Cat driving me mental

[loopsaloo]

My 12 year old male has developed a nasty habit of "picking" at the carpet with his claws for attention or when he wants absolutely anything.
It's driving me mad. I'm in a rental and obviously don't want to have to pay for a new carpet!
I'm going out this afternoon to get him an interactive toy to try to distract him. He has a list he won't use, plenty of toys etc
Any tips?

Does he have plenty of scratching posts? Usually lots of well places scratching posts can help redirect their scratching behaviour.
Alternatively if there's a particular spot he likes scratching you could try putting down a non harmful scent deterrent. But it's likely he'll just go find somewhere else to scratch.
I have a cat that likes to do this as well and it's infuriating!! But scratching posts have helped

He might like a scratch pad? Cardboard with a bit of catnip sprinkled over.

Cats need lots of places to scratch - how many scratching posts/pads/mats does he have to use?

At his age low down scratch pad would be best for him

My cat loves to scratch on a coir doormat. Can you try placing a couple of those around?