Good Questions: Upholstery Protection From Cats?

Hello AT,

For those cat owners out there, how do you keep a new couch nice in a home with cats? We are going to buy a beautiful new couch, and will not de-claw our two cats. Are the any suggestions for fabric types/textures that the feline friend may be less inclined to claw? [more below]

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Also, does anyone know of substances that really do work that can be applied to upholstery (without staining it) that will also deter cat-scratching?

I have heard of something like bitter apple, but am eagerly in search of good suggestions!

Thanks,
Alex in Vermont

Dear Alex,

Bitter apple spray does work, but you have to keep at it. There may be a better solution. Anyone?

Comments (9)

I don't understand people who say "if you would declaw then don't get a cat at all", because given the oversupply of cats that is kind of like saying you would rather see a cat die than live as a declawed pet. No?

Enough with all the gimmicks and training that I need to do. I have $3000 in couches and there go the cats. The only thing that works is clear vinyl and a pin that they sell on
cat scratch guard.com

We've always used the spray bottle method of training our cats. Get a squirt gun or a spray bottle and fill it with water. (If using a spray bottle, make sure the nozzle is set on the "stream" setting)

Any time your cat does anything undesirable, such as scratching the furniture or jumping up on the kitchen table, give them a quick squirt of water. They don't like the water, and after just a couple times, they won't do the behavior anymore. This is completely harmless and humane to the kitties. This method worked so well for our cats that we don't even have to spray them anymore...they just see the bottle and take off running!

This is a great way of getting rid of bad habits.

http://catscratchguard.com/

The only scratching deterent that works for as long as you want it to. My cats haven't scratched on our couch or any other furniture for three months. Best Furniture protector I know of

Fabric really does make a difference. We have 4 cats,
and the fabric that really holds up and it virtually cat proof
is a tightly woven chenille. Even if they occasionally use the couch to scoot across the floor by way of claws, or 'stretch', there is no damage. As to scratching, they are not interested.

That does it! I'm buying my cats a leather couch! :) They seem a little blue with the cold weather we are having.

MicroFiber has treated me very good.....

Do not use mothballs, they are toxic to a cats liver, and will eventually make your cat sick or kill him.

I agree with michael. My cats have brought new meaning to shabby chic-decimated my couch. I spoke to my vet about declawing and he said the biggest reason given for people bringing their cats to shelters is destructive behavior. in the end, I couldnt do it because I do believe it's cruel but I'd rather see a declawed cat in a good home then one in the gas chamber.i love my little guys- Still have the damn couch!