How to Keep Cats Out of Recliners: Safety Tips
After spending hours and hours working throughout the day, the recliners are suited to help calm your body and mind– sending into the clouds in the process, but if you have cards and other small pets like rodents, a recliner may not be a good addition to your house.
Cats love to hide under the bed, or relax and curl up in little spaces and enclosures, making the exposed compartment behind the recliners or when you take out the footrest a likely resort.
It is important to pay attention to your cat’s movements, to ensure they are not inside the exposed compartments; leading to injury or death if you close the cat in. Cats usually get clingy when their owner is pregnant or sick, which means they may follow you without your knowledge, and you could mistakenly injure them. So, will your cat’s instinct save it in situations like these or will you rather have insights on how to keep cats out of recliners? Here is a detailed guide.
Why Do Cats Love Recliners
Do you ever catch your cats lounging around on your recliner? You’re not alone! Recliners and cats go together like peanut butter and jelly. But why do cats love to curl up on these comfy chairs?
Cats love the coziness of a recliner. They love to snuggle into the soft yet supportive cushions and curl up into a warm and cozy ball. This is especially true if the recliner has a headrest, as cats love to rest their heads against the back of the chair.
Cats appreciate the height of a recliner. By lounging in a recliner, cats are able to keep an eye on the goings-on around them. They can survey the room from a higher vantage point and keep an eye out for potential predators(even in absence of one; it’s instinctive).
They feel safer in a recliner. The deep seat and high back of the chair provide cats with a sense of security and safety. This is especially true if the recliner is positioned against a wall, as this provides cats with an extra layer of security.
Cats are drawn to the warmth of a recliner. The fabric of the chair absorbs body heat and radiates it back to the cat, providing cats with a warm and cozy environment.
Are recliners dangerous for cats
Beneath the soft plush relaxing surface of every recliner – lies a killing machine. Nothing kills or injures kittens and sometimes adult cats like the compartment exposed each time you let out the footrest.
This portion of the recliner has many springs and aluminum that could hurt your cat when you close the footrest.
If your cat is interested like my ragdoll, you should be careful and mindful of its whereabouts when opening or closing the footrest area. Both mechanic and electric recliners require you to open the footrest to lower the back, increasing the risk of your cat getting stuck or hurt.
The back mechanism of most recliners moves with you when you stand up, trapping the cat underneath. While rocking the recliner, your cat’s tail may get trapped.
Your cat shouldn’t be able to access your recliner if you use one at home.
How to keep cats out of recliners
If you are a cat owner, you know the struggle of trying to keep cats off of your recliner. Cats love to curl up in cozy spots, and recliners provide the perfect place to curl up and nap. However, your recliner is not the ideal spot for your cat to snooze. Cats scratching and clawing your furniture can cause damage and leave fur and dander all over your furniture. To protect your furniture and keep your cat safe, here are some tips on how to keep cats out of recliners.
1. Cover the Recliner—A blanket or sheet is one of the greatest ways to keep cats out of recliners. This procedure works best with cloth recliners. Other blankets and throws can provide further protection. If furniture is covered and uncomfortable to climb on, cats are less likely to scratch and claw it. Some recliners have covers; buy one to avoid accidents.
2. Use double-sided tape to protect the cat from furniture. This procedure works best for leather or vinyl chairs. Tape the recliner’s corners and arms and the cat will loathe the feeling on its paws. It will deter them from climbing the recliner.
3. Sprinkle Pepper – Pepper or other spices about the recliner can help deter cats. Cats avoid recliners because they don’t enjoy spice smells. I won’t endorse this strategy.
4. Use a Scat Mat—Electrified mats that give cats a mild shock when they step on them. The cat will avoid the recliner if the scat mat is near it.
Alternatives to Keep Cats Occupied Instead of the Recliner
If you’re a cat owner, chances are you’ve experienced the struggle of your beloved feline trying to take over the recliner. While cats are natural loungers and love to take their spot on the furniture, it’s not always the best idea to let them do so. The constant scratching, fur, and other messes can be a nuisance, not to mention the potential damage to your furniture, and the possible injury or death that could befall your feline friend. To keep your cat occupied and out of the recliner, here are some alternatives to keep them entertained.
Scratching Posts
Scratching posts are a great way to keep cats occupied and away from the furniture. Cats love to scratch, and having a dedicated post for them to scratch away at will keep them from taking their claws to the recliner. Consider buying one that’s tall enough for your cat to extend its entire body when it scratches and make sure it is made from sturdy materials that can withstand some serious clawing.
Cat Trees
Cat trees are a great way to give cats a place to jump, climb and scratch. Not only do they provide a great place for your cat to get a good workout, but they also come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so you can find one that perfectly suits your cat’s needs and fits in your home. Plus, the higher up your cat is, the less likely they are to try and make the recliner their own.
Cat Toys
Cats love to play, and providing them with a variety of toys can keep them entertained and away from the furniture. Try rotating toys to keep them interested and always make sure they are safe. Hanging toys from the ceiling is a great way to keep cats stimulated and away from the recliner, and playing with your cat can provide a great bonding experience.
Cat Condos
Cat condos are a great way to give cats a place to hide, sleep, and play. Not only do they provide extra comfort and security, but they also look great in any home. Plus, cats love to hide and jump around in them, making them perfect for keeping cats away from the recliner.
Cat Tunnels
Cats love to explore and hide, and having a cat tunnel in the house is the perfect way to satisfy their curiosity. Cat tunnels are made from durable materials, like canvas and fabric, and they come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Place them in different areas of the house to keep your cats occupied and out of the recliner.
By providing cats with alternatives to the recliner, you can keep them entertained and out of your furniture. With so many options available, there’s sure to be something perfect for your cat. So, take the time to find a solution that works for you and your cat, and you can enjoy relaxing on the recliner again.
Conclusion
Adult cats are less likely to be caught in recliner accidents, as you should have trained them to stay away from dangerous things, but kittens that love to explore or newly adopted cats that will keep hiding until they settle into the house are at high risk of getting trapped injured or killed by a recliner. Provide a necessary deterrent that will ensure your cat doesn’t get close to the recliner to avoid injuries, if possible, keep the recliners in a room that is inaccessible to your cat.
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