How to Protect Your Recliner from Pet Damage

Why Pet Damage is a Concern for Recliners

Pets, especially cats and dogs, waltz in a room with certain natural tendencies that may result in destruction on your furniture. These include random scratching, tearing off leather recliner chairs, shedded hair, which are minor nuances but can be difficult to deal with in the long haul and can also reduce the life expectancy of your recliner chairs. Some of the most popular pet-induced destruction to recliners are:

1. Scratching: Cats, in particular, use furniture like leather recliner chair to sharpen their claws. Recliners might not be the best choice of furniture for pet owners as if the scratching is left unattended, it can give way to a series of visible destruction to the fabric or leather of your leather recliner chairs.
2. Shedding: It is not uncommon for animals to shed constantly and eventually, pet hair will find its way into the upholstery and make the recliner appear dirty and uncomfortable. With time, the recliners may get damaged irrevocably. 
3. Accidents: Furniture of pet owners are also more prone to pet accidents as urine or feces odors and stains can penetrate cushioning and cause permanent damage and odors.
4. Chewing and Biting: Some pets, particularly puppies, may chew on furniture as a force of habit. This can create irreparable harm, especially if they chew into the frame or armrests.

How to Protect your Recliner from Pet Damage

Shedding, chewing or scratches are some of the common conundrums that the furniture of pet owners suffer through. However worry not as there are various methods of preventing and solving these problems efficiently.

1. Apply Slipcovers and Furniture Protectors

One of the simplest methods to save your recliner from pet damage is to use a furniture cover or slipcover. These are great barriers between your recliner and your pet’s claws or fur as they are made from different materials, including cotton, polyester, and microfiber, and can be washed or replaced if they get damaged. They help in keeping your pet away from direct contact with upholstery and minimizes the risk of damage that can happen through scratches.

The fabric used in these covers repel or trap pet hair, which makes it simple to clean. So no more hair shedding trouble, yay! Our furry bubs can be slightly clumsy at times and adorably so. But lucky for you, some covers are waterproof, a saving grace in the event of an accident. You will be able to find slipcovers that will perfectly fit your recliner, providing a close look and feel while protecting the recliner.

If your pet has a tendency to be a bit hard on furniture, scratch-resistant covers or pet-specific covers may be a good investment. You can also get waterproof or stain-resistant covers, which provide extra protection for spills and accidents.

2. Invest in Scratch-Resistant Recliners

For individuals buying new recliners or upgrading old ones, opt for scratch-resistant materials. Among the most common are microfiber and leather, which are popular for their strength and ease of cleaning.

Leather is among the best pet-friendly materials, particularly when scratching. Leather recliner chairs may be scratched, but it’s more difficult for pets to permanently damage when compared to fabric recliners. Leather also has a texture that allows it to be easily wiped clean of pet hair, and the stains won’t set. These recliners are long-lasting and scratch-resistant while also beig simple and easy to clean and maintain.

Another option could be microfiber recliners which are another great option for pet owners. Microfiber is a man-made material that is closely woven and so is less likely to be damaged by claws. It is also comfortable and soft to both you and your pets. The only drawback is that microfiber attracts dust and pet hair easily but is a breeze to vacuum or clean. However, these reclining chairs are soft and comfortable as well as long-lasting and resistant to stains which makes them easy to clean.

3. Use Pet Deterrent Sprays

If your pet has a habit of scratching or chewing on your recliner, using a pet deterrent spray can help. These sprays are designed to make your recliner less appealing to pets without causing harm. They often contain bitter flavors that pets dislike, which discourages them from scratching or biting your furniture. Before you spray it on your recliner, test the spray on a discreet area to make sure that it won’t harm the material. Re-spray the deterrent when necessary, especially if the scent fades with time or after it’s been cleaned. Bye-bye bad smell. 

4. Train Your Pets

Although it may be difficult to train your pet not to go near your recliner at all, you can train them to engage in some habits that will protect your furniture. For instance, having a special scratching post for cats can redirect their attention away from your recliner. Training your dog to leave the furniture alone is also essential in keeping them from causing long-term damage.

Below mentioned are some of the training tips that can be handy with furnitures for pet owners- 

• Reward the good behavior: Reward your pet when they scratch or sleep in their pet bed or scratching post rather than your recliner. A small treat or soft pat can go a long way. 
• Practice positive reinforcement: If you catch your pet scratching or biting the recliner, take them gently to their specific area and reward them for going there.
• Set boundaries: Like with human counterparts, boundaries are necessary even with pets, which can help keep your recliners great as new. Position your recliner in spots that are less accessible to your pet or away from where they tend to rest.

5. Think About Pet-Friendly Recliner Features

Pet recliners come equipped with features that protect them from damage. Recliners specifically meant for pet owners feature amenities like washable cushions, waterproof cushioning and more. Certain recliners feature cushions that can be washed and removed, making them convenient to clean and maintain. There are also recliners with waterproof upholstery that will be more understanding in the event of accidents or spills by pets. An even amazing upgrade are built-in guards and back guards that can withstand pet damage.

6. Apply a Pet-Friendly Furniture Spray or Fabric Protector

Along with furniture pads and slipcovers, using a fabric protector can keep pets from damaging your reclining chairs. Fabric protectors, such as Scotchgard, place an invisible shield on your recliner’s upholstery, so it will be stain, spill, and dirt-resistant. Certain eccentricities that can be useful is wiping your recliner clean before using the spray. Moreover, it is also crucial to allow the fabric to dry totally before sitting on the recliner.