Please, some advice before my husband finds out what Tibbi has done. Our younger female (3yrs) is scratching the walls. She first started in the hallway which wasn't so much of a problem because it's plaster but now she has moved on to the freshly papered walls in the bedroom. She has access to scratching posts as well as tree trunks but no they're not good enough. Shes also attacking the carpets. I've tried the no-scratch sprays but that hasnt helped at all. Even water when I catch her but the house is empty during the day. Any ideas. Thanks.

spray her with a very light mist of water when you catch her at it. i know it seems a bit harsh but they don't get very wet but they really don't like it and apparently get the idea quickly enough. it seems to be working on mine so far... (famous last words!) and praise her when she does use the scratching posts. have you tried spraying the posts with feliway and/or catnip? also, scratch them yourself when they're around so they get the idea. my scratching pole thing has got a mouse on a string attached to it and they absolutely love that, they queue up for it! has it got one of those? maybe invest in one of those all in climbing / scratching / adventure type things. you can make them quite easily and cheaply i think if you're reasonably competent at diy. there's loads of vids on youtube about how to do it. we were going to make one but found a reasonably priced one on Zooplus, you could try that too. or have the vet clip the tips of their claws, at least then the damage won't be as bad. good luck!

Does she go out? If so, you can't have the claws clipped, as that robs them of one of their most important weapons. If she stays in though, then do have the nails clipped regularly.

Try buying a few flat scratching boards and attaching them to the walls at her favourite scratching spots. Restrict her access to the bedroom unless you're in there as well. In every room, have an appropriate object for her to scratch on, and when she begins with the walls, tell her no, remove her, put her paws on the scratch appropriate item, then treat her like mad. Even if she doesn't scratch, treat her just for putting her paws on the scratch post. I had one who was reluctant to use the post. She never really scratched anything, but when I saw her beginning to pluck at the carpets, I started this method. Now she uses the posts just fine.

I wouldn't recommend spraying with water. It just conditions the cat to run away from you and hide. Rather than teaching them where it's Ok to scratch, you'll simply teach them to hide their scratching and do it when you're not there.