NEED HELP -- choosing cat friendly furniture

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jamesdoran
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Joined: Thu Jan 27, 2005 12:25 pm

NEED HELP -- choosing cat friendly furniture

Post by jamesdoran »

Hi we need a new couch and wondered if anyone knows what kind of material is best when your three kitties like to scratch it.
We have microfiber at the moment and it is all scratched up.
We thought abut leather, but are not sure if that is any less prone to damage than fabric.
Any advice would be welcome
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Traci
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Re: NEED HELP -- choosing cat friendly furniture

Post by Traci »

I would recommend against leather, it is too difficult to repair scratches or tears.

The best thing to do is start training them to not scratch the furniture. Invest in at least two scratching posts or cat-trees, preferrably with some amount of sisal on them as opposed to all carpeted. Place them in an area close by your social area, but not too near your furniture. You can also try catnip placed on the top or bases of the posts to encourage them to scratch them.

Since you are investing in new furniture, it is wise to get a handle on your kittys' scratching habits so that your new investment will last and maintain it's durability/beauty. Any furniture piece can be scotch-gaurded as well, to help prevent pet-accidents from seaping through the material. (although you still need to clean or spot-clean with furniture or upholstery cleaner)
..........Traci
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E's
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Re: NEED HELP -- choosing cat friendly furniture

Post by E's »

HooBoy! That's a tough one. My [tentative] suggestion - at least before Traci posted - would be to go with the leather, then plan to keep it loosely covered at first with some sort of fabric throw - perhaps lightly sprayed with a citrus scent - because cats are not as prone to claw at something that doesn't remain stable under their paws.

The rest of my thoughts are along the same lines as Traci's and I am glad you are planning ahead! When my husband and I lived in an apartment complex, we were acquainted with a young couple who had a pair of Siamese cats. The couple bought expensive living room furniture - a couch and chairs - and since both worked, they arranged with the super to let the delivery men in... By the time they got home that evening, their cats had shredded and utterly ruined all three of the upholstered pieces! Cats IMO are wonderful creatures, but sometimes... :?

Whatever couch type is chosen, before it is delivered, install adequate scratching posts and/or mats in various parts of the house, and have already in place both a definite schedule of claw trimming and a plan for behavior modification to make the new couch unattractive from the beginning: "Bmod" spray bottles, electronic gadgets which make sounds pets find unpleasant...

Consistent, firm voice commands can also help - anything that deters without turning into a game or a contest of wills.

Good luck. Please if possible let us know what you decide?
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TheSkeptic
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Re: NEED HELP -- choosing cat friendly furniture

Post by TheSkeptic »

Good luck on finding something that works. My neighbor finally gave up and declawed her cats. I do not recommend this as it seems to me it would be very painful and debilitating for the poor cats.
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Traci
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Re: NEED HELP -- choosing cat friendly furniture

Post by Traci »

Here is another thread for more tips and products you can check into.
..........Traci
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Bluburd
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Re: NEED HELP -- choosing cat friendly furniture

Post by Bluburd »

My first question:

Do you own your home?
I live in my own little world,
but it's okay.......they know me here.......
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