julius is tearing up my carpet, and it has to end. if it doesn’t, i’m afraid julius won’t be around much longer.* that’s how frustrated we’re getting. we’ve tried everything — using sprays that are supposed to deter cats, putting down sticky paws tape, buying a carpet-covered scratching pad — and nothing works. he just moves on to a new spot and scratches to his heart’s content.

so, we’ve decided to try soft paws. the nail covers stay on the cat’s claws for 4-6 weeks and prevent it from scratching. perfect. the problem is putting the nail covers *on* julius’ claws. the web site says they are easy to put on. the people who work for that company haven’t met julius yet. julius is not what you would call an easy-going cat. if we hold him for longer than a minute he squirms and squeals and fights. when he’s sick, i have to wrap him in a towel so he’s immobile and hold him between my legs while joe tries to put the pill in his mouth. usually, that still takes several tries.

and, don’t even *try* to rub his belly. he’s like a venus flytrap. he lays on his back on the floor, and he’s so darn cute that you just want to go pet him. that’s when he attacks, grabbing your hand in all four paws and chomping down with his teeth. we have to warn everyone who comes over. when joe called the vet today about having him put the soft paws on, he said he charges $30 for the front paws plus a $30 fee for anesthesia if the cat needs it. i believe julius would fall in that category.

as you can see, we’re a little concerned about operation soft paws. i have a feeling it’s not going to go over well. i’m taking bets as to how many stitches joe and i will need.

* i was just kidding! we would *never* get rid of him, but we threaten him with it often. i don’t think he believes us.