when she plays. I'm trying to figure out the best way to train her to not do this. I've tried putting her down and ignoring her when she claws and giving her attention when she doesn't, but all that really does is make her more determined to play (with her claws). When I lived with my parents, we tried to use a spray bottle to deter negative behaviors with our cats, but they just wound up attacking the bottle. Any advice? Or should we just start looking at getting claw caps?

LilyRae

We gave up and got SoftPaws for ours. They work great for scratching furniture and carpet, but we only put them on his front paws, so when we play we still have to look out for those back claws when he rolls over. The back claws are so much easier to avoid though!

GossamerWillow

The back claws I'm not to worried about, it's the fact that she "paws" our hands feet, and sometimes even faces with claws out. Usually when we're trying to sleep. Most of the time she's really sweet and I know she just wants to play like she did with her siblings, but i don't relish the scratches.

callitcompulsive

the only thing I can think of is maybe playing with a "pole" toy, you know, like feathers on the end of a long stick... to keep her claws and teeth away from your hands.

that said, I'm a huge fan of soft paws/claws/ claw caps ... because I can't take my advice about not playing directly with my cat with my hands. LOL. They are really simple to use once you get the hang of it. 

rakle99

I have had many cats grow out of this naturally. Now when they play they swat without their paws. Sometimes they will get too excited and bring the paws out, but they realize it and will lick me in apology. It sounds like she no longer has playmates. In the wild kittens teach each other not to do that by hissing, and they eventually learn. Try hissing loudly at her next time and walk away. She will eventually get it. Remember, she's just a baby, so it may take awhile. And remember to have claw friendly places like a scratching post. Good luck!

 

GossamerWillow

She has been getting better about not clawing. I have a scratching post for her that she LOVES. The main trouble i'm having with her at this point is that she tries to climb up my leg when I'm in the kitchen, especially while I'm getting her dinner ready. She's hungry and excited, i know, but sometimes I'm wearing shorts when she does this and the result is painful. We have the idea to give her an extra treat if she doesn't jump up or claw, just like she got a treat when she used the litter pan.