I’m in the process of doing some home updates and am planning some new furniture purchases. When living with pets, there are many things to take into 
consideration other than the way a piece of furniture looks or fits with the decor. A recent article from the Providence Journal offered these suggestions:
- When living with pets, think twice about leather furniture. It wipes off easily and doesn’t hold pet hair, but pets, especially cats, can damage it with their claws.
- Consider microfiber. It’s smoother and less appealing to cats than knits or woven fabric they can sink their claws into. And fur — from dogs or cats — is easily removed from microfiber with a vacuum, lint roller or cloth. Microfiber can also be spot-cleaned.
- If you are living with pets and want fabric-covered furniture, consider patterns or checks to disguise dirt or fur.
- Make sure you have scratching posts available for cats so they won’t be tempted to dig into the furniture with their claws.
- The easiest way to protect furniture from pets is to throw a washable blanket or sheet on it. These covers tend to slip, come untucked and often look a mess. Consider a fitted slipcover or other covering designed to stay put and look neat. Surefit covers wash easily and when company comes over, they’re easily pulled off.
- Consider giving your pets a couch of their own. There are many options in various price ranges, from $30 floor pillows at discount pet chains to $1,400 custom dog beds. Pet-size sofas that look a lot like sofas for humans are available in various sizes and price ranges (typically $60 to $300). They’re available online and in stores such as Marshalls.
- A throw draped on furniture can work too, and can even dress up an otherwise-plain piece of furniture.
Written by Karen
