Expert: Jessica - 4/30/2010

Question
I adopted a cat that is declawed. I would like some information on how to play with my declawed cat. He is nice and loves to cuddle and sleep with me but sometimes he likes to bite me. I think he is just playing but if i let him go too long he gets really rough. I want to learn how to play with him in a positive way. I bought a feather toy that is in a ball, he played with it for 5 minutes and then no more. I have tried to play with him using the toy but he is not interested. he likes balled up paper. he will not play with the ball that lights up or the ring with a ball in it. I bought a toy with catnip in it and he likes that but when he gets wild he starts to meow like its too much, at that time i put it up. Should i keep giving it to him? Should i buy a scratching board so he can us his tendons so they wont get stiff?

Answer
Hi Nichole.  Sorry for the delay in this answer, I didn't see the email notification.

Cats have their unique preferences when it comes to toys, so finding which ones your cat may like might take some time.  Balled up paper is a favorite for a lot of cats.  Keep using this if he enjoys it!  Laser pointers are also a favorite.  My cats will chase the light for as long as I can stand to push the button.  See if he'll go for one of these.  There is a stand-alone laser pointer toy called the FroliCat BOLT that's also great.  Another interactive toy that's a lot of fun is Da Bird.  Other feather wands and ribbon wands work just as well, but these are interactive toys that your cat shouldn't play with alone, since he can get wrapped up in a ribbon wand.  My cats also love toy mice with real fur.  Catnip-treated toys are great for some cats, but as you've noticed, other cats can become too excited leading to aggression, and if this happens, it's best to avoid them.  It won't hurt the cat, but anyone around the cat may get bitten!

A scratching post is still okay to buy for a declawed cat.  Although it won't benefit him to help him stretch out his back or give his tendons a work out (this requires the claws to be in tact), it will give him something to mark with the scent glands on his paw pads, and this can be good for him emotionally.  I would avoid any scratching posts that are wrapped with sisal or that have natural bark on them, since these can be harsh on a declawed cat's already sensitive feet.  The best surface might be a cardboard scratcher for a declawed cat.  Otherwise, a plain carpeted scratcher or a smooth wooden one would be fine.

All the best!

Jessica