Pet-Proof Your Couch from Destructive Pet Behaviour

You may believe there’s nothing better than sharing your home with a pet — but your couch may not agree. What was once your favourite place of rest can become the unsuspecting victim of your pet's playful or destructive tendencies. And it’s not just puppies and kittens to blame — scratching and biting are widespread dog, cat and even bird behaviours.

We’re here to help you reclaim your living room and provide practical advice on how to pet-proof your couch. Combining our furniture expertise with the valuable insights of experienced vets and pet behaviour experts, we’ll shed light on the different tendencies of domestic animals and how you can limit the resulting damage to your couch.

Understanding Your Pet’s Behaviour

Step one is understanding where your pets are coming from. Dogs and cats are different species with different needs and training requirements, and there are different reasons why they might be on the warpath with your sofa:

Destructive Cat Behaviour Explained

Cats are natural-born explorers with a penchant for climbing and scratching. Looking around your living room, how many alternatives do you see for them to satisfy this need that don’t involve targeting your couch?

Dr Paola Cuevas, a veterinary consultant at Catster, delves deeper in this cat behavioural need:

“Scratching is a natural behaviour for a cat; it helps them to keep their claws in great shape, removing dead cells of the upper layer. Because cats have scent glands in their paws, scratching is also sometimes linked to marking objects in their territory with their scent,” she says.

“Since scratching is a natural instinctive behaviour for a cat, having scratched furniture is a fairly common issue for cat owners.”

You have three main options to discourage cats from scratching your couch:

Identify scratching triggers

Watch your cat's behaviour to understand the reasons behind their scratching. Is it boredom, stress or a desire for attention? Depending on the cause, try and work on alleviating their need differently, either with play, affection, distractions, etc.

Provide alternative scratching options

Try offering your cat a mix of scratching posts with different textures and heights to see which ones they prefer. You don’t need to go spend a lot of money right away, you can first try DIY options like wrapping cardboard, carpet scraps, or sisal rope around sturdy objects or repurpose old furniture.

Use deterrents strategically

Double-sided tape or ethical repellents can be used on couch arms or cushions to discourage scratching. The tape creates an unpleasant sticky surface that stops cats from scratching. The repellents, on the other hand, use scents that cats dislike, encouraging them to avoid those areas.

Understanding Dog Behaviour

Dogs, with their playful and energetic nature, can pose various challenges to your couch. They often chew, dig, and shed excessively, leading to furniture damage. Knowing why these behaviours occur is key to preventing them effectively.

Dr Sabrina Kong, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and staff veterinary writer at WeLoveDoodles.com, shares her insights on why some dogs love chewing anything they can get their teeth on:

“Dogs do not only chew furniture when they are puppies. While teething is a common cause of chewing in puppies, adult dogs can also engage in this behaviour for various reasons,” she says.

“Certain age groups and breeds are more predisposed to destructive behaviours. High-energy dog breeds like Border Collies and Jack Russell Terriers may resort to destructive behaviours without enough exercise and mental stimulation.”

Boredom and anxiety are common culprits for destructive behaviour in dogs. Providing plenty of mental and physical stimulation can help alleviate these issues. Chew toys, puzzle feeders and regular exercise can redirect your dog's energy away from your couch.

To keep your couch looking brand new even when you have a dog we recommend:

Creating a designated pet space

Provide your dog with a comfortable and inviting space to relax, such as a dog bed or a specific area on the floor.

Managing separation anxiety

If your dog exhibits destructive behaviour when left alone, crate training or providing calming aids could resolve the problem.

Regular grooming

Regular brushing can help reduce shedding and keep your couch clean. Grooming sessions also promote a healthy coat, as well as strengthen the bond between you and your dog, making them more enjoyable and cooperative.

Understanding the Behaviour of Other Pets

While cats and dogs often take centre stage, other pets can also contribute to couch damage. Dr Kong also shares which likely to cause damage to your furniture:

“Several pets besides cats and dogs can be culprits. Small mammals like rabbits, guinea pigs and ferrets are known for their chewing tendencies. Birds, especially parrots, can be destructive, using their beaks to chew on wood and other materials,” she says.

“Small mammals like rabbits and guinea pigs chew to keep their teeth trimmed, while birds use their beaks to explore and sometimes vent frustration or boredom.”

Your First Step: Training and Enrichment

Before investing in new furniture or protective covers, it's essential to address your pet's behaviour to avoid facing the same problems again. Dr Cuevas stresses the importance of personalising the approach by “making an honest analysis of [your] expectations, the natural behaviour of the species and the opportunities provided to express them.”

She also shares: “If a pet resolves into destructive behaviours due to lack of attention or boredom, owners can usually evaluate their pet’s day-to-day life and figure out if their exercise and social needs are met. The exercise needs will depend on the species of pet, their breed and their age.”

For dogs, this may look like regular walks, playtime and mental stimulation to redirect your energy away from your couch. Basic obedience training can also teach your dog appropriate behaviours, such as staying off furniture or leaving items alone.

Cats have more innate tendencies towards destructive behaviour, and even the most well-behaved pet may have the occasional slip-up.

Where training isn’t appropriate or working, there are other methods you can try to protect your furniture.

Designated pet areas

Creating specific spaces for your pets can help deter them from using your furniture. Designate a cosy area with comfortable bedding, toys and scratching posts for cats. For dogs, provide a designated sleeping area and ample opportunities for exercise and playtime.

Enrichment and stimulation

Boredom can lead to destructive behaviours. Provide your pets with plenty of toys, puzzles and interactive activities to keep them entertained and mentally stimulated even if you are busy.

