Pet Friendly Furniture Buying Guide
You love your pets; that goes without saying. However, that fact doesn't eliminate the inevitable byproducts of living with your furry companions. Shedding, scratching, and "accidents" can cause lasting damage to your furniture and test the bonds between you and your pet. This guide helps you shop for pet friendly furniture with your trusted sidekick in mind, ensuring you live a happy and stress-free life together.
Step 1: Know Your Pets
Only you know your pets and their habits, and this knowledge will go a long way in preventing your furniture from long-term, irreversible damage. As you begin, here are a few things to keep in mind.
Scratching
Cats or dogs who scratch can cause significant damage and leave lasting marks. Choose a tightly woven fabric to resist damage or a patterned one to hide marks.
Licking / Chewing
An obsessive licking habit can leave unattractive wet spots on your upholstery that can resemble water marks, while a chronic chewer can wreak havoc on exposed wood. Be wary of microfiber type fabrics, as they are more prone to water marks.
Shedding
Like it or not, your pet's hair will find your furniture. If your companion sheds, consider either a patterned fabric or one that matches your pet's coat.
Training
Puppies and kittens can be difficult to house train and messy accidents are bound to happen. Fabrics that are easily wiped will help in this case, as well as ones that don't retain odors.
Step 2: Choose the Right Fabric
Your upholstered pieces are the most vulnerable to pet behavior and damage. Leather, distressed leathers, and synthetic fabrics are, in most cases, the best choices for pets. Regardless, you'll save money, time, and stress just by choosing a fabric that both you and your pet will love.
Leather
Distressed Leathers boast all the benefits of normal leather, PLUS the distressed pattern will be able to better hide blemishes.
Pros:
Easily Remove Hair
Easily Wiped Clean
Odor Resistant
Cons:
Vulnerable to Scratching
Doesn't Hide Blemishes
Fabric
(will differ between types)
Pros:
Easily Remove Hair
Easily Wiped Clean
Can Withstand Scratching
Tightly Woven to Resist Damage
Cons:
Vulnerable to Odors
No Pattern to Hide Blemishes and Licking may Leave Water Marks
Fabrics to Avoid
Tweed
Extremely difficult to remove hair
Velvet
Permanent stains
Chenille
Claws will easily destroy
Silk
Much too delicate
Other Things to Consider
This should go without saying, but taking care of your pet will go a long way in preventing furniture damage. Regular bathing, clipping nails, and taking them out when they need to all contribute to a healthy lifestyle for you and your pet.
If accidents do happen, make sure to wipe them up as soon as possible to prevent permanent stains and odors.
If you really don't want to share your chair or sofa, consider furniture designed specifically for them. Dog beds and cat trees will give your pal a comfortable place to relax that they can have as their own.
If your cat loves to scratch or dog loves to chew, make sure they have scratching posts or toys nearby to steer them away from your furniture.
Slipcovers are a great way to not only protect your upholstery from your pets, but to also introduce a new look or color for your piece.