5 practical tips for a dog/cat-proof sofa

Will a sofa never last that long with a dog or cat in the house? This is a cliché held by those who have not yet discovered the right tricks to use (spoiler: we reveal them in this article).

How to prevent your pet from ruining the sofa

Dogs and cats love the sofa at home. If they can sit next to you on it, they are even happier. However, in order to protect sofas and furniture from scratches and paws, we often tend to refrain from cuddling our four-legged friends, even though it is really hard to resist the temptation. Yet there is a way to let your pets on the sofa without fear and you just need to follow a few simple tips in the choice of coverings and the precautions you can take in maintenance. In this way, your sofa will last a long time, even in the company of a dog or a cat!

To keep your sofa good as new: tips if you have a dog or cat

In order to be able to enjoy peaceful evenings with your pets snuggled up on the sofa, it is important to choose a model with resistant covers that are not difficult to clean. However, if the dog or cat has arrived after the purchase of your sofa, don’t be discouraged as even in this case you can adopt some tricks to save your sofa!

Choose a microfibre sofa

If you are buying a new sofa, the best dog/cat-proof covering is microfibre, which is resistant to scratches and paws and is easy to clean. The Hip-Hop model by Calia Italia is one of the most popular among pet owners and it comes in microfibre. It is also a modular sofa that is that spacious that even large dogs can sit on it without invading your space.
Alternatively, a leather sofa may also be fine because stains and hair can be removed without too many problems. However, you must be careful of scratches (especially if you have cats) as they are much more difficult to manage. Very delicate fabrics such as silk or linen should be avoided at all costs.

Choose a stain-resistant, water-repellent and scratch-proof cover

In order to prevent your sofa from wearing out quickly, you must ensure that it has a stain-resistant covering (i.e. one that is easy to clean without the risk of damaging the fabric), water-resistant and above all scratch-resistant. For this last point, make sure that the covering is tightly woven as this will prevent your cat from sharpening its claws on the sofa. If you would like to find inspiration in the Calia Italia catalogue, take a look at the Nicolas model, which is available with various covers (from leather to microfibre) and in various colours.

Say ‘yes’ to a sofa in a colour similar to that of your pet.

If you are in the process of choosing a sofa or if you want to buy a new covering, be smart when selecting the colour. Opting for a shade that is close to the nuances of your dog or cat’s coat will reduce the possibility of seeing too much scattered hair everywhere. Of course, you will still have to remove them, but at least you’ll avoid a terrible eyesore. Dark-coloured or earth-coloured (stain-proof) sofas are also recommended, such as the Romeo Relax model by Calia Italia.

Don’t pass on a sofa cover.

If you have a sofa with delicate fabrics or you want to ensure that it remains immaculate, a good solution could be to equip it with a sofa cover. With this option you are free to choose the colour and model and, above all, you can decide whether to use it all the time or only when you want your pet to climb onto the sofa with you. In the event of stains, hair or scratches, simply wash it or, when worn, replace it.

A sticky brush (or a sofa hoover) can be your best friend.

If you have a dog or cat, you know that you can find their hair almost anywhere – even in the most remote corners of the house. That’s why, despite the measures described above, a good old-fashioned sticky brush can become your main ally so keep one handy and use it straight after your pet has enjoyed their ‘stay’ on the sofa. It’s a bit tedious, but it will prevent hair from accumulating. An alternative to the brush is a hoover specially designed for cleaning sofas.

How to choose a cat/dog-friendly sofa.

If you want to find out more about how to choose a new sofa that is dog or cat friendly, don’t miss these specific tips for each pet:

• Divano a prova di cane: https://magazine.caliaitalia.com/en/2020/09/how-to-choose-a-dog-proof-sofa/

• Cat-proof sofa: https://magazine.caliaitalia.com/en/2020/10/how-to-choose-a-cat-proof-sofa/