Protect That Couch
We had to evict Misty from the formal couch and it was an on going battle
until we stapled (heavy duty type) poster board on the bottom of the entire
couch.  Where the poster board had to be pieced, we used heavy strength
package sealing tape on the seams and around where the cutouts for the legs
were.  Misty was most upset the morning she discovered her favorite sport
had been ruined, but finally gave up after half a day.  After 5 months now,
it still is working!  I would suggest using a color of poster board which is
close or matching to your couch as a little of it shows, but does not look
bad when the color matches.
 
Regarding futons: I understand the reasons for wanting a futon (safety for
the ferret and less damage), but I would like to mention something you
should consider.  We have futons and they are terribly uncomfortable and
will be getting rid of them as soon as money allows for a new couch.  The
"mattress" flattens very soon, thus giving no cushioning at all and are
always slipping down so they look a mess most of the time.  We will not be
getting the recliners like we wanted and will be "ferret proofing" the
bottom (see above) as soon as we get the new couch, but these futons are
terribly uncomfortable.  Just our opinion from experience.
 
Candy
[Posted in FML issue 1472]