Vet says cat not scratching enough? Here's the fix

A vet flagging overgrown claws is actually a really useful nudge — it means your Bombay simply isn't scratching enough to maintain them naturally, which is common in older cats who've slowed down a bit. Scratching is completely normal cat behaviour — they're conditioning their claws and marking territory — so the goal isn't to stop it, it's to redirect it onto something that actually appeals to your cat. The key is matching post to habit. Before I point you toward something specific: does your cat scratch at all — even occasionally — and if so, is it on vertical surfaces like sofas or door frames, horizontal surfaces like carpet or mats, or a mix? And what material seems to attract him?

That's really helpful. A horizontal scratcher who's gone quiet with age — that tells me a lot. Older cats often stop using vertical posts because reaching up and stretching takes more effort than they fancy. A flat or low-angle surface he can just step onto and drag his paws across is much more likely to get him going again. What material was the carpet he used to scratch? Was it a looped pile, like Berber, or more of a short dense weave?

Perfect — that's essentially sisal, which is exactly what you want to replicate. Cats who like that rough, resistant drag tend to respond really well to sisal-covered scratching pads. My recommendation for your Bombay is the SmartCat Sisal Scratching Post — but specifically the flat pad version rather than the upright. It lies on the floor, it's covered in tightly woven sisal, and for a senior cat who just wants to step on something and pull, it removes every barrier. It's also large enough that he doesn't have to be precise about where he puts his paws. You can add a small sprinkle of dried catnip on the surface to draw him in initially — older cats sometimes need a little enticement to try something new. Once he uses it a few times and realises it satisfies the urge, he tends to return on his own.

Honest answer: regular scratching helps a lot with the outer sheath — cats shed claw layers through scratching, which keeps them from curling — but in a nine-year-old who's been sedentary, you'll probably want one trim from the vet to get them back to a healthy length first. Think of it as resetting the baseline. After that, consistent scratching on a good sisal surface should keep them in check naturally. If he takes to the pad well, you may only need an annual check rather than regular trims. It's worth asking your vet at the next visit whether the scratch pad is doing the job.

Yes — placement is the most underrated factor. Put it right where he already loiters, ideally near the sofa where he used to scratch the carpet. Cats scratch after waking, so beside his favourite sleeping spot works brilliantly. The catnip trick I mentioned is worth doing for the first week. You can also try gently guiding his paws onto the surface once or twice — not forcing it, just showing him it's there. Most cats who had a strong scratching habit when younger will reconnect with it quickly once the right surface is in front of them. With a Bombay especially, once they decide something is theirs, they commit.