The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I'm wondering whether anyone here might have some suggestions - aside from the obvious - to better protect my machines from the cats with whom I reside. the cats can't go, the machines aren't going anywhere, and while I do have many of them kept behind closed doors, I like having some in the living areas of the house, where the cats freely wander... too often though, I've been finding them sitting atop turntables, leaping off of cabinets when I get home, etc.... these are all machines that, like many of us, I've spent hours upon hours restoring and getting just right, only to now be finding small scratches here and there. it's frustrating and maybe just something I'll have to learn to live with... but maybe someone in similar circumstances has figured out a trick or two to minimize this problem???

Years ago I visited a longtime collector, now deceased, in New Jersey. He collected phonographs and records, and his wife was fond of what some used to call "Orientalia" - including the ornamented black-lacquered style of furniture. And exotic birds, which were allowed to fly freely inside the house.

Not to speak ill of the dead, but it was kind of appalling...bird poop on most horizontal surfaces. Their solution was to put crumpled aluminum foil on top of the furniture and other spots where the birds might alight. The foil made for an "interesting" textural and visual contrast, especially to the black lacquered pieces. And much of it was also loaded with guano. Not sure whether the birds changed any behaviors because of it though.

But foil is easily attached by bending around things and probably would be uncomfortable to the felines to walk or lay on if sharply crumpled.

Another solution that might be more permanent is to repurpose one of those cheapie electrical massager setups, available on Amazon for about $25. They run on AA cells and give a variety of weird electrical impulses that are harmless, and quite good for lower back pain, but that will get attention. Search for "TENS" systems on Amazon. They come with adhesive electrodes and connecting wires, and I bet that if you set one up such that paw pads make contact to connected sheets of foil, even the dumbest pussy would grab the chance to get away (and stay away) from there.

Aren't there sprays to discourage pets from "unacceptable" behavior actions---saw a catalog with different pet products, will see if I can get the name tomorrow. Well, I looked at the catalog---it is for Professional Dog Groomers, everything imaginable for dogs---no feline products----Sorry, not able to help

My Mom had a cat like that when I was a kid and she popped a balloon near her once, and then just placed balloons on stuff she didn't want the cat around. After a few weeks she only had to leave a balloon on one of her huge houseplants. The cat liked to sleep on that for some reason. Mom still laughs about that balloon thing, but it sure worked on that cat.

I would suggest fitting your cats with comfortable slippers.

bigshot wrote:I would suggest fitting your cats with comfortable slippers.

Or, if your brother is a veterinarian, you have them de-clawed (love my brother and my cats).

Matt

Have him cut your fingers off at the first knuckle too, while he's at it. For solidarity with your kitty.

PeterF wrote:Have him cut your fingers off at the first knuckle too, while he's at it. For solidarity with your kitty.

Agreed! Why this sickening practice hasn't been banned in North America, as it has been in the most of the world, is beyond me.

To draw the cats away from the areas you don't want them, get a few scratching posts and rub them with some catnip.

Since cats are repelled by a number of common odors -- https://www.google.com/search?as_q=cats ... as_rights= -- maybe stick an "Air Wick®" or some other repellent near where you've noticed scratches.


OF

You might try this... it seems to work for people with similar problems...

https://www.amazon.com/Powerhouse-Produ ... 9CFNPPA7SM