It is when you have a cat that is mentally challenged. The other 2 cats are no problem, however we have one that was a runt and is mentally deficient. No way we would ever de-claw a cat. From experience I know that anything 18" off the floor is safe from the "naughty" kitty. I will speak with an engineer from Klipsch as suggested. If risers are out of the question, then a screen it is.