Both Mimi and Walter have started scratching my new sofa, which I’ve actively discouraged. Problem is, I don’t know if they think I’m trying to stop all scratching (which of course I’m not) or just marking up the sofa. So I pulled out an ottoman I had stashed in a closet. This was a gift from a friend, unfortunately, the cats tore it up pretty thoroughly. I was between scratching posts at the time, so I made a cover that they could sharpen their little claws on as much as they wanted. Now it’s serving that same purpose in the hope that they leave my new sofa alone. So far, it seems to be working.
Image Credits: Cesar Cat © Belinda O; Paws in Heart © Bigstock Photos; Cat Scratching Sofa © Viktor–stock.adobe.com
This sounds like a wise strategy! Some cats DO like/need to scratch…
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I think scratching is natural for most cats, and I try to respect that. Still, it seems like they always find places I’d prefer they leave alone!
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Yes, they can be quite pesky and/or independent at times…
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My furniture is absolutely ruined, so you were very smart to save the ottoman and recover it. That material is really pretty, too!
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Thanks! When I bought the fabric, I wasn’t sure about it, but now I really like it and am sorry it’s getting scratched up!
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I ordered these heavy duty plastic sheets that you stick to the furniture. They are clear. It has helped tremendously. Good luck
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I’ve seen those and very well may end up buying some!
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Good thinking, Belinda! In the meantime, you could buy plastic sofa protectors on Amazon. It’s wonderful how you keep your kitties happy!
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You’re the second person to suggest the plastic sofa protectors! I may have to invest in some.
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Such a great redirection, Belinda!
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Hopefully it continues to work!
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So smart! Our daughter Delaney is facing a similar conundrum…her sofa will be in shreds soon! 😜
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A couple of people have mentioned plastic sheets you can put on your furniture. Hopefully I don’t have to go that route. My wicker chairs are mere shadows of their former selves!
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Haha — Yes! I saw that in one of the comments, I think, and I immediately thought about grandparents and aunts when I was little — some with plastic covers on their “good sofas”. Such a memory – the crinkling sound when we little ones sat on the special furniture. I usually opted for the floor! And whoa…yes! Wicker chairs would be oh-so enticing, right??? 😜❤️😜
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The ottoman for the block! I do think scratching is a fun thing for kitties, and of course not as much fun for the furniture. I suspect Walter and Mimi will find that “new” piece of furniture equally acceptable for their daily workouts.
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Here’s hoping! So far, so good.
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We also have new sofas that two of our three cats have started to claw. They ruined the old one, but we have tried a spray – Pet Behave – and so far that seems to be working.
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I haven’t heard of that! I’ll have to look for it.
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