Having a furry best friend is a pure joy...until they scratch the wood floor in your apartment (goodbye, security deposit) and chew all of the couch cushions. Luckily, there are some ways you can pet-proof your apartment to help avoid damage, starting with choosing pet friendly furniture. If you live with a dog, a cat, or both, take a look at these things you should keep in mind when you're picking out furniture for your place:
Choose the Best Upholstery
Upholstery is the most important decision you'll make when buying pet friendly furniture, so choose wisely. If you look for fabric that's durable, stain resistant and easy to clean, you'll be able to keep your couch for a long time. One of the most popular fabric options for pet lovers is microfiber, which is very easy to keep clean.
Leather and pleather, while easy to clean, both show scratches and nicks a bit easier than other fabric options, so keep that in mind if your pets are scratchers. If you're looking for something seriously indestructible (and have the cash to throw down for a completely pet friendly couch) opt for Crypton, which was specially designed to be durable and completely stain- and bacteria-resistant.
Consider Color
If you've ever seen the aftereffects of a white cat napping on a black sofa, you know the value of color coordinating your furniture. This isn't always practical and won't always go with the overall style of a room, but whenever possible, look for colors that will match or disguise your pet's fur. Or, opt for a patterned fabric (or even one that appears textured), which will hide leftover hair a little more than a solid color.
Pick up Washable Linens
The throw pillows on your couch and the linens on your bed are all subject to stains and damage, too, so make sure to use machine-washable ones that you can just toss in the washer if need be. You can even buy or DIY washable throw pillow covers—that way, if there's a vomit incident or a furry mess, you can simply take off the covers and stick them in with the rest of your laundry.
Keep Sharp Edges to a Minimum
If your dog or cat is young or has a lot of energy, you can bet they'll be getting up to some hijinks while you're away at work (and probably when you're home, too). Keep your pets safe by picking out furniture with rounded edges and sturdy designs. You don't want a bookshelf to accidentally topple onto your cat or a sharp-edged coffee table to bruise your pup. Your dog or cat may knock over some of your possessions during energetic bouts, too, so make sure anything breakable is kept off the floor or in a closed room.
Avoid Wooden Legs
If you have a cat, you already know how much it likes to use its claws. Cats scratch for many reasons, from needing to maintain their claws' health to marking their territory. If possible, choose metal, glass or plastic tables instead, all of which will be a lot more difficult to damage.
Provide Alternatives
In the same vein, if your kitty keeps scratching your couch or table legs, providing alternative scratching options is the best way to save your furniture. Pick up a nice scratching post (or make your own with sandpaper and a two-by-four piece of wood), and do your best to direct your cat to what it's allowed to scratch when you notice it heading to the couch or table.
Get Creative
Pet friendly furniture doesn't have to only be about keeping your apartment clean and scratch-free! There are tons of really cool furniture options for, say, hiding the litter box or providing your puppy with a comfortable nook to sleep in. Get creative when picking out your furniture so your pet loves living in your apartment just as much as you do.
Remember that keeping your pets exercised and entertained is one of the best ways to keep them from letting loose and tearing up your apartment while you're away at work. Provide them with treats and toys, and play with or walk them before and after work to allow them to get some energy out.