Maybe he's right.

 

Use cheaper DIY alternatives.

 

Like what?

 

Options include:
1) Get rid of the cat.
2) Get rid of the Key Leaves.
3) Learn to take care of your gear so the cat cannot get it.

KeyLeaves are a product in search of a problem. I’ve played saxophones for 50+ years without either Key Leaves or sticky pads. So, even though I used to have both cats and dogs, I have never had an issue with pets pilfering Key Leaves.

 

4) Get another cat so they get occupied with each other instead of tinkering with your equipment.

 

Cats are fantastic. I have one who is 22 who used to sit on my shoulder when I would have band rehearsal. I do have one that has a penchant for biting on my saxophone stand but, he leaves the horn alone.

 

Hello!

Interesting issue you have...

You could probably put a decoy sax out that is easier to get to, also with key leaves on it. It'll be a nice distraction, and your cat still gets to have fun!

Wyatt

 

He has SO Many toys already! I think the issue is that he likes to play with our stuff. Socks, slippers, Keyleaves 😭

 

Clearly you just need a larger supply of key leaves to be able to properly entertain your cat

 

You joke, but that's currently the approach. I just bough 3 more cheap silicone knock offs, since paying $30 AUD + delivery for originals, repeatedly is not sustainable

He already stole a number... I don't even know where he takes them to. Usually I can find his hidden toys, but not Keyleaves. He loves them.

 

I’m still amazed that folk buy products like key leaves, reed geeks etc.

I use some bits of foam that my tech gives me for free after each repair service. He buys the sheets at about 3p a sheet…..

I don’t have a cat, but also struggle to see how it would open a sax case seeing as it has no opposable thumbs….

 

I have one horn with a really terminal incurable sticky G#, but I've been too lazy to replace the pad, so I just stick a paper wad under the B key to hold it partly closed, and the linkage opens the G#.

 

Natsu, our havanese bichon, loves to pick all kind of accessories in my studio/office. Swabs are her favorites. I keep an eye on her, and have enough spares (swabs, not dogs…).

 

Cut some wedges out of old wine corks. That's all I've ever used.

 

Cut some wedges out of old wine corks. That's all I've ever used.

Instructions from someone who knows!

Do you cut the wedges along or across the cork?

 

Deter by dipping the key leaves. Cats generally dislike strong scents, particularly citrus (like oranges and lemons), vinegar, and certain essential oils such as eucalyptus and peppermint. These smells can irritate their sensitive noses and are often used to deter them from specific areas.

Source Google

 

Put some catnip on this set of Key Leaves, and use cork wedges instead as advised by @Bottle Opener .

 

After playing, I always swab my horn, and when I return from rehearsal/gigs I put my horn to air out on the stand. Then the two pads where the key leaves prop open, I make sure all moisture is wiped from the pads. You can always put your Sax on a stand with the key leaves in it until it's dry in a separate room where the cat doesn't access. Maybe put your Sax on the stand in the bathtub, and close the bathroom door. The cat doesn't need to be in every room in your house/apartment.

 

The cat doesn't need to be in every room in your house/apartment.

The cat has a different opinion.

 

Simple - terminate the cat.

 

Hard to stop a cat from doing anything they want............Even playing a banjo.

 

I'd get a guard dog or find a way to hang the sax from the ceiling. The other alternative would be to teach the cat how to play the recorder. Maybe it just wants to learn an instrument.

 

I just cut out pieces of brown packing paper and stick them under the normally-closed keys (G# and Eb). The only problem is if I forget to take them out before playing and then wonder why the instrument isn't playing right. Brightly colored paper might help. Cats don't have good color vision so they won't care; the cat probably likes the floppiness or texture of the key leaves.