Also, if soft claws/ aka soft paws don't work you might want to try getting a piece of 2 X 4 and going to the hardware store or building supply and get enough sisal rope to wrap the 2 X 4. You can cut the 2x4 in 2 or 3 feet sections and have several throughout the house. You may have to rub some catnip into the rope to get him interested but mine took to it so fast without needing any encouragement at all. They LOVE the feel and smell of the sisal rope.