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How to Cat Proof Your Tablecloth (Guide + Tips)

If your cat is tearing up your table cloth you may be wondering how you can protect and prevent your cat from doing this (Click here for my best solution, on Amazon #Ad).

Why Do Cats Attack Tablecloths & Jump on Tables?

Cats have a natural instinct to be in the wild and climb to high places such as trees, walls, etc. This allows them to get a better view of their surroundings and look out for threats or prey. However, this instinct can make your cat climb to places where they shouldn’t be, like curtains, fences, windows, kitchen tables, etc.

What you will need to Protect Your Tablecloth

Description	Image	My Rating
01. Clear Tablecloth Protector (My Best) Click here for the price on Amazon #Ad
02. Tablecloth Clips Click here for the price on Amazon #Ad
03. Twisted Sisal Rope Click here for the price on Amazon #Ad

So, now you know why your cat is destroying your tablecloth. But, how can you cat-proof it? How can you prevent your cat from jumping on it? Should you stop leaving food out? Keep reading for these answers, and so much more.

 

What Do Cats Do to Tablecloths?

Cats have a tendency to climb things, which is why they use tablecloths to climb tables. Unless you stop the cat from doing this, your tablecloths will get cut and torn out in no time.

Your cat can also pull the tablecloth down when they try to climb, which can make everything on top of the table fall. This can be dangerous if you have glass objects on your table.

How to Cat-Proof Your Tablecloth

Here are a few tips to help you protect your tablecloth from cats:

01. Use a Clear Tablecloth Cover

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This is a brilliant idea to protect your tablecloth while displaying its beauty at the same time. You can use a transparent tablecloth cover (Click here to see the reviews, on Amazon #Ad) and stop worrying about your tablecloth getting torn out anymore.

Look for a high-quality, clear, and easy to clean tablecloth cover. It will not only protect your tablecloth from all the cat scratch marks but also stains, spills, and any kind of damage.

It allows you to make your tablecloth water and stain-resistant. For maximum convenience, you can simply wipe it clean with a sponge or a damp cloth. So, if your cat ruins every other new tablecloth you get, try out a tablecloth cover.

02. Cut It to Fit the Table

Another good option to cat-proof your (what about balls? click here) tablecloth is by cutting it to fit the size of the table. You can use a sharp lancet or scissors and start cutting it down closer to the size of the table carefully.

You can then use glue or Mod Podge to stick the tablecloth to your table. This will make the tablecloth never fall off the table again.

By cutting the tablecloth down, it will be out of reach for the cat to climb or catch on. It might seem crazy, but it works!

03. Keep Your Cat Out of the Dining Room

If possible, keep your cat out of your dining room. This will prevent any harm from happening in the first place.

You can use deterrents to stop your cat (Click here to see the reviews, on Amazon #Ad) from entering the dining room. Some cats hate certain smells such as red pepper flakes, citrus smells, etc. There are also commercially available products that are used to keep the cat away from different places.

How Much Should a Tablecloth Hang Over the Table?

The appropriate overhang of the tablecloth should be at least 15 cm (6 inches). An overhang that is shorter than that will make the tablecloth look inappropriate and too small for the table.

For formal occasions when you do not have any chairs around (Click here if you have a gaming chair to protect) the table, you can even let the overhang be all the way down to the floor.

To avoid piles of cloth being pushed in along with the chairs under the table, you should measure the height difference between the table and the chairs. Upon that measured height, you should determine the maximum length of the overhang.

How Do I Stop My Cat From Jumping on the Dining Table?

It can be really frustrating if your cat keeps jumping on your dining table and ruining the tablecloth.

Here is what you should do to stop it from happening:

01. Do Not Punish

The first thing you should avoid is punishing your cat. Unlike dogs, cats do not respond well to punishments. They simply cannot link the punishment with their bad behavior.

Whether it is verbal or physical punishment, it will make your cat frightened and stressed out. This can open the door to aggression, scratching, biting, litter tray problems, and more. So, never punish your cat!

02. Take the Rewards Away

Your cat finds the food and treats on the table as rewards each time they jump on the table. They will continue jumping on the table as long as they find those rewards.

So, you need to take those rewards away. Remove all the foods and treats from the table. Instead, place objects that will make the cat feel uncomfortable and wanting to leave the table.

Try putting plastic placemats on top of the dining table when you are not using it. Cover the top side of the placemats with double-sided tape. Since cats hate the sticky sensation, they will jump right down off the table.

Soon they will link the dining table with the uncomfortable sensations it brings and they will not jump again.

03. Put Them in Their Special Room

You can make a special room for your cat with all of their favorite toys, water, litter box, food, treats, and bed.

You can make them go to that room when you are using the dining table. They will get distracted with all the fun and they will not disturb you.

What Can I Use to Keep My Tablecloth From Slipping?

Does your tablecloth keep slipping off the table all the time? Your pet cat or kids keep pulling it down? It can be really frustrating when you keep adjusting the tablecloth all day long.

Here are a few tips to save you from all the fuss:

01. Use a Double-Sided Tape

A high-quality double-sided tape (Click here to see the reviews, on Amazon #Ad) can be very effective regarding that matter. However, keep in mind that the tape will become less and less sticky over time. It will also leave a mark on the tablecloth once removed.

02. Use Some Weights

This is a cheap and effective option to keep your tablecloth in place. You can use heavy ornaments, bowels, vases, etc. Besides saving the tablecloth from slipping, they will decorate your table.

03. Tie the Corners

Try using a cord or ribbon to tie the corners of the tablecloth to the table. It will keep the tablecloth slipping-proof. Also, if you do it right, it can give a nice touch to the table.

Is There Any Way to Protect the Table Legs?

Cats love to scratch table legs. Unfortunately, it can end up giving the table legs an unpleasant look full of scratch marks.

One way to make your table legs cat-proof is by using a sisal rope (Click here to see the price, on Amazon #Ad). Actually, the rope will attract the cat and they will start scratching it more. However, the rope can be easily replaced once it is frayed, unlike the ruined table legs.

The rope will also give the table a beautiful decorative touch!

Should You Stop Leaving Food Out?

Yes, you should. The cat finds that food on top of the table as a reward that they should claim. So by avoiding leaving any food out on the dining table, your cat will not find a reason to keep climbing the table all the time.

Will Table Clips Help to Keep Cats Off?

Table clips are an easy way to keep the cat off the table (Click here to see the price, on Amazon #Ad) and save the tablecloth from slipping. They are available in a wide variety of shapes, styles, and materials to choose from.

However, the cheaper they are, the more basic and dull they look. Make sure you invest in high-quality clips that will last for years.

Should You Even Bother Using a Tablecloth?

It is your choice whether you want to use a tablecloth or not. However, tablecloths are made for a reason.

Daily use tablecloths protect your table from food, water, minor spills, etc. They also give your house a very beautiful decorative touch. They can also be changed every season to give your house a new look and style.