How to Protect Outdoor Furniture From Cats

Cats don't see property the way humans do. In their eyes, anything that's unoccupied is fair game. When it's time for a nap, that unused chaise in a sunny spot on the deck will work just fine. And the legs of the wicker table are great for sharpening claws. Cats usually work out time-sharing arrangements for favorite napping places with their friends and family members. But if you'd rather not share the lawn furniture with your feline friends, there are ways to make the furniture unappealing to them.

Things You'll Need

  • Vinyl furniture covers
  • Electronic cat deterrent
  • Saucers of crushed lavender, citronella, rosemary or garlic chive leaves
  • Saucers of cayenne pepper, used coffee grounds, or lemon or orange peel
  • Rags soaked in white vinegar
  • Bubble wrap and tape
  • Catnip
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Instructions

    • 1

      Use vinyl furniture covers. The cats won't like sleeping on them, and the smooth vinyl will also make the furniture unappealing for scratching and spraying. Cats like to scratch rough surfaces. If they spray on vinyl covering an upright surface, drops of urine bounce off the surface and hit the cats.

    • 2

      Use an electronic device that makes a high-pitched sound or sprays a stream of water on the cats. Most pet supply stores sell electronic devices that repel cats without harming them.

    • 3

      Rub crushed lavender, citronella, rosemary or garlic chive leaves into the furniture cushions. Or put the leaves on saucers and set the saucers on your chairs. The scents of these herbs repel some cats. You might have to experiment until you find one your cats dislike, and the herbs will have to be refreshed often. If the cats are clawing the legs of wicker furniture, try rubbing the legs with crushed herbs.

    • 4

      Put saucers of cayenne pepper, used coffee grounds, or lemon or orange peel on your cushions. These odors, too, repel some cats. You'll have to refill the saucers every few days.

    • 5

      Soak rags in white vinegar and put them on your furniture cushions when they're dry. The lingering scent of vinegar repels some cats.

    • 6

      Put bubble wrap on your cushions and secure it to the chairs so it doesn't blow away. The sound of the bubbles popping when the cats jump on the chairs will startle them and discourage them from getting on the chairs again. You could also wrap the legs of wicker furniture in bubble wrap.

    • 7

      Give the cats their own furniture. Put a couple of wicker chairs with soft cushions in a sunny spot. Sprinkle catnip on the cushions and rub it on the legs of the chairs to attract the cats. They'll scratch their own furniture and nap on it instead of using yours.