Last Fall, I began to edit my Photo Library of 12,400+ photos and 475+ videos taken between 2008 and the present; 7,000+ of them of the sunrise since 2019. I also began to write regularly with the London Writers’ Salon (check it out). In December, my lower neck and upper back began to stiffen. In January I could barely move my head from side to side. Obviously, my neck was not accustomed to these repetitive editing and writing positions. In February, I began a healing regimen of neck exercises, wearing a neck brace and making the decision to invest in a recliner. My new chocolate palermo leather recliner was delivered last Friday afternoon.
There it was: my beautiful, pristine chocolate palermo leather with gorgeous unscratched gleaming wooden armrests. And there he was: my cat, Jem, experienced in shredding and scratching furniture from years of practice on the sides of my prior fabric reading chair and ottoman. All this destruction, despite strategically-placed Feliway diffusers and cat scratching posts, including one with a bed.
The game was on. I saw his cunning look and deployed my cat barriers. First, a premium quilted machine-washable, anti-slip recliner cover that covered the seat and front of the recliner. Second, a large throw to cover the leather in the back of the recliner. Third, a flannel sheet to cover the exposed wood. Fourth, a spray bottle filled with water to fend off an attacking cat.
Then, underneath the recliner, I added the cat de grâce — a plastic container with a rag soaked in white vinegar, apparently a smell that repulses cats, and I guess, most humans, except for one determined to safeguard her recliner investment.
So far, Jem has not been able to penetrate my fur-tifications.
Adrienne suggested that I remove these barriers when I have friends over. That probably includes the white vinegar petri dish. In the meantime, I’m on the lookout. Jem now pretends to sleep, but I know he’s waiting . . . patiently waiting for the purr-feet moment to launch another cat-astrophe.
Unbelievably, I caught Jem late yesterday afternoon, standing on his back legs, attempting to sharpen his claws on the corner of the left armrest on my new recliner, despite the flannel sheet (two layers) covering it.
It’s going to be a long struggle.
I have little knowledge of cat behavior, so I have no suggestions. I do know Jem loves a warm body and most human contact. Perhaps you wrap a ticking clock in a towel for him curl up with while you’re away. It is a strategy that is used for puppies.
Who has a clock that still ticks? Aren’t most of them digital?
Jem loves your lap in particular, Adrienne. That’s your lap in the photo under the title. Is it because you don’t carry your anxiety about life as obviously as I do?
BTW, I didn’t mention all the damage done to the wood casements around the doors in my home. Jem even manages to scratch through aluminum foil.
If anyone asks, tell them it is your homage to Christo.
Great suggestion, Adrienne.
Here’s a link to an article about Christo and his art for those of you who are wondering why Adrienne linked the covered recliner to Christo.
https://galeriemagazine.com/8-iconic-artworks-christo-legacy/
Very sweet content. Cat-tastic!
Bless you, Kelly, for supporting me by lowering your eloquent self to my level of puns. Quick, read some Mary Oliver or Jane Kenyon poetry. SAVE YOURSELF!
So whose side should I be on at this point? I love you dearly, Sharon, and your new recliner is gorgeous, but I have to admit it’s hard not to feel just a little bit of sympathy for Jem. Such a challenge for him! Just hope all three of you (you, Jem, the chocolate palermo leather recliner) survive!
I hear you, Carol. Perhaps I should purchase a teeny “decoy” recliner for dear Jem. I doubt he’ll take the bait, however, as his tastes (in both senses of that word), are much more sophisticated than mine.😐
I think it’s hilarious that you bought a beautiful leather and wood recliner and then had to cover it up completely! But since I’ve never subscribed to the ideas of form over function or style over substance, I know the important thing is that it’s comfortable and helps your complaining spine and muscles. And Jem is much more beautiful than the chair.