Living Room Furniture Furniture

How do you discourage a cat from clawing up the corners of living room Furniture?

She is three years old, so is training her too late an option. I presume that she only does this when people are in the living room with her: the damage doesn’t seem to worsen otherwise.
Also, cutting her claws is not something I’ll consider, she likes to go out side and needs her claws for climbing trees; to make her quick escapes from neighborhood dogs.
Thanx

What a refreshing change to meet someone who doesn’t want to mess with the cat’s claws ! A true cat lover !
It’s not too late to train your cat,here’s how to do it:

http://clawsforever.ning.com/group/anniesbible/forum/topics/scratching-posts-and-training

Good luck !