In the United States alone, more than 25% of households have at least one pet cat.
Cats are an indispensable part of many households, and their playfulness brings endless joy to our lives. But when they climb onto outdoor furniture, so does the trouble.
As cat lovers, we don’t want to limit our cats’ nature, but we also want to protect our furniture from damage.
At first, it can be challenging to keep cats away from outdoor furniture, but there are actually many proven ways to do so. Remember, always choose a safe way to avoid hurting your cat.
Why do cats like to jump on furniture?
Cats jump on outdoor furniture for a variety of reasons, with warmth and comfort being the main triggers.
- Have you ever noticed that cats are always keen to find sunny places to lie down? They love to rest in warm environments, and in this respect, cats are not so different from humans. If your outdoor sofa is soft and warm from a day in the sun, it’s not surprising that cats will want to jump on it, as will stray cats when they sneak onto your deck.
- This is especially true if the outdoor furniture is upholstered. In addition to preferring warmth, cats love soft places for ultimate comfort. A set of soft outdoor furniture warmed by the sun is a dream place for cats.
But that’s not good for you or the furniture. Depending on the material the furniture is made of, it can be difficult to clean up cat hair once it gets on it. Additionally, little paws can carry kitty litter onto the furniture, leaving an unpleasant odor on the fabric. And the biggest headache of all is a cat’s sharp claws. If cats sharpen their claws on furniture, it can lead to furniture scrapping.
How to keep cats off furniture？
Fortunately, there are precautions we can take to prevent these situations from happening in the first place. Here are some ways to help you stop your cat from using your outdoor furniture as “exclusive territory.”
Train your cat
Many people think that cats are difficult to train, but this is actually a misconception. Training your cat from a young age will make it easier for them to stay away from your outdoor furniture. However, there is a right and a wrong way to train your cat, and it is vital to remain firm and consistent.
When you catch your cat jumping on outdoor furniture, say “no” in a firm tone of voice and then carry him to the floor. Tone of voice is critical because cats perceive the message conveyed by tone of voice more than the words themselves. If your tone is not stern and firm enough, the cat will likely not take your stopping seriously.
Stick to this and the cat will soon realize who is “in charge” and will know not to jump on the furniture. Another form of training is positive motivation, giving your cat a snack as a reward or praising him when he doesn’t jump on the furniture. This way, the cat will associate good behavior with a reward.
Making furniture less attractive
- Scents: cats are more resistant to certain smells and materials, and we can use this to our advantage to make outdoor furniture unattractive to them.One way to do this is to use a natural cat repellent spray. Cats don’t like the smell of vinegar, peppermint, cinnamon or lavender. You can make your own spray by adding a few drops of a favorite essential oil to water. Spray the spray on your furniture, but be careful with the amount, as some essential oils can be harmful if accidentally ingested by your cat.There is also the option of purchasing commercial cat repellent sprays, which are specifically designed to repel cats and usually contain pheromones or other odors that cats don’t like.
- Materials – You can also try using materials that cats don’t like. Cats hate the feel of aluminum foil and double-sided tape, so you can cover furniture with aluminum foil or put double-sided tape around the edges. The uncomfortable touch will deter cats when they try to jump on the furniture.
Provide alternative options
Cats need places to sharpen their claws and rest, and they’ll eye outdoor furniture if a suitable alternative isn’t provided.
A quality cat scratching board can be purchased and placed near areas where cats often try to jump on furniture. Make sure the cat scratching board is tall enough and has a stable base, and sprinkle some catnip on it for added appeal.
Elsewhere in the yard, create a cozy litter box or secluded corner for your cat. Choose a soft material and place it in a quiet, sheltered area so your cat has a cozy place to rest and no longer thinks about outdoor furniture.
Keep the environment tidy
Food and dirt attract cats, so keep your outdoor area clean, especially around furniture. Clean up any food spills or crumbs as soon as they fall. Without the lure of food and dirt, cats will be less likely to hang around furniture.
Also, clean the litter box regularly. If the litter box gets too dirty, the cat may look for another place to settle the “big deal,” and outdoor furniture could be a target.
Use an Induction Device
Sensor devices are great for scaring cats and keeping them away from furniture, and there are sensor sprinklers and audible devices on the market to choose from. When cats approach the furniture, the device senses their movement and squirts water or makes a loud sound. Over time, cats will associate furniture with unpleasant experiences and actively stay away. Be careful when using the sensor sprinkler, though, so you don’t accidentally get yourself or others wet.
By understanding why cats love outdoor furniture and incorporating some of the methods from the article, you can create a harmonious outdoor space that everyone can enjoy. With just a little effort and creativity, you can go a long way in maintaining a peaceful patio environment. Cats may take some time to develop new habits. And, whichever method you choose, make sure you don’t hurt your cat!
Also, we have a handy link to a forum that covers a lot of cat-related information, so if you have any cat-related concerns, you can find that information again at CASTER,website is https://www.catster.com/.
And also you can click the video for reference on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbJQeAQI4NY
Happy cat proofing!