Samoset, that just might have done the trick!
lol

The usual tactics are making lots of loud noises, such as yelling and pot banging, and shining lights. They don't seem to have worked with those curious cats! I'd have been banging on the tent wall (not where the paws were), but I doubt that would have helped, either--might have encouraged the cats to swipe back. Of course my Hysson would have been barking--oops, that was a national park, no dogs allowed. Probably bear spray wouldn't have been allowed, either!
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May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view--E. Abbey