How can I stop my cats attacking my brand new leather couch?

Question

I'm so p*+@ed off. I've tried pepper to no avail.
Please, someone, give me a genuine detterent which wont stain my sofa or invole killing my cats, although the Cats Protection League is looking favourable. Oh, and doesn't cost the earth, it is Xmas after all folks. Ta x

Answer 1

I've heard cats HATE citrus smells, and some people use Orange peel to keep them out of their garden......... so indoors, something like Orange scented or Lemon scented household cleaning stuff, or polish or whatever might have a similar effect.

Answer 2

The way I have trained my cats to stop scratching furniture is to always have a spray bottle of water handy. When you see the cat heading towards the couch just spray the water in the direction of the cat. The water doesn't have to hit the cat for the result to be apparent. Also buy or make a scratching post for the cat, either with carpet or wrap a pole with nice smelling natural jute rope (about 1cm 1/2inch in dia), my cat just loves her jute scratching post. Also every time the cat goes near the couch, pick her up and gently place his/her claws on the scratching post and give lots of pats for rewards. The cat will soon get the idea. Cats can be trained, but I would not go to the extreme of de-clawing. Find the cat another good home if that is the case.

Answer 3

I've heard that spraying it with spray-on deodorant repels cats, but I haven't tried it.

A mix of 1/4 vinegar to 3/4 water, sprayed on the couch, should repel them, but I don't know if it's OK for leather -- test a hidden spot first?

Get Cat Repellant from the pet store (it's even available in the pet aisle at some grocery stores). It's not too expensive and should work.

Or, cover the areas that the cats like to attack with either aluminum foil (most cats dislike the sound & feel), or wrap it in cling wrap with doublesticky tape on it, facing outward of course (cat's can't tolerate sticky stuff on their paws). That'll look nasty, but once they've learned you can remove the foil or clingwrap and have your nice couch back again.

You can also try keeping a jar filled with coins near the couch, when they attack it shake the jar and scare them with the noise. If your cats are afraid of any other noise, it'll work too (my cat's terrified of the sound of an air freshener or other aerasol bottle, for example). Of course, only do this while they are actually caught in the act or they'll not learn. Try not to let them SEE you do it, so they associate the scary sound with the couch not with you.

Good luck!

Answer 4

Quite simply u can't-but they are hunters and need to sharpen their claws-be it on a tree, a neighbours fence or your sofa!! I have looked after scores of cats over the years and only one cat has ever attacked the couch-be it chenille, velour or leather. I now have two leather sofas-and yes, I still have the cat!! I can stop him when I'm in the room-but the covers folded on the arms seem to have done the trick-for now! It's your cats personality-just as we bite our nails-and how teenagers can be just as awkward-infuriating to some but he's yours! and as for the answer of de-clawing your cats - HORRENDOUS - RSPCA would be on your back like a shot. U ever tried scratching your back with no nails?!

Answer 5

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but we bought a new cream leather settee in April and in June got a Bengal kitten,I'm sure you can guess the rest.......
We ended up covering the settee with a really thick bedspread which seems to minimise the scratches but the settee has already been scratched and marked,it's not ruined but the scratches are really obvious!!!
Today is the first day that I have taken the covers off (obviously they have been washed) and so far he doesn't seem to be that bothered.
Wish I could be more reassuring but that's our experience.
Happy Christmas.

Answer 6

lol
well my leather is ok but.....

my tip is each time they come in to the room and want to do their streach up on that arm or seat of your leather have a water spray near by and spray it at them
they hate water right and will end up thinking if i do that i'll get wet

i did it to my cats and now they wont go near my leather couch

oh and keep the door closed when your not in the room after a while you'll find you can trust them not to get the claws out

Answer 7

try placing scratch posts around the house eg near the front and back doors, his sleeping areas and litter area. rub with cat nip to encourage the use. another good way is when polishing your sofa use a citrus fragranced polish like oranges or lemon this should deter them from scratchin and even sitting on the sofa.

Answer 8

have you got a scratching post for them?you might want to try some products out from you nearest pet store or ask the vet advise most of them now a days are ok to use on furniture

Answer 9

I don't have a leather couch, but, I used clear packing tape and cover the places they were scratching and they stopped. Try it. You said you wanted something cheep.

Answer 10

I have tried everything!!
Sticky strips - he scratched them off.
Lemon spray - he rubs his face in it.
Cat scratchers - he stands on them whilst scratching.
Water spray - not any use when he is alone.

I have now resorted to covering my lovely new couch with throws. That's all I can suggest for you, hope someone comes up with new ideas for me to try!!