ᐅ Do cats scratch the corners of KALLAX units – any recommendations?
Created on: 26 Dec 2021 09:12
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Giarash51
Good morning everyone, I am considering buying an IKEA KALLAX shelf for my living room, but I’m a bit unsure because of my two cats. My question is: Are the corners and edges of a KALLAX shelf likely to get scratched or damaged by cats? I especially want to know how sensitive the material is at the corners and if there are any experiences about cats regularly scratching there. Are there any proven recommendations on how to protect the shelf or specifically the corners to prevent long-term damage? I would appreciate detailed experiences, including advice on materials, protective measures, or alternatives. Thank you in advance!
Hello,
thank you for the previous suggestions. I would like to add that cats instinctively scratch on rough or edged surfaces to sharpen their claws or to mark their territory. Therefore, the KALLAX shelf is generally an easily accessible target.
If you want to protect the corners, you can use corner protectors as well as odor sprays that keep cats away from furniture. However, test first whether your cats react to these sprays.
It is important to provide enough other scratching surfaces to redirect their scratching behavior.
thank you for the previous suggestions. I would like to add that cats instinctively scratch on rough or edged surfaces to sharpen their claws or to mark their territory. Therefore, the KALLAX shelf is generally an easily accessible target.
If you want to protect the corners, you can use corner protectors as well as odor sprays that keep cats away from furniture. However, test first whether your cats react to these sprays.
It is important to provide enough other scratching surfaces to redirect their scratching behavior.
Let's be honest – the KALLAX is designed to be somewhat sturdy, but not built to withstand cat claws. In my opinion, anyone who buys furniture for cats and expects the corners to stay intact is being naive.
Exactly! So it’s better to take a defensive approach and opt for durable scratching furniture right from the start, rather than hoping an MDF shelf will remain undamaged.
RON57 schrieb:
Cats instinctively scratch on rough or edge-pronounced surfaces
Exactly! So it’s better to take a defensive approach and opt for durable scratching furniture right from the start, rather than hoping an MDF shelf will remain undamaged.
Hey, I think the KALLAX holds up really well with our cats! Sure, they scratch here and there, but with rounded plastic edges on the corners and a great scratching post nearby, the damage is minimal.
I agree, but with a little effort, you can really prevent a lot 🙂 Plus, a bit of "patina" actually makes the furniture feel much more homely! 😉
GALEO4 schrieb:
Anyone who gets furniture for cats and expects the corners to stay undamaged is naive
I agree, but with a little effort, you can really prevent a lot 🙂 Plus, a bit of "patina" actually makes the furniture feel much more homely! 😉
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Giarash5127 Dec 2021 09:02Thanks for all the information so far! Just a quick question: How advisable are magnetic edge protectors or glass coverings for the corners in terms of durability and visual impact? I want to avoid the shelf looking significantly worse after adding the protection. Also, I’m wondering if installing these protective measures could affect the stability or lifespan of the KALLAX. If anyone has experience with this, it would be very helpful for my decision.
Regarding magnetic edge protectors and glass coverings:
Magnetic edge protection profiles are relatively uncommon because the surface of KALLAX does not contain any metal parts that magnets could attach to. Therefore, such products often have limited durability.
Glass coverings (e.g., small glass caps on corners) can look elegant but may cause issues on furniture like KALLAX, as their attachment methods usually require adhesives or screws, which generally do not improve stability and can permanently damage the surface.
More practical and durable are flexible plastic profiles or rubber guards, as they do not require modifications to the furniture yet still effectively protect the corners.
Magnetic edge protection profiles are relatively uncommon because the surface of KALLAX does not contain any metal parts that magnets could attach to. Therefore, such products often have limited durability.
Glass coverings (e.g., small glass caps on corners) can look elegant but may cause issues on furniture like KALLAX, as their attachment methods usually require adhesives or screws, which generally do not improve stability and can permanently damage the surface.
More practical and durable are flexible plastic profiles or rubber guards, as they do not require modifications to the furniture yet still effectively protect the corners.
GIARASH51 schrieb:
How recommended are magnetic edge protectors or glass coverings for corners in terms of durability and visual effect? In my experience, such solutions are rather unsuitable for KALLAX. Most magnetic products require a metallic or magnetically receptive base, which KALLAX does not provide.
Glass coverings can be risky because while they do protect the edges, they may break upon strong impact, posing a risk of injury.
My advice: flexible edge protector profiles made of plastic, which are easy to install and definitely easy to clean. These provide reliable protection without leaving noticeable marks visually. Of course, they should also offer enough scratching options for your cats.
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