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I have three cats and two old couches that are shredded. We just bought 2 new loveseats for our living room. Does any one have a homemade solution to deter our cats away from these couches or a really good product to buy that actually works? I have tried a store bought product that didn't work and I have also used vinegar dabbed on the fabric with no luck. I tried placing aluminum foil on the edges, which works, but it is not so pretty. Also, once I take them off the cats are back at it. I tried squirting them with a water bottle when I catch them, but they mostly scratch at it late at night or when no one's home. I am out of ideas. My last hope is to declaw them, which probably isn't cheap and I heard not so great for older cats.
Please help!
Carrie

Get Attention with Catnip

Get a catnip scented scratching board for each of them and they will never scratch your furniture again. They are at www.catclaws.com and they really work!
Yvonne

Spray to Stop Scratching

The best product on the market to stop cats from urine marking or scratching is called Feliway. I was at the end of my rope with 3 elderly cats that spray marked my house and furniture. I had tried everything and was contemplating getting rid of them because of the smell and all the furniture, etc. that had been destroyed. I've used it for over a year and it works wonders! Read more about it at www.DrsFosterSmith.com. They sell it for $19.99 a 75-ml spray bottle. I haven't found any local pet stores that carry it. I asked at PetSmart and Pet Supplies Plus and was told they can order it for $30-40 a bottle. At $19.99 a bottle it's still a bit pricey but it lasts a long time and is worth every penny.
Vicki

Tape Strips Help Keep Cats Away

We use a product called Sticky Paws (www.stickypaws.com). They are transparent double-sided adhesive strips that apply directly to fabric. There are 24 strips to the package. You can use the strips on drapes, speakers, chairs, couches, etc.
Verena

Claw Caps Stops the Destruction

I have the same problem. Not only does my cat scratch the furniture, she also scratches an old surgery site on herself causing injury. I will not declaw my 11-year-old cat so I buy Soft Paws nail caps. They are little soft plastic caps that you put over your cat's nails with a special type of medical super glue (although I use regular super glue and it works great). They last about a month or two depending on the cat, and how fast their nails grow since they fall off when nails naturally sloughs. They work great-especially on the back feet for protecting her from herself. They are expensive initially but in bulk they are much more reasonable than repairing damaged furniture or, in my case, further medical care for her.
Young

Cover With Clear Plastic

This is my method of deterring and training cats to leave my furniture alone:
I buy the thicker, crystal clear plastic that you buy off a bolt at the hardware or fabric store. I tape it (with clear tape) or attach it with upholstery pins to the sides and corners of the piece. It is not horribly noticeable and spoils all the fun for the cats until they finally give up and find an appropriate place to claw like outside on a tree, a scratching post, etc. I no longer have to cover anything as my cats just ignore the furniture
Robin

Bitter Apple Keeps Pets Away

A product called Bitter Apple will work wonders and is available at most pet and discount stores. It has kept my cats and dogs away from the furniture, Christmas trees, toys etc. It doesn't even stain wood. They hate the smell and/or taste and keep far away. One other solution would be to give them something else to occupy their time like a scratching post or catnip may work.
Robbin

Declawing Alternatives

In response to "Cat Attack", please check out these two websites: www.catsinternational.org and www.thecatsite.com . They offer alternatives to declawing.
KP

Do you have a time or money saving idea that wasn't included in this article? Please send it to tips@stretcher.com. We get the best ideas from our readers!

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