As much as we love our furry companions, they can wreak havoc on our furniture. From couches coated in pet hair to scratched-up chair legs and chewed corners, the wear and tear adds up fast. The good news? With the right strategies and a bit of preparation, you can keep your home looking great while still letting your pets roam free.
Here’s how to pet-proof your furniture from hair, scratches, and other common pet-induced problems—so you can keep your home beautiful without sacrificing comfort for you or your pets.
1. Choose Pet-Friendly Fabrics
Not all furniture fabrics are created equal when it comes to withstanding pet use. If you’re shopping for new furniture or considering a reupholstery, here are the most pet-resistant options:
- Leather and faux leather: Easy to wipe clean and doesn’t trap hair. Scratches can happen, but many minor scuffs can be buffed out.
- Microfiber: Tightly woven, durable, and resistant to scratches and hair buildup.
- Canvas or denim: Especially for slipcovers, these materials hold up well against claws and resist embedded fur.
Avoid materials like velvet, chenille, and silk—they're magnets for hair and easily damaged.
2. Use Washable Slipcovers and Throws
One of the easiest ways to protect your furniture is by using slipcovers, blankets, or throws that are machine washable. This makes cleaning up pet hair and drool incredibly simple.
Bonus tip: Choose a cover that matches your pet’s fur color to help camouflage shedding between washes.
3. Train Your Pet on Where to Sit (and Scratch)
Establish clear rules early on. If you don’t want your cat on the back of your couch or your dog sleeping on the armchair, be consistent. Use positive reinforcement to redirect them to pet beds or designated areas.
Cats, especially, need scratch-friendly options. Invest in scratching posts, cat trees, or cardboard scratchers to give them appropriate alternatives. Rub a little catnip on the post and place it near the furniture they tend to scratch.
4. Trim Nails and Brush Regularly
Your first line of defense against scratches is regular nail trimming. Dull nails cause less damage and are safer for your furniture and floors.
In addition, frequent brushing helps reduce shedding and loose hair that can accumulate on furniture. Choose a grooming routine that fits your pet’s coat type—short-haired pets may need brushing once or twice a week, while long-haired breeds might benefit from daily sessions.
5. Use Protective Sprays and Covers
There are products on the market designed to deter scratching or marking behavior:
- Anti-scratch sprays: These emit a smell pets dislike (but are safe) and help discourage unwanted scratching.
- Furniture protectors: Adhesive pads, plastic guards, or corner covers can help protect vulnerable areas like couch arms and chair legs.
- Pet hair-resistant sprays: Some fabric sprays reduce static cling, which helps repel hair.
6. Vacuum Smarter, Not Harder
Even with grooming, hair will still find its way onto your furniture. That’s why investing in the right tools is key:
- Use a vacuum cleaner with a pet hair attachment for your couch and upholstery.
- Rubber gloves, lint rollers, or furniture brushes work wonders for quick cleanups.
- For effortless, daily maintenance, consider a robot vacuum like the Extravis V5, which specializes in picking up embedded pet hair and navigating around furniture with precision thanks to its advanced LiDAR mapping system.
7. Create Pet-Free Zones (If Possible)
Not every piece of furniture has to be fair game. Consider designating certain areas or items as pet-free zones, such as a formal living room or guest bedroom. This reduces cleaning time and extends the life of select furniture.
Use pet gates or closed doors to manage access, or train pets using command cues and positive reinforcement.
8. Cover the Damage Before It Starts
If your furniture is already showing signs of wear but not beyond saving, repair kits and furniture pens can help cover scratches on wooden legs and surfaces. For deeper gouges or claw marks, wood filler and a fresh coat of finish can give your furniture a second life.
Also, consider nail caps for cats, which are soft vinyl tips glued over claws to prevent scratching damage—while still allowing cats to stretch and exercise their claws.
9. Invest in Pet-Friendly Furniture Designs
More brands today are recognizing the need for pet-safe furniture. Look for:
- Elevated pet beds that match your interior
- Ottomans with built-in pet compartments
- Sofas with scratch-resistant arm panels
- Modular furniture that allows easy cleaning and reconfiguration
These designs allow your pet to stay close to the family while reducing the temptation to claim your favorite couch corner.
10. Be Realistic and Consistent
Lastly, understand that some pet wear is inevitable. Embrace a few signs of “happy pet life,” and aim for management, not perfection. Regular maintenance, a smart layout, and a few preventive measures go a long way in preserving your furniture and your sanity.
Final Thoughts
Your furniture doesn’t have to be a casualty of pet parenting. With smart choices in fabrics, cleaning tools like the Extravis V5 Robot Vacuum, and a proactive approach to grooming and training, you can enjoy the best of both worlds: a stylish, comfortable home and the love of your furry friends.