Are you a pet owner with dogs or cats, but worried about the wear and tear your furry friends might inflict on your beloved furniture? At Bel Furniture, we understand the importance of maintaining the integrity and beauty of your home décor, even with pets roaming around. Whether you have a luxurious leather sofa or an elegant wooden dining table set, we're here to provide you with valuable tips and effective methods to protect your furniture from the wear and tear caused by your pets' claws and teeth. Join us as we explore how to protect your leather furniture from cat scratching and avoid your dog's chewing habits on wooden furniture. 

Provide Alternatives for Scratching

Cats have a natural urge to scratch because they need to scratch to maintain healthy claws, so it's essential to provide them with appropriate outlets for this behavior. Invest in sturdy, stable scratching posts made of materials like sisal rope, cardboard, or rough fabric. Place the scratching posts near the furniture your cat tends to scratch. To protect your leather sofa or fabric living room set, provide your feline friend with scratching posts or pads. Offer your cat alternative surfaces to scratch, such as cardboard scratching pads or mats. These can be placed on the floor or attached to walls or furniture to provide additional scratching options. Place these alternatives near the furniture they tend to scratch to redirect their behavior. Encourage them to use these scratching posts by sprinkling catnip on them. You can also gently guide your cat's paws to the scratching post and reward them with treats or praise when they use it. 

Use double-sided tape

One effective method to discourage your cat from scratching furniture is to use double-sided tape. To deter cats from scratching furniture using double-sided tape, start by purchasing tape specifically designed for this purpose. Cut the tape into strips or pieces suitable for the areas your cat tends to scratch, then firmly press it onto the furniture's surface after removing the backing. Cats usually dislike the sticky sensation of the tape on their paws, discouraging them from scratching in those spots. Monitor your cat's behavior, and if they attempt to scratch the taped surface, they're likely to be deterred by the unpleasant sensation. For instance, if your cat scratches the corners of your couch, apply double-sided tape along those edges to prevent further damage. 

Use deterrents

To deter your dog from chewing on furniture, consider using taste deterrents applied to the areas they're prone to targeting. Commercial products designed for this purpose are readily available, offering a safe yet unpleasant taste for dogs that discourages chewing. Alternatively, you can create your own deterrent spray using natural ingredients such as apple cider vinegar or citrus. For cats, deterring scratching behavior can be achieved with deterrent sprays specifically formulated for felines. These sprays typically contain scents or tastes that cats find unpleasant. Before application, ensure to shake the spray bottle thoroughly to mix the ingredients. Test the spray on a small, inconspicuous area of the furniture to ensure it doesn't cause any damage or discoloration. Once confirmed safe, apply the deterrent spray to the areas your cat is prone to scratching, such as the armrests of your sofa or the backrest of your sectional. The unpleasant scent or taste of the spray will deter your cat from scratching those areas. For instance, if your cat frequently scratches the armrests of your armchair, applying the deterrent spray to those areas can effectively discourage further scratching and protect your furniture from damage.

Provide Ample Chew Toys

Dogs, especially puppies, may chew on wooden furniture out of boredom or teething. Dogs have a natural urge to chew, especially when they're young or teething. Dogs often target various parts of wooden furniture for chewing, including couch legs, table legs, corners of tables and cabinets, wooden knobs or handles on drawers or cabinets, edges of bed frames, decorative wooden accents such as moldings or trim. Make sure your dog has access to a variety of safe and appropriate chew toys. Reinforce positive chewing behavior by praising and rewarding your dog when they chew on their toys instead of the furniture.To protect your wooden furniture, provide your furry friend with ample chew toys to redirect their chewing behavior. For instance, consider providing rubber toys, nylon bones, or durable chew sticks designed specifically for dogs. Encourage positive chewing habits by praising and rewarding your dog whenever they engage with their toys instead of the furniture. By consistently reinforcing this behavior, you not only protect your wooden furniture but also promote your dog's dental health and overall well-being.

Apply Furniture Protectors

For wooden furniture such as coffee table, dining table sets, or bedroom sets, applying furniture protectors to vulnerable areas can help prevent damage from your pets. These protectors come in various forms, including adhesive pads or plastic guards, and can be placed on corners, edges, or legs to deter chewing and scratching. For example, if your cat enjoys scratching the edges of your dining table, you can attach adhesive pads to those areas to deter the behavior. Similarly, for a dog prone to chewing on furniture legs, installing plastic guards around the legs can effectively prevent damage. By strategically placing furniture protectors on susceptible spots, you not only shield your furniture from pet-induced harm but also preserve its aesthetic appeal for years to come.

Trim Your Pet's Nails Regularly

Keeping your pet's nails trimmed is essential in preventing scratches on your furniture. Trim your cat's claws regularly to minimize the damage they can cause to your leather sofa, sectional, accent chair, or living room set. For dogs, regular nail trimming can also help prevent them from accidentally scratching or gouging your wooden furniture.

Purchase Faux Leather and Microfiber Furniture

If all attempts to protect leather furniture from cat scratching have proven unsuccessful and deterring your cat seems impossible, it might be time to consider alternative materials. Fortunately, Bel Furniture offers a diverse range of furniture crafted from various fabrics. Microfiber stands out as an excellent choice for cat owners, as it's resilient against scratching. However, if you're partial to the aesthetic of leather, faux leather presents a budget-friendly option. Opting for faux leather can save you a significant amount compared to genuine leather, particularly in the event of scratching incidents. Bel Furniture provides great deals on a range of options, including gel leather sectionals, microfiber living room sets, and faux leather pieces, ensuring you find the perfect match for your home.

Remember, consistent training and providing appropriate outlets for your pets' natural behaviors are key to protecting your furniture from damage. By following these tips, you can enjoy a harmonious living space with your beloved pets without compromising on style or comfort.

Visit Bel Furniture

With the tips provided in this blog, you can effectively protect your furniture from scratches, chewing, and other potential harm caused by your beloved pets. As the largest family furniture retailer in Texas, Bel Furniture is committed to offering a wide range of furniture options to suit your style and budget. With 17 stores conveniently located across Texas, including Katy, Houston, San Antonio, Beaumont, Memorial, Deerbrook, Webster, Pasadena, Sugar Land, Del Rio, Corpus Christi, and more, we make it easy for you to find the perfect pieces for your home. Plus, with free delivery and setup for orders over $1,999, and our 180 days of price and comfort guarantee, you can shop with confidence. Visit our stores today or explore our website at belfurniture.com to discover the perfect furniture solutions for your home.