How To Keep Cats Off Outdoor Furniture?

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Did you know that over 25% of U.S. households own at least one cat? While they're adorable, having cats on outdoor furniture can be tricky. There are safe and effective methods to keep them off without causing harm. Find out why cats climb on furniture and how to prevent it. Keep reading!

Why Do Cats Like to Jump on Furniture? 

When cats seek out outdoor furniture, it's often for the same reasons they love a cozy windowsill or a sunny patch indoors: warmth and comfort. Their natural inclination to find sunny spots extends to your patio furniture if it catches the sun's rays. Even stray cats wandering onto your porch might gravitate toward the warmth of your outdoor set.

The double appeal of warmth and softness draws cats to furniture with cushions. Those spots become a haven for felines seeking a comfortable snooze. However, while this might be delightful for your cat, it poses potential issues for you and your furniture.

For one, the aftermath of a feline nap can be quite a cleanup. Cat hair can be stubborn to remove from some materials, and their little paws might carry litter and unwanted scents onto your furniture. The most significant concern is their claws. Sharp and often extended during stretching or scratching, these claws can accidentally or purposefully cause damage to your outdoor furniture, leaving it marred or ruined.

Keeping your furniture cat-free is essential to maintain its integrity and cleanliness. There are various ways to deter cats from claiming your outdoor oasis as their own, ensuring a harmonious environment for both you and your feline visitors.

How to Keep Cats Off Furniture

Thankfully, there are numerous ways to proactively avoid these scenarios altogether. Discover effective methods to discourage cats from claiming your valuable furniture as their lounging spot.

Train Your Cat

Many think cats can't be trained, but that's a misconception. Early training helps keep them away from outdoor furniture. The key is confident and consistent training. When catching your cat on furniture, a firm "no" and returning them to the floor helps. Your tone matters more than the word itself. Consistency teaches them the rules—erratic enforcement confuses them. Cats test boundaries, but consistent training can discourage them from climbing on furniture.

Consider a Cat Repellant Spray

If training your cat doesn't yield results or they're too accustomed to the furniture, a repellent spray bottle might help. You can craft your own or purchase one from a pet store. Cats dislike certain scents, deterring them from areas. Lavender, cinnamon, and vinegar are effective scents disliked by cats. Create a solution with water, vinegar, and essential oils, then spray the mixture on the furniture evenly. This discourages your cat from lingering or settling in the areas you've treated.

You can use Double-Sided Tape

Oddly, most cats dislike stickiness on their paws. This aversion can keep them off your furniture. Always prioritize your pet's safety; avoid any harmful substances. Double-sided tape is effective without harming furniture if it's not too strong. Avoid industrial-grade tapes as they can be detrimental to your cat. Apply small strips strategically on your furniture where your cat usually lingers. The aim is to ensure your cat interacts with it at least once. After a few encounters, your cat may stop jumping on that furniture.

Providing a Cozy Space for Cats

These days, outdoor spaces are becoming more inviting. Homeowners are crafting comfortable lounging spots with dining areas and fire pits. So, is it any wonder that your cat might fancy your outdoor furniture cushions? After all, cats love comfort too.

To keep your furry friend content, consider creating a cozy space just for them. A cat tree is an excellent addition, offering a serene spot for your feline friend to lounge or hide. Look for sturdy options suitable for a covered patio. If you're into DIY, repurposing an old shelving unit into a climbing haven for your cat is a quick and fulfilling project!

Give Your Cat a Cozy Spot

Why should humans have all the comfort? Adding a cat bed to your home could be a fantastic idea if you're a cat owner. Various pet cushions are available, and a small dog bed works well for your feline friend, offering them their special spot. Take their cushion outside when relaxing outdoors, so your cat has its own place and won't feel inclined to rest on your outdoor furniture cushions.

Just remember to bring the cat's bed back inside once you're finished enjoying the outdoors!

Store cushions away

Outdoor furniture including leather furniture takes a beating from weather elements like sun and rain. To safeguard your investment, having a secure storage spot is critical. Consider stowing away your outdoor furniture and cushions in a dry, sheltered location during winter, like a garden shed. Forming a habit of storing cushions away overnight or when not in use shields them from cats and other creatures.

Though not the most glamorous fix, it's a solid way to shield your furniture from both curious cats and weather extremes!

Aluminum foil

Consider using aluminum foil as a deterrent if your outdoor furniture and cushions are rarely exposed to wind and rain. Cats often dislike the sound and texture of foil, steering clear of areas where it's placed. It's an eco-friendly approach—reuse foil sheets stored in a box or drawer when needed.

Does it always work? Not necessarily. While most cats dislike foil, some cats find it interesting and even lay on its cool surface. It's worth experimenting with to see how your cat reacts.

Use a verbal command

Did you know you can train your cat similar to how you'd train a dog? Although cats have their independence, training them is possible with patience. For instance, you can teach your cat to avoid outdoor furniture cushions using short training sessions. Clear verbal commands like 'No' or 'Get down' helps reinforce the boundary. Reward positive behavior instead of punishing negative actions for effective training.

PDB mothballs

Mothballs work great as a cat repellent, but their toxicity poses a risk to pets. Consider using PDB mothballs inside the cushion covers, ensuring they're not accessible to animals. Naphthalene mothballs are highly toxic, especially to dogs. If you have pets, opt for PDB mothballs, and securely contain them to prevent accidental ingestion.

Make your potpourri

Ever thought about using potpourri as a way to keep cats off your outdoor furniture? You can create a mix of citrus peels that cats dislike but you'll still enjoy! Combine lemon, tangerine, lime, and orange peels to make a cat-repellent potpourri. Enhance the scent by spraying a mix of lemon juice, citronella oil, and water. Adding lemongrass fragments works great too! Place this mix near your outdoor furniture to help deter cats from lounging. For added effectiveness, stash small sachets of the potpourri inside the cushion covers.

Conclusion

Keeping cats away from outdoor furniture might seem challenging, but it's a challenge worth tackling! Begin training your cats early, or use repellent sprays or sticky tape.