Got cat-scratch fever?

Cats love to scratch (they can't help it) and they use their claws on the corners of upholstered furniture. Puff and Pooh developed a fondness for our sofa, and used it as their personal scratching post every time they walked by it.

Our beautiful sofa was less than four months old, but the corners were already ragged and looking like it was a much abused antique. Getting it recovered wasn't an option since we knew they would continue to get their "exercise" using this piece of furniture. We decided to add a "scratching post" to the sofa.

How to protect your cats from your furniture

This is a handy tip that will only cost a few dollars, but can save you hundreds in reupholstering or buying a new sofa. You will need a few feet of inexpensive Indoor/Outdoor carpet and some 1x3 boards. To assemble, you will need a staple gun, glue and a few nails or screws.

Glue and nail two boards
(1x2 or 1x3 pine recom) to form a corner.
Cover corner piece with Indoor/Outdoor carpet and fasten with staples (you can also use a glue gun).
Secure to furniture with 2- 4 nails or screws.

That's all there is to it. If you shop around, you can find carpet that will compliment, or add a tasteful contrast to your furniture. We chose Indoor/Outdoor carpet because the pile is cut short and tightly woven and retains the look when wrapped around corners.