Cat, aged 4 1/2, constantly stretching claws?

Question

Some time around April 2004 at the markets, a little girl approached me and offered a month-and-a-half old kitten at no charge which I couldn't say no to.

I'm very glad I didn't, but there's just one thing about her that's been driving me stir-crazy ever since I got her; she digs her claws into everything (sometimes even me) for up to five minutes before she gets comfortable, and it's not only highly annoying but it's also riddled many sheets, covers and furniture with small holes.

I read somewhere that it's relatively normal for kittens, but.. other than physically preventing her from lying on beds/furniture, is there anything I can do?

Answer 1

there is these nail coverings look them up at www.catchannel .com and when you put it on a cat when they scratch it isnt as bad and dont declaw cats the cat could bleed to death its a cat bone and one of the most senetive parts so the nail things is what you should go with

Answer 2

I 100% agree with Haggerpo, she loves you, she wants to sleep on the bed, if you don't like it,, get rid of her for someone who will appreciate her.

Answer 3

its normal for any cat. it usually means they are happy (if they do it to humans they are showing affection) if they do it to a couch they are getting comfortable. it has to do with the motion of getting milk from their mothers and the feeling is secure and comfortable.

trim you cats nails they won't be so pointy.  

Answer 4

Does she purr while she does it? Does she do it in rythem, like she's giving you a massage?

If so she's "marking time", and there's not a sweet thing you can do about it, all cats do this, but most have the good sense to keep in their claws.

My cat keeps his claws in, his mother, like that, will dig them into your leg.

She's not "stretching her claws" it's something cats do when they're really happy or comfortable, there are various theory's, one is that it's left over from when they are kittens to help get milk from their mothers.

You could try crying out in pain when she does it, that can be a universal language, other than that I can't really think of anything.  

Answer 5

I highly recommend Soft Paws. I just started putting them on my two cats, and they don't even know they are there. But it sure saves my furniture and my husband's skin....one of them likes to lie on his chest and make happy feet in his beard. These are great!!