Protecting dining room table from cat?

Question

I just got a new very nice dining room table, imagine my surprise when I woke up the next morning and found scratches all over the top. The store is going to replace the table tomorrow, but I was hoping for some ideas for protecting the new dining room table. I reprimanded my cat but hes pretty stubborn. I don't want to buy a table pad right now. Any Ideas?

Answer 1

use a table pad and a table cloth until you can keep the kitty off of it. most people with antique tables use table pads any ways, it is a large folding pad about an inch thick. could be a compressed cardboard middle or even wood, both are covered by felt, then you just unfold it over your table. it keeps it from getting scratched or otherwise damaged.

Answer 2

I'd get a thick table cloth to keep on when you're not around. Reprimanding him consistently is also helpful, but doing so will make him scatter and probably put scratches on the table this way too. You will just have to keep the table covered and protected....ahhhh, the price we all have to pay for owning cats. My table is older, so I don't care to much about scratches (it's also light wood and not noticeable) I do however have to pick my placemats up off the floor several times a day!

Answer 3

You can buy scents that repel your pets, but I would be hesitant to use those, as a aggressive cat might decide to pee on the scent rather than avoid it.

It's difficult to deter cats from doing things, so maybe it is best to get the table pad.  

Answer 4

Try putting softpaws on your cat.  You can do it yourself, or a vet can do it.  Most pet stores sell them.  Otherwise, you may have to do the table pad.  Good luck!