Do you have a “no animals on the furniture” rule that always gets ignored? If you have a furry pet, your answer is most likely a resounding “Yes!” Never fear—there are ways to ensure that your couch, sofa, or any upholstered furniture is pet-friendly.
What does “pet-friendly” mean?
A pet-friendly home or furniture item can mean a couple of things:
- Your pet’s favorite definition: a pet-friendly home is one that considers the comfort and safety of your pet, providing as many amenities as possible to make your pet happy. This includes comfortable spots to lay in the sun, plenty of places to grab a quick snack, and lots of floor space to chase a ball or a squeaky toy. You get the idea.
- A pet owner’s preferred definition: one that takes the comfort and safety of the pet into account, but also considers keeping the furniture clean, comfortable, and attractive for the human occupants of the home, while avoiding having to replace expensive items due to wear and tear caused by pets.
How do I make my couch or sofa pet-friendly?
Now that we understand the definition(s) of “pet-friendly,” how do we apply these concepts to our own home décor? Here are a few tips to keep everyone in the family safe, happy, and comfortable:
- To keep your sofa looking as good as possible for as long as possible, be sure to choose a fabric that is pet-friendly. This means a fabric that is not easily shredded, such as one with a tight weave that will resist the snagging and pulling of your cat’s claws.
- Look for a fabric that is easily cleaned. Indoor/outdoor fabrics, for example, can often be cleaned with a hose and a bit of soapy water and left to dry in the sun. A busy pattern will also help hide some of those paw prints.
- When training, begging, and pleading fail to keep Jake the greyhound or Muffie the kitten off the furniture, keep plenty of washable throws or small blankets on hand. Place them in your pet’s favorite spot on the sofa, and throw them in the washing machine as needed. They can also be easily removed when company stops by.
- Maintenance is one of the best ways to keep your couch both pet- and family-friendly. Daily vacuuming and occasional cleaning will remove dirt, grime, and that ever-present pet hair. For quick clean-ups, consider using a dryer sheet like Bounce to remove pet hair from upholstery, and a quick swish of a Swiffer will help get the hair off surrounding tabletops and floors. Don’t forget to remove the cushions and check for any little “surprises” your pet might have left underneath.
Remember, you get what you pay for
We’ve all marveled at a sofa or chair being sold for an amazingly low price. Some of us have even fallen prey to the temptation, only to regret it later.
A sturdy sofa that will stand the test of time—and a rambunctious pet—will have a kiln-dried wood frame that has been properly nailed and glued together, so it doesn’t wobble when someone sits down. The springs and foam used in the upholstery process will be of the highest quality. This type of construction takes time, and time costs money. Therefore, it would be difficult for a manufacturer to create such a sofa, sell it for pennies on the dollar, and still make a profit.
The best advice is to purchase the highest-quality sofa your budget can handle. And keep in mind that if the price sounds too good to be true, it probably isn’t the bargain you think it is.
The same holds true for the fabrics you choose. Select the best quality fabric and foam within your budget to avoid having to replace your worn-out couch every year or so.
Pets are part of the family and deserve to be as comfortable in their home as the other members of the family. With a little thought before purchasing a big-ticket item like a couch or sofa, you, your pet, and your sofa can peacefully coexist.
