If you have a cat, dog, or any kind of pet, chances are you have urine-stained carpets, messy floors, and worse, ripped furniture in your home. Although you can replace your furniture fixtures anytime, it’s never always a good option, especially if you have a tight budget. So, the best solution is to pet-proof your furniture pieces in your house.
Pet-proofing your furniture is one of the excellent ways to protect your investment and ensure that your furniture will be in good condition for as long as possible. To get started, here are some ways to pet-proof your furniture effectively:
Consider The Right Fabric
Whether or not your pets don’t deliberately use your furniture as a chew toy or scratch, snagging claws may still leave a mark. For this reason, it’s wise to opt for a cat or dog proof fabric that’s durable, easy to clean, and scratch-resistant.
Many furniture retailers offer pet-friendly fabric materials. You should also check if the sofa’s cover can be easy to remove for cleaning and whether it’s washable.
If possible, get samples from your preferred retailers and test them in your home. Then, see how durable the fabric is from pet scratches and whether or not it requires high maintenance. The best fabric may vary depending on your pets and the particular damage they’re likely to inflict.
Some of the fabrics to consider include:
- Leather – It’s known for its durability and tends to withstand the test of time and age well.
- Microfiber – This fabric doesn’t collect dust as quickly as natural fabrics, so it’ll less likely accumulate pet fur. In addition, most microfiber materials are hypoallergenic, which is best suited for those who are highly sensitive to allergens.
If you’re confused with the options, it’s better to ask for an expert’s advice. Some furniture retailers may even provide pet-friendly home design advice to keep your pet’s life happy and make your living space more stylish.
Get Scratching Posts
Another way to prevent pets from chewing or scratching is to give them a better alternative to do it. Generally, it’s normal for cats or rabbits to scratch, and dogs are known to chew things aggressively.
It’s never a great idea to stop such behavior because it won’t be as effective as you think. For cats and rabbits, scratching helps wear down their nails, and chewing for dogs helps keep the plaque off of their teeth.
A perfect solution is to get scratching posts or climbing frames. Placing posts and chews near your furniture can be an effective alternative. Depending on your budget or preferences, try various kinds of scratching posts to know which your pets will like best.
Cover Your Furniture
The simplest way to pet-proof your house furniture is to cover it up. There are several slipcover options for chairs, couches, and lounges. From stretchy spandex to form-fitting microfiber, you can quickly cover and protect your furniture’s surfaces.
To keep your furniture looking fresh, consider allergen-proof and dust-proof covers to prevent dirt particles or dander. You can also try using a blanket as an additional layer to keep the cover neat and fresh.
Use Sprays To Deter Pets
If you have pets that often chew, an ideal solution is to utilize a chewing deterrent spray to pet-proof your furniture. The only thing you should do is to use the spray on areas where your pets tend to chew. If you’re unsure which deterrent sprays to consider, you can test the available products in the market. This way, you’ll know which works best for your case.
Clean The Mess Immediately
If your pets accidentally stained your furniture, don’t wait for hours to take action. If possible, get an eco-friendly and effective cleaner to remove the stains immediately. Acting fast will help you ensure that the mess won’t damage your furniture pieces. It’s also an excellent defense against pets soiling that same area repeatedly.
Ask For Help From Professionals
If you’re always busy and don’t have time to train your pets to leave your furniture alone, you might need to ask for help from professionals. It’s because some pets that eat pillows while you’re not home can be a sign of separation anxiety. Moreover, cats that don’t stop scratching your furniture may be in pain or sick. In such cases, only a professional can help you stop your pets from damaging your furniture.
Buy Separate Furniture Designed For Pets
Having a comfortable space for your pets to sleep in with a new pet bed can help you keep your furniture damage-free. Regardless of your budget, you can also purchase furniture that incorporates both a bed and coffee table so your pets can stay close to you.
However, it’s essential to note that some pets may not get used to their own beds immediately. With this in mind, you might want to train your pets to feel comfortable with their beds.
Prioritize Proper Pet Grooming
Regular pet grooming can make a difference in protecting your furniture. When brushed regularly, your pets will leave less fur behind on your furniture. Make sure to look for a brush that fits your pets, particularly if you have dogs and cats.
Aside from brushing your pets regularly, it’s critical to prioritize nail care. When your pets jump on your furniture, scratches are inevitable. Therefore, keeping your pets’ nails short can prevent nails from damaging your furniture or getting stuck to small threads on your couches.
Invest In Pet Toys
The other way to keep your pets in line to prevent them from ruining your furniture is to invest in pet toys. Having toys near your furniture is an excellent way to distract your pets from clawing or chewing.
When looking for pet toys, determine which your pets would prefer. Most pets have their own favorite types of pets, including plushies, ropes, and tennis balls. Although it may mean an extra expense, investing in pet toys is worth it. Toys won’t only distract your pets, but they can also help them keep their minds stimulated and release stress.
Conclusion
Protecting your furniture from your pets may seem complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. The above solutions can help you keep both your furniture and pets peacefully coexisting. From choosing the right fabric to keeping your pets well-groomed, there are countless ways to pet-proof your furniture. Yet if you’ve tried everything but you still get no results, never hesitate to ask for help from professionals.
