Like everyone who has cats in their house, particularly cats who stay indoors, I face the constant threat of shredded upholstery. I’ve learned to live with it, knowing that I brought my cats into my house and they do have to scratch something, and it is generally a manageable issue, with the strategic placement of scratching posts and double-sided tape. But there is one couch that my two cats would just not leave alone: an 1840s Empire sofa, covered in a fine cotton fabric that both they and I love. I tried all sorts of defensive mechanisms, to no avail; they could always find a patch of fabric to dig their claws into. So finally I called it a day and called the upholsterer.
The culprits, greeting me at the door.
Their prey.
Since it was only the sides and back of the couch that were clawed, my upholsterer and I came up with a good solution (so far) to this particular problem. I purchased a very tightly-woven thicker cotton coordinating fabric, and Steve upholstered half of the couch. I think it looks really cool, and except for a few attempts, the cats have been paws-off.
Keeping their distance.
Sniffing, but not clawing.
Close-up of the two fabrics.
Close, but no clawing.
Safe and sound, for now.
September 14th, 2011 at 8:50 am
That looks great! I think it modernizes it a little bit too.
Love your recessed shutters.
September 14th, 2011 at 9:26 am
Thanks, Steve. That’s the front part of the double parlor–these are the rooms that I need a color consultation for; as you can see, the moulding (and the shutters) is not really highlighted by the too-pale paint. We tried a darker rose color last year, but felt that it would close us in.
September 14th, 2011 at 10:04 am
What a great idea, – a ‘living with the problem solution’. I have heard of people actually having their cats claws removed, which seems quite drastic to me.. My cats are barn cats, they claw the straw bales which is just fine with everyone! How could they climb a tree without their claws! Very pretty cats you have by the way.. c
September 14th, 2011 at 10:29 am
LOVE the couch and the concept. So smart! Your cats are adorable but boy does the one look surly in that first pic! I had to laugh..
September 14th, 2011 at 1:30 pm
Yes, that’s her “where have you been all weekend” look.
September 18th, 2011 at 12:38 pm
Awww, your cats are lovely 🙂 I had 3 on my own, I miss it so much to have cats around me. Great idea with the couch. So glad you didn’t declaw your cats like many people do! My cats made scratches everywhere, except on our leather couch lol
Greets