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
Benefits
- Easily Remove Hair
- Easily Wiped Clean
- Odor Resistant
Disadvantages
- Vulnerable to Scratching
- Doesn't Hide Blemishes
Distressed Leathers boast all the benefits of normal leather, PLUS the distressed pattern will be able to better hide blemishes
Fabric
Benefits
- Easily Remove Hair
- Easily Wiped Clean
- Can Withstand Scratching
- Tightly Woven to Resist Damage
Disadvantages
- Vulnerable to Odors
- No Pattern to Hide Blemishes and Licking may Leave Water Marks
Fabrics to Avoid
Tweed
Extremely difficult to remove
Velvet
Permanent stains
Chenille
Claws will easily destroy
Silk
Much too delicate
Other Things to Consider
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.