15 Ways to Guard Your Furniture from Pets

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For those who love their pets as much as their finely curated interiors, finding the balance between beauty and protection can be a challenge. Scratches, fur, and the occasional mishap shouldn’t mean the end of your furniture. Luckily, these chic and innovative solutions will allow you to safeguard your home while maintaining an elegant aesthetic.

Chew and Scratch Alternatives

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Upgrade your pet’s chew toys to options that are both durable and aesthetically pleasing. Look for toys made from high-quality materials such as natural rubber or plush fabrics in neutral tones. Some even come in modern designs that blend seamlessly with your home decor.

Regular Grooming

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Create a dedicated grooming area in your home. Regular grooming helps control the amount of loose fur your pets shed. Less fur on your pets means less fur on your furniture. It also helps reduce allergens such as dander, which can settle on furniture and trigger allergies in sensitive individuals.

Install Pet Gates

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Pet gates create barriers that keep your pets away from sensitive areas without compromising aesthetics. They come in various heights and widths to ensure a perfect fit for your space while offering a sophisticated solution to prevent unwanted mishaps. Opt for modern gates and choose from finishes like polished metal, wood, or acrylic.

Incorporate Crate Training

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Transform your pet’s crate into a functional furniture piece with the right approach to crate training. Choose a beautiful crate that goes with your home decor, and use soft, plush bedding to create a cozy retreat for your pet. Crate training not only helps in keeping your furniture safe but also provides your pet with a secure space of their own.

Provide Comfortable Pet Beds

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By providing your pet with their own plush and inviting bed, you create a designated space for them to relax and reduce the temptation to snuggle up on your sofa or favorite armchair. Pick beds with materials that are easy to clean and durable, which will stand up to pet hair and spills. Plus, a well-placed pet bed can add a stylish touch to any room.

Use Sofa Protectors

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Sofa protectors are essential for keeping your furniture pristine, even with pets around. These covers act as a shield against scratches, spills, and fur. Available in a variety of materials, they offer both functionality and flair. They are also quite easy to remove and clean, allowing your pet to lounge comfortably without sacrificing the look of your furniture.

Choose Pet-Friendly Fabrics

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When selecting furniture, check for fabrics that are durable and resistant to wear. Microfiber and leather are excellent choices because they are relatively easy to clean and less prone to staining. These materials also tend to be more resistant to scratching compared to delicate fabrics like velvet.

Consider Anti-Scratch Mats

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Anti-scratch mats are protective coverings designed to shield furniture surfaces from damage caused by pets’ claws. Unlike some other protective measures, anti-scratch mats are non-invasive and do not alter the appearance of your furniture significantly. They blend in well and are less noticeable than other types of protectors.

Train Your Pet

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If you catch your pet engaging in undesirable behavior, redirect their attention to an appropriate activity. For example, if your cat is scratching the sofa, gently move them to a scratching post and reward them when they use it. Teach basic commands such as “off,” “no,” or “leave it.” Use these commands consistently.

Use Furniture Cleaning Products

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These specialized products tackle common pet-related issues such as stains, odors, and hair, often with formulas that target the unique challenges of dealing with pets. Look for products that are safe for both your furniture and your pets, and choose ones that offer deep-cleaning and deodorizing properties.

Incorporate Decorative Throws

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By draping a throw over your sofa or armchair, you can shield your upholstery from pet-related damage while also enhancing the charm of your living space. Plus, throws can be switched out seasonally or as needed, so you can refresh your furniture’s look with minimal effort.

Apply Furniture Protectors

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Furniture protectors in the form of sprays or polishes are invaluable. They can be applied to any type of furniture. Fabric upholstery benefits from protectors that repel liquids and stains, making clean-ups easier and preventing deep-set marks. Additionally, vinyl and faux leather surfaces are safeguarded from wear and scratches.

Add Furniture Skirts

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Furniture skirts will protect the lower parts of your furniture from pets. Typically made of fabric, furniture skirts drape over the base of sofas, chairs, and other upholstered pieces, covering the legs and undersides. They help shield these areas from pet hair, dirt, and accidental spills, while also hiding any scratches or scuffs that may occur.

Opt For Pet-Friendly Furniture

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Textured and colored fabrics are excellent for hiding pet fur as they make it less noticeable between cleanings. Natural fibers, while often more luxurious, can be harder to clean and may not be the best choice for homes with pets. Additionally, furniture with zippers allows for easy cleaning and maintenance.

Pet-Repellent Spray

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Formulated with scents or ingredients that are unpleasant to pets but not noticeable to humans, these sprays effectively deter unwanted behavior without harming your pets. Simply apply the spray to the areas you want to protect, and it will help keep your furniture safe from your pets.

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