cats and speakers - looking for clues
My family decided to get a cat. Being an audio-hobbyist for past 20 years, I have collected a modest line of speakers. In a few conversations with friends, I have been warned that speakers and cats do not mix very well. I am certainly curious, not so say anxious to know more, before it is too late.
Does anyone in this group host, or used to host a cat (or cats) and speakers under the same roof ? Could you please share your experience ? Should I be concerned that a cat will use my speakers as scratching posts ? Can it be mitigated/avoided somehow ? If the risk is high, whats the best strategy to deal with the situation, outside of obvious, such as barricading my speakers in a dedicated room ?
I'd truly appreciate any hint or clue that can help.
Best - Pete.
I can vouch for https://www.radiodustcovers.com They make quality custom covers, easy to place and remove. The situation depends on the actual speaker and cat. My wife foster cats; none of them bothered my TADs ME1s. Some liked to lay on my JBL 4367s, but I had the covers for that. No problems.
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I have both floor standing speakers with grills and cats. My cats do not scratch any furniture. That is essential. This has to be trained as kittens. If adult cats are scratching what every they like you are left with 1 choice, scat mats. https://www.amazon.com/Petfolio-Pack-Scat-Mat-Cats/dp/B0CD. Not a good looking choice, but cats will not walk over these. Yes, lemon or other citrus scents can help, but you need to own frequent spraying and disciplining. That is too hard for me. |
Your speakers will most likely be fine and/or most likely not fine. When Bob Hope’s wife asked him (on his death bed) where he wanted to be buried - he replied "surprise me". 40+ years of cats and have only lost a few pairs of speaker cables, a leg off an incredible hand painted Monterey dining table restored by me (clawed down to a skinny stick of wood), the arms of our leather sofa and now - based upon my arms - "They know how many holes it takes to fill the Albert Hall". Don’t sweat it as the cat will "most likely" rock your world.
DeKay
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In my great room where I would have my music system set up, in the absence of a dedicated music room, we have a large cat “tree” which has integral scratching posts from top to bottom. Our 2 fully clawed cats use it exclusively for scratching and have left the leather sofa and fabric recliners unblemished. They literally tear the posts to shreds and I’ve replaced them twice. I have metal grilles covering Magico A3s and do not allow them in the music room unless I’m in there to supervise. They have never shown any interest in the speakers, cables or turntable. But, left unsupervised, they would curl up on a warm amplifier or power supply. It is rare I let them in there because I do not want the chore of removing fur and dander from the equipment. If you have exposed speakers that you value, I recommend not risking exposure to any animals as they can be unpredictable. And, should you decide to trade or sell, It also can be a good selling point to say your equipment has been smoke and pet free. If I’m buying used, it matters to me. Cheers! |
