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Your living room is the heart of your home—a place to relax, unwind, and spend quality time with your loved ones, including your furry family members. However, as every pet owner knows, keeping your furniture in pristine condition can be a challenge. Claw marks, fur accumulation, and the occasional accident can take a toll on your sofa, chairs, and rugs.
At La-Z-Boy Ottawa, Gatineau & Kingston, with the inclusion of Pet-Friendly Fabrics in our selection, we frequently assist pet owners in finding durable, stylish, and pet-friendly furniture.
Magaly Del Castillo, a seasoned interior designer at La-Z-Boy Cyrville, understands these concerns firsthand. As both a designer and a pet owner, she shares expert advice on how to choose the right furniture and materials to keep your home looking beautiful while accommodating your pets.
In this article, we’ll walk you through five essential steps to pet-proof your living room so you can enjoy a stylish and stress-free space.
In This Article…
The best way to protect your furniture from pet damage is to select durable, pet-friendly fabrics. Some materials are naturally resistant to stains, scratches, and pet hair, while others may attract fur or fray under claws.
Cats have an instinct to scratch, and while training them to stop can be challenging, there are ways to redirect their behaviour.
According to Dr. Glenys Hughes from the Ottawa Humane Society, "Scratching is an essential feline trait. Cats have a strong urge to mark their territory and condition their claws. Use positive reinforcement to train them to scratch cat trees or posts."
Even if your pet doesn’t scratch, shedding is inevitable. While daily brushing helps, your furniture choice can also make a difference.
If you own a reclining chair or sofa, ensure your pet isn’t underneath when closing the footrest. "Only La-Z-Boy power reclining furniture has a patented dual-locking leg rest system that stops when it senses pressure," Magaly explains.
To learn more about the Safety Measures in La-Z-Boy Furniture, take a look at this article.
Pets also love perching near windows, which can lead to furniture damage. If possible, avoid placing furniture directly in front of windows to minimize wear and tear.
If your pet insists on lounging on the furniture, consider these additional protective measures:
Yes. Choose fabrics with moisture-repellent technology, vacuum regularly, and use an upholstery-safe deodorizer to keep your furniture smelling fresh.
Yes. Slipcovers can help extend the life of your furniture and protect against pet damage. Ensure they are made from durable, machine-washable materials.
If you have iClean™ fabric, simply blot spills with a clean cloth. For non-treated fabrics, use a mild detergent and water. Avoid harsh chemicals that may damage the upholstery.
After reading this article, you have all the tools for pet-proofing your homet. As mentioned at the beginning of this article, La-Z-Boy has specific fabrics that are tailored to Pet-Friendliness. To learn more about these Pet-Friendly Fabrics, take a look at this article.
Ready to find your next furniture piece? We are happy to help you navigate all the options and tailor your furniture so that it’s right for you at any of our Ottawa, Gatineau and Kingston La-Z-Boy locations. You can also book ahead and schedule an appointment with one of our consultants online.
We know that functionality is essential in building a comfortable life, not just a stylish one. That is why we offer complimentary in-home design service should you need help designing the room of your dreams!
To learn more about La-Z-Boy Fabrics, take a look at our comprehensive Fabric Upholstery Buyer’s Guide.
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