Vertical space

Cats are naturally inclined to climb and explore. Providing vertical space, such as cat trees or shelves, can satisfy their instinctual needs and prevent them from using your couch.

The Best Materials to Protect Your Couch from Paws and Claws

The fabric you choose for your couch can significantly impact its susceptibility to pet damage.

Velvet Sofas

Velvet is definitely a favourite choice for couches, but is it suitable for pet owners? Most say yes! The biggest point to make is that not all velvet is made the same. Cheap velvet is more susceptible to gathering hair, but high-quality velvet is a different story. Couches with a polyester base, regardless of the finish, will be easy to wipe.

Dr Kathryn Dench (MA VetMB), Chief Scientific Advisor at Paw Origins, shares her thoughts on velvet as a pet-deterrent fabric, “Certain fabrics can indeed deter pets from scratching or chewing. Velvet can be less attractive for scratching due to its smooth surface.”

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Boucle Sofas

This textured fabric offers a cool aesthetic but is sometimes touted as a ‘giant toy’ for pets. The looped texture can catch on pet claws, leading to snags and pilling in the fabric. The major benefit is that if your pet is prone to scratching or biting, boucle is the perfect fabric to disguise the damage. Regular grooming of your pet (trimmed fingernails), a fabric protection shield and some intervention will be necessary to maintain its condition.

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All Polyester Sofas

Fabrics made from synthetic materials such as polyester are more resistant to stains, spills and pet-related damage. They are generally easier to clean and maintain than natural fabrics. Many synthetic fabrics are also treated with stain-resistant finishes, providing an extra layer of protection.

Dr Iram Gladan, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, PhD researcher and writer for breedatlas.net, agrees that synthetics are the way to go here:

“Synthetics like polyester or acrylic blends work if you're keen on having pets around your sofas. They're often strong enough and mimic the look and feel of natural fabric but still more resistant against wearing out and easier to clean, too.”

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Other Pet-Friendly Furniture

Pet-Friendly Tables and Chairs

Unfortunately, couches aren’t the only thing pets like to scratch and bite — your dining set is also an easy target. Hardwood is generally the most durable option for both chairs and tables, as it can withstand the wear and tear of pets. It's also easier to repair scratches or dents.

Shop tables and chairs

Other Pet-Friendly Furniture and Homewares

Pets often target rugs and cushions, so it's a good idea to choose materials that are easy to clean and repair. Machine-washable items can make it a lot easier to keep them clean. When shopping for pet beds, evaluate the materials both for pet-comfort as well as easy of care. Avoid fabrics that are prone to absorbing odours or stains.

Maintain Your Brand-New Furniture Looking Its Best

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, our pets are determined to keep destroying furniture. In this case, protecting it from too much damage is your only course of action. These are some of our ideas on how you can keep your investment safe from your furry friends.

Natural Deterrents

Some pet repellents can discourage pets from certain areas (such as your expensive couch!). However, it's essential to test these products in a small area first to ensure they don't harm your pet or damage the furniture.

Dr Kong recommends bitter sprays for dogs: “Bitter sprays and deterrents can effectively discourage dogs from chewing on furniture. These sprays are safe for dogs and have a bitter taste that deters them from chewing on treated surfaces.”

Dr Gladan shares an alternative approach for cats: “Citrus sprays can be a fantastic deterrent — if they work. Some cats generally avoid citrus scents, while some don't. You can buy cat-safe citrus sprays or try to make your own by diluting citrus essential oils in water and spritzing the areas your cat usually scratches.”

Cushion Care

Do you have an old dog who loves watching TV with you on the couch? Lucky you! Regularly fluff and rotate your cushions to help maintain their shape and prevent sagging in a dog-sized shape. And remember, this advice isn’t exclusive to pet owners.

Upholstery Protection

Fabric protection sprays are an added layer of protection against stains and spills, making them a valuable investment for pet owners. Our Fabric Protection Shield offers up to three years of defence against stains. Once applied, it creates a protective barrier on your fabric furniture, giving you time to clean up spills before they seep into the fibres. For ongoing maintenance, reapply the shield as needed and use our Fabric Upholstery Cleaning Fluid to spot clean.

Pet Hair Solution

Pet hair can be a persistent challenge. Frequent brushing of your pet can significantly reduce shedding and the amount of hair transferred to your furniture. A colourful couch can also do wonders to disguise the sheer amount of fur left behind by your dog.

If (despite grooming) your pet is shedding, you’re probably already familiar with regular vacuuming. For the couch, use a strong vacuum with a suitable upholstery attachment, or for stubborn hair, use a lint roller and rubber glove combo. Alternatively, there are dozens of pet hair removal tools on the market designed to lift and capture hair.

Pet-Friendly Furniture at RJ Living

Unlike our pets, furniture is replaceable. While a ripped-up couch isn’t ideal, it’s a small price to pay for the love you get in return. That being said, you don’t have to throw in the towel and accept that your couch is your cat’s favourite toy. By understanding your pet's behaviour, creating a pet-friendly environment and implementing proper maintenance, you can reduce the risk of damage to your couch.

At RJ Living, our couches are generally considered pet-safe. We use high-quality polyester that holds up against accidents, scratches, biting and other pet-related incidents. Don’t compromise on style just because you have a pet — speak to our friendly design team for personalised recommendations.

MEET THE AUTHOR

Milly McEwan

Product & Design Manager

Milly is our Product & Design Manager, creating and bringing to life our RJ Living pieces and curating our product offering. In the design industry for almost a decade, she was recently included in the Australian Design Review's 30 Under 30.