PET CARE

Cat Scratch Fever

2 min read
Jan 14, 2022

Cats like to scratch by nature. They scratch to mark their territory. They scratch as a means of threatening other cats. They scratch in play. They scratch while stretching. The act of scratching actually removes frayed, worn outer claws exposing new, sharper ones. Unfortunately for their owners, cats can cause a lot of damage to furniture, drapes, and carpeting with their claws. There are a few steps you can take to ensure your cat has a proper place to scratch while still protecting your furniture and decor.

How to Help your Cat

Trim their nails. Press gently on the footpad to extend the claw. Using a claw clipper, clip off the tip of the nail being careful not to cut into the pink part of the nail. If you do go into pink part, your cat's nail will bleed and your cat may jump and try to run away from you. Additionally, if you notice any ingrown nails or find it hard to trim their nails, consult your vet for guidance on how to safely address them. If you have difficulty, ask your vet to show you how to trim your cat's claws.


Provide your cat with a variety of scratching posts. Rub catnip into the scratching posts. Keep in mind, catnip will not work for cats less than 5 months old.

Encourage your cat's behavior with treats and praise. Do not hold your cat up to the scratching post and force her to drag her claws on it. This procedure may frighten the cat and teach her to avoid the scratching post completely.

Discourage inappropriate scratching. Remove or cover desirable objects in your home. Turn speakers to the wall. Use plastic, double-sided sticky tape, sandpaper or a vinyl carpet runner (turned upside-down to expose the knobby feet) on furniture or on the floor where the cat would stand to scratch. Place scratching posts adjacent to these objects.

Apply claw covers to your cat's nails. Claw covers are available under the product names Soft Paws or Soft Claws.

Plastic tips are applied to cover your cat's claws so they cannot scratch. Your vet may be able to apply them or you may be able to apply them if you have a mellow cat. The caps are temporary and last 4 to 6 weeks.

Consider Investing in Cat Insurance  

Looking for more ways to protect your kitty?  Consider investing in a cat insurance policy with MetLife Pet Insurance.1  Get your free quote today. 

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Nothing in this article should be construed as financial, legal or veterinary advice. Please consult your own advisors for questions relating to your and your pet’s specific circumstances.

1 Pet Insurance offered by MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC is underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company (“IAIC”), a Delaware insurance company, headquartered at 485 Madison Avenue, NY, NY 10022, and Metropolitan General Insurance Company (“MetGen”), a Rhode Island insurance company, headquartered at 700 Quaker Lane, Warwick, RI 02886, in those states where MetGen’s policies are available. MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC is the policy administrator authorized by IAIC and MetGen to offer and administer pet insurance policies. MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC was previously known as PetFirst Healthcare, LLC and in some states continues to operate under that name pending approval of its application for a name change. The entity may operate under an alternate, assumed, and/or fictitious name in certain jurisdictions as approved, including MetLife Pet Insurance Services LLC (New York and Minnesota), MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions Agency LLC (Illinois), and such other alternate, assumed, or fictitious names approved by certain jurisdictions.

2 Provided all terms of the policy are met. Application is subject to underwriting review and approval. Like most insurance policies, insurance policies issued by IAIC and MetGen contain certain deductibles, co-insurance, exclusions, exceptions, reductions, limitations, and terms for keeping them in force. For costs, complete details of coverage and exclusions, and a listing of approved states, please contact MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC.