thanks catnapper,that made very interesting reading, however real leather is not affordable for me, you are looking at 2 to 3 thousand dollars for one here,and i now have my new suite,which i love and am more than happy with, was half price on sale, and is just the right size, comfort, very ultra modern type with a chaise,and two headrests,in a black/grey colour they call midnight, i did the research and found out it is polyester/acrylic, don't know if that helps any.

I think it does depend on the cat, my friend has a leather suite and the cat has clawed that,however i have two look like leather ottomans, and the cats have not touched it.

As for catnip, well i believe nz and australian cats do not have what they call the catnip gene, and i think it possibly is true as neither my cats respond to it very much.

i think a spray bottle with water would work for nikki, she would hate it , mind you she might be confused as to why i am doing that and would be very hurt, emotionally i mean, she does not even like it if i raise my voice and put my growlie voice on,i think i will try the double sided tape as well, for a start anyhow and maybe cover it at nights, as that is when i am not around she could well start doing it.

Thanks for the advice guys, keep your fingers and toes and paws crossed my lil monkey leaves well alone.