• A tall, sturdy and heavy scratching post sprinkled occasionally with catnip is the favored alternative.  Some cats are partial to sisal doormats, some prefer cardboard.
   
• When selecting furniture, a closely woven fabric is the best.  Cats find this type of fabric difficult to pierce with their claws. There are many products available that have odor that cats do not like and will avoid, that can be harmlessly applied to your furniture.
   
• When accustomed to the procedure cats will tolerate having the curved white part of their claws clipped regularly. This can also be done at your veterinary hospital.
   
• Until your cat learns that only the scratching posts (it's recommended that you have several) are for scratching, cover his favorite furniture scratching areas with either one or a combination of aluminum foil, double sided tape, blown up balloons taped to the furniture, or odor deterrents on or near problem areas.
  
  
• When playing with a kitten or cat NEVER use your hand or arms in play. This teaches him that people are toys and he may scratch simply in play.  Each time your cat scratched you, give him a loud, high pitched "OUCH!" and leave the room.  One of the most effective punishments for a cat is being ignored.
   
• Soft Paws are an excellent alternative to declawing. Soft Paws are vinyl nail caps that are glued on to your cat's existing nails.  They look like a cat's nail, only hollow. They are easy to apply and cats tolerate them extremely well. 

Scratching is the very essence of a cat being a cat. These simple, inexpensive modifications in your cat's behavior and your cat's environment can eliminate damaged furniture and scratched humans.