I am only half joking here. I saw my orthopedic surgeon yesterday and he told me I need a knee replacement. He then looked at my leg and spotted a small infected scratch on my leg. He told me that I could have zero infected spots on my leg. If I showed up with even one they would cancel the surgery for at least 3 weeks as the risk of infection was too high.

The problem is I have cats and they like to lay on my lap. If something startles them their claws come out as they leap away and I am often left bleeding. So I started thinking about how to protect my legs and getting rid of the cats is not an option as they are family. Then it dawned on me, chaps, hence my question. Should I buy brush chaps or snake proof chaps? Decisions, decisions.

Never used snake proof chaps, but have used standard, canvas type hunting chaps. I couldn't see them not being effective against cat claws unless the cat is really trying to hurt you. Might want to consider having them de-clawed?

Larry

I'm not a cat person in that if I were to own one, they'd have to earn their keep in eradicating rodents, etc and that means staying outside for the most part. Even then I wouldn't consider them so much a pet.
That would be my solution to your problem. Second thought that comes to mind is de-claw but I wouldn't do that due to the expense and I think it's inhumane by removing their defense/climbing ability, etc.
I guess maybe some sort of pad for them to lay on your lap???
ETA:
If it were me, I'd go the chaps (cowboy) and also have my SAA and cowboy holster along with cowboy hat and watch reruns of Gunsmoke or Rawhide.

I used snake chaps and they are hard plastic material and work, but it would just be easier to avoid the cats until your surgery.

Did it ever occur to any of you other cat fanciers to trim their claws to get rid of the sharp points? My big buddy gets his trimmed with nail clippers every 2 weeks and causes no nail-related problems at my house. He is very good about it, because he knows he will get some kitty treats when it is over.

Make sure you wear chaps AND pants.

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No good deed goes unpunished.

Cat person here! You already know the answer ---> Fleece blanket on your legs until the event is over and you can get scratched again.

Our Whitley won't lay on a lap unless there's a fleece blanket or fleece robe involved. And then, there's about 5 minutes of "kneading" first before circling exactly twice and laying down.

Yep, blanket on lap, then cat.

I vote the blanket goes on the cat.

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No good deed goes unpunished.

Either a blanket or doubled large bath towel on your legs. Clipping their claws too. I have several indoor cats.

You could try a throw blanket or bath sheet towel folded up in four and put that on your lap. If claws still go through the several layers you could try a small car carpet with a smooth rubber back.

Get you a pair of motorcycle chaps. Not only will your legs be protected but you'll look cool.

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Dan
Ps 96 SWCA 2930 SWHF 524

I don't own a cat, but my wife has 3. & she was faced with a similar situation; compounded by weakened immune system from methotrexate & tissue like skin from steroids.

We opted for a combination of trimming their nails & none are allowed in her lap unless she has the bed covers pulled up for protection.