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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.

pete_a
wsappington
4 posts
 

@allenf1963 I went with the cotton fabric, I don't remember there being another option when I bought them in 2013.  Maybe there was.  But anyway, it's quite thick and robust, and claws may not have been able to get through it to the speaker grilles, but I didn't want to take a chance.  I knew the mylar would discourage them from even trying, the cloth, maybe not so much.  Plus, I already had the mylar so the main speaker guards were free, the cloth covers were $60 - $70 each, IIRC.

yyman23
167 posts
 

I love our cat, but she lives with my girlfriend. The dogs hang out here 😀

kymanor1
126 posts
 

Just get rid of the cat, horrible pets if you can call.them that

joelepo
28 posts
 

I had a fully clawed cat for 13 years and he NEVER once touched a speaker grill or any furniture AFTER he had access to a couple scratch poles. I made one 8 feet tall out of 4x4 wrapped in 3/8" hemp rope; he shredded the hemp, and often rested at the top of the post to ambush me as I walked past by jumping onto my shoulders. 
I also trimmed claws with nail clippers once a month or so. 
A little care, and cats are a NON problem with your speakers. 

I’d worry more about dogs, but no personal experience. 

kacomess
219 posts
 

I have had both cats and speakers for decades and haven't had any issues.

First of all, I have a separate audio/tv room in my basement. Unfortunately, it doesn't have a door.  So, I simply put a shower curtain on an expanding rod across the entry way and a cheap baby gate in place and they forgot there is anything behind it. So, they don't go into the room until...

Second, when I am listening to the stereo or watching a show, the cats are with me. As I keep the original plastic bags the Magnepan LRS shipped in over the speakers when not in use (keeps dust off) and a plastic sheet over my equipment shelf (same reason), they don't bother anything because they don't like plastic and finally...

Cats tend to claw things especially when they are bored.  We have lots of toys and little trouble.

So, if you don't have a separate room that can be enclosed, try a plastic dust cover for the speakers and the equipment. It's not the most aesthetic solution, but it's simple, it's cheap, it's easy to remove and it seems to work.

Keith

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