One of our cats, Mario, has taken to scratching our fabric furniture and over the last four years our couch and love seat have taken a serious beating, along with several other pieces. We have tried it all. We did the noisemakers when we catch him scratching, we tried trimming his nails (at great personal damage - he's not a fan), we tried the nasty tasting sprays (if like me you've done this, you will come to regret it during this project), we did the double stick tape, we let him go outside, and we have three (3) scratching posts - which he does use, but we've also caught him laying on the scratching post while clawing the couch. If it weren't for the fact that my son sleeps with that cat and looks for him to cuddle the moment he gets home from school, that adorable cat might be gone. He also pees on the floors, but that's another story. As it is, since Mario the cat is only 4, I covered the damage with packing tape figuring it looked a little classier than duct tape and counted it as a lost cause... until recently.
Last weekend we hosted an open house to celebrate my 40th birthday and the completion of our kitchen remodel. I'd invited a lot of people that had never been to my house before and decided it was time to do something about our hideous couches. Replacing them was not an option - especially after the remodel costs.
NOTE: This takes a long time. I strongly recommend picking a series to watch on Netflix while you work. I ended up working on this until 5:30 in the morning two nights in a row since the party was in a couple days. I am a master procrastinator.
Total Time: 8 hours each
Supplies:
Steps:
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Wow, good job! Your sofa looks awesome, and you sure saved yourself a boat-load of money! I have several pieces that are worn + cat toys. I bought a large painting tarp that I am going to attempt as a cover for a leather recliner. I have nothing to lose but $30 for the tarp and my time. You give me hope that I might be successful. Also, you inspire me to take photos of the project and I will share if it works.
Thank you, MB
What a difference! You did a beautiful job of repairing it .
I didn't read your article 'word for word', since I don't have a cat. The amount of time and work you put into this project is amazing, and the end results are fantastic!
Just one question. What's to keep Mario from damaging all that beautiful work, just as he did to the original?
Make that two questions. As much as cats hate water, why wouldn't a spritz from a gun or spray bottle when caught in the act, be an effective deterrent?
We've tried spraying water and every anti-scratch product on the market. He did start scratching at the recovered couches. Since he was also peeing all over the house, Mario now lives in the garage/outside with a cat door in-between (he was inside/outside before). He has a scratching post, bed, and still gets lots of attention out there. The vet said there is no medical reason for him to be peeing and nothing we had tried worked (different types of litter boxes, litter, etc).
I too wondered what was going to change for Mario when he started tearing up the beautiful job you did. People suggesting water sprays or loud noises to discourage Mario probably have never had a cat. Cats are smart and wait until you are not around to do what they know perfectly well that they should not be doing. I thought maybe you could cover the couch with a sheet or drop cloth, maybe he wouldn't like that ... being sort of loose and probably not as satisfying as a scratching surface... then remove the sheet when company is coming. But your garage idea may be best. It is nice that you are keeping Mario, since your son loves him!
You did great. Thank you
I, too, had a cat who clawed my couch. As soon as I realized what he was doing, I made a spray by soaking orange peels in vinegar, this combined two scents that he didnt like.
Every time I caught him clawing, I lightly sprayed the area with my spay. My couch was light colored and didnt show the spray. Maybe it was coincidence, but he stopped clawing it.
You are amazing. Im so glad I came across your PIN. You helped me so much. Oh, your photos were perfect for me to follow along. Im a visual learner. Thank you for sharing.
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