Cat scratches on hardwood floors?

Question

I recently adopted a sweet older kitty (6-7-ish). I have new hardwood floors. He has already been front declawed. I did not do it, so do not tell me I'm cruel! Anyway, I'm having a problem with him scratching my new hardwood floors. It is only when he launches if he runs away really fast. He's leaping from the rear feet (where his claws are), causing the scratches. I'm trying to find options to cure this problem. I've thought about putting the rubber covers over the claw. Does anyone else use these on a permanent basis? Does your cat like them? Or, do you know what kind of finish I may be able to put on my floor that his claws will not scratch?

Thanks! :)

Answer 1

There's a special spray that comes in petstores like petsmart or petco that you can spray on  your floors and your cat will not scratch it.  I don't know what it does to stop them from scratching it i think it sends out a smell that they dont like.  But it can be used on floors, couches, and carpets.  I think its called apple bitter but there's alot of other brands.  

Answer 2

I don't think the bitter apple stuff will work at all - that is meant to stop cats deliberately scratching furniture, ie, as in scent marking.  From what you have said, your cat is simply running around over your floor and causing scratches.  Is your floor varnished with a proper wood floor varnish?  I have wooden flooring in my hallway and 6 cats but they don't seem to have damaged it in any way, although I'm afraid that general wear and tear will take its toll on any flooring eventually.  I'm not sure about the claw covers as I live in the UK and we don't go for things like that (along with declawing).  Try keeping your cat's claws trimmed to an acceptable length and perhaps put down a rug in the area where you play with him.

Edit - after reading your extra remarks, I would suggest using Feliway artificial pheromone diffusers - your vet can advise you on these or you can check out the internet.  They emit a calming/reassuring atmosphere for cats which should slow him down if he is scared of anything.  You could also do some research into Bach Flower Remedies (loads of sites on the internet)  There are 38 remedies which you can add to your cat's food and water and you can make up a solution of a combination of 6 essences.  If you read up on them you should be able to identify your cat's problems (typical of an adopted cat) and prescribe your own remedy.  I have seen them work amazingly well with frightened/aggressive cats.

Answer 3

Ive heard cooking oil will take out small scratches on hard wood floors....I don't know if its true...maybe worth a try though...just a little...you don't want to slip and fall because of it.

Answer 4

heyy :)

i think you can't really change the fact that your cat scratches your floor...

but if your cat iz a home cat( liek he doesn't go outside..always stays in the housee) you can got to some pet store and ask them for special  scissors to cut his nails :P

but do it gently ( so u won't hurt him) and don't cut alot.. jut 2 or 3 mm :P

and if your cat is outgoing ( goes outside most of the time ) then i guess u can file his nails just a lil.bit so they won't be really sharp :)

i hope i helpedd :)