Fido & Fine Furniture: Can They Coexist?

Face it, pets can be a little messy. Or even a lot messy. The damage both dogs and cats can do to your prized possessions can be enough to make you put them in “pet jail.” Pet proofing your furniture can be a challenge, but here are a few tips:

For Dogs

Dogs tend to try and join you on the furniture, scratching it and shedding everywhere. For some dog owners, the answer is not to allow them on the furniture in the first place. However, if you like your dog in your lap or next to you on the couch, you will need to take some dog proofing steps to protect your living room furniture.

1. Use covers or try performance fabrics (mentioned below). A washable blanket, throw or slipcover can catch most of that dog hair. Try to color coordinate the blanket or cover with your dog so when they do shed all over it nobody notices.
2. Discourage chewing by applying bitter apple spray, hot sauce or a similar product that your dog dislikes the taste of. This is generally more effective than disciplining the dog when you see them chewing, as that will cause some dogs to simply learn to do it when you aren’t watching.
3. Groom your dog regularly. If you have a long-haired or extra “sheddy” dog, get a deshedding tool. This way you can control where most of the shed fur lands. It’s also a good idea to trim their claws.
4. Encourage your dog to sleep somewhere other than the couch, such as a nice dog bed, or a box lined with blankets. You can get a dog bed that matches the rest of your furniture.
5. Burn off your dog’s energy by taking them to your local dog park. Here are a few options in cities with Matter Brothers locations:
   1. Rowlett Park (Tampa)
   2. Davis Island Dog Beach (Tampa)
   3. Bonita Beach (Fort Myers)
   4. Buckingham Park (Fort Myers)
   5. Naples Dog Park (Naples)
   6. Rover Run (Naples)
   7. Golden Gate Paws Park (Naples)

For Cats

Some of the issues with cats are the same as with dogs, but cats also have the wonderful habit of scratching the furniture. Here are some tips for cats.

1. As with dogs, using covers will help by keeping your cat from shedding all over the furniture. Cats are more likely to sit in multiple spaces on the couch, so consider slipcovers or performance fabrics (mentioned below) rather than just a blanket.
2. Just as with dogs, grooming your cat regularly will decrease the amount of fur they shed in your home. It can be a little harder to get a cat to sit still to be brushed.
3. Provide a proper scratching post and encourage its use. Some people have found putting a bit of catnip on the post initially helps the feline realize where they are supposed to go. When you catch your cat scratching, remove them from the furniture and put them next to the post. A spray bottle can also be useful. Put the post in a location that suits your cat, and in a prominent location. Discourage furniture scratching by spraying with citrus air freshener, a scent cats are not keen on, or with apple cider vinegar. Another good scratch deterrent is to put a bit of double-sided tape on the part of the furniture they keep going for. Cats hate sticky stuff on their paws.
4. Trim your cat’s claws, if you can. You can also use claw covers on incorrigible scratchers. Do not, however, declaw cats, as that is now considered inhumane and can cause them to stop using the litter box.

Try Performance Fabrics

As a general rule for owners of any kind of animal, choosing furniture made with performance fabrics, such as Sunbrella and Crypton, may come as a life-saver. Both of these options are more resistant to scratches, stains and odors than non-performance fabric. On top of that, they are very easy to clean! Use a clean, damp cloth to remove small stains and simply add soap for your more stubborn spills. This easy clean-up  comes especially in handy for pets that are still being potty-trained or have a habit of slobbering on your furniture! 

Keeping your bedroom furniture and other possessions safe from your pets is a simple process and can be done without exiling them to the bathroom. For more information, contact us or visit us in-store. At Matter Brothers Furniture, we’re here to provide tips on designs and materials less likely to be damaged by pets – and more!