It should come as no surprise that some pets are more destructive than others, especially when it comes to your new sofa that you snagged at a great price from a cheap couches for sale deal. Most pets have a small, or large degree of destructive potential, and should you wish your new couch and other furniture items to encounter no damage whatsoever, you may wish to consider a fish in a bowl. This is not always an option, however, as animal companions are one of life’s greatest joys. In just a few minutes of reading, find out how to best protect your newest addition found through cheap couches for sale deals, as well as which animal breeds are the least or most destructive to help you make wise pet decisions.
In the case of cats
There is one truth that even the most avid cat-lover cannot deny: all cats scratch. Unfortunately, there is no breed of cat in the world that does not partake in this activity – much to the detriment of your new couch found in a great cheap couches for sale deal. Cats boast significantly sharp claws that can do some damage – they stay sharp and are always ready to be used. Cats scratching can cause a lot of grief for owners, especially when they have just bought a gorgeous piece of furniture, only to find it ripped and punctured.
But there is some good news. There are various cat breeds that are known to be more relaxed and less prone to frequent destruction. This means that you do not have to make huge efforts when it comes to training them to only scratch what they are supposed to – which in many case are store-bought cat scratching poles. The following is a list of some cat breeds that are considered by many to be the least likely to scratch furniture:
Persian cats
This breed of cats can be likened to furniture themselves, oftentimes completely unmoving. They enjoy relaxing and lounging around, sometimes only moving to fetch food or during playtime. Besides these activities, they are not known to move too much, they pick a favourite spot and enjoy life from their chosen vantage point.
This is why they are unlikely to destroy your new couch that you scored from unbelievable cheap couches for sale deals. Beware though, like any long-haired breeds, their fur will find its way into the folds of your couch, and daily grooming is often required.
Scottish fold/straight cats
These cats are known to love exploring, and are very curious by nature. They are relatively easy to train, which comes in handy if you wish them to destroy a scratching post instead of your new couch. The breed usually responds well to snacks and positive reinforcement, which makes training a dream come true. These cats love routine, so ensure that you enforce one that does not involve destroying furniture – before it is too late!
Ragdoll cats
These large cats have been described as “relaxed” and “floppy,” as the breed’s name implies. Many owners report this breed to be passive, cuddly and relaxed – a combination that does not typically result in a cat displaying destructive habits after training. However, you may need to invest in quite a sturdy scratching post due to the size and strength of these cats.
Birman cats
These cats are known to be curious and enjoy finding small spaces or receptacles to get inside. Provided you have a scratching post somewhere around the house, it has been reported that they rarely scratch other things.
Russian blue cats
This breed is allegedly very respectful when it comes to household items and furniture. They maintain a nice balance of being playful, independent as well as relaxed. Since they are rather large and muscular cats, tall and sturdier scratching posts are in order. They also enjoy angled posts closer to the ground, as they reportedly like ground scratching as well.
Despite these reported characteristics, there is no telling what an individual cat – no matter the breed – may get up to during the day. Just like each human is different, so too do cats feature completely different personalities and tendencies, some more nightmarish than others. A cat’s age also affects scratching behaviours. Many cat owners advise not to purchase any new furniture if you have a kitten in the house, since they are just learning how to scratch and play, and your new couch may fall victim to their games.
Oftentimes, adopting older cats is the way to go, especially if the cat in question has a proven track-record of being non-destructive. Avoid villainising a cat’s scratching, since the behaviour has a lot to do with their instincts. No matter how cute and cuddly your cat may be, the fact that it is a predator means that at the end of the day, they need to exercise their claws and destroy things in order for them to be mentally and physically stimulated. Should you take the time to train the cat in your home, introducing new couches should not pose too much of a problem… in most cases.
The destruction of dogs
While they may be man’s best friend, the same cannot always be said about the house they live in. They are known to leave their mark within your home, especially when they are puppies with new, fast-growing teeth. While some dog breeds are happy to relax and spend their days wallowing in the sun, others are higher maintenance and will not spare your new couch, no matter how nicely you ask them to. The following is a list of some of the most problematic dog breeds when it comes to destructive or troublesome behaviour when confined in the house:
The chewers
- German shepherds
- Collies
- Staffies
- Terriers
- Beagles
The urinators
- Shih tzus
- Daschunds
- Pugs
- Labradors
The breakers
- Pomeranians
- Cocker spaniels
This list by no means encompasses every dog species that takes part in the above behaviours. As you might expect, any dog breed that is confined to a small home or apartment will rebel in some way, especially if they are not getting enough exercise or are not given enough things to safely chew. Ripped couches, chewed skirting boards and destroyed curtains are a few tell-tale signs of a destructive dog in the home.
Despite all of this, many owners say that the destruction is worth the love and companionship offered by their canine best friends. It is hard to argue this point. When all is said and done, there is nothing quite like relaxing on your couch with your cuddly dog – even if they tend to scratch it sometimes.
The bother with birds
Most parrot species are known to be cavity dwellers, which means that when preparing nest sites, they need to bite a hole into a tree or clear out an existing one. As you might imagine, this involves chewing, gnawing and even more chewing. This natural behaviour does not disappear when parrots are kept as pets, especially if they are not given enough enrichment or are confined to cages that are not at all suitable.
Many bird species require the activity of chewing to keep both their beaks and minds healthy, and the behaviour should always be encouraged. This is why natural wooden perches and toys are needed in their rooms or cages. Even if you provide these important features, there is no guarantee that your bird will refrain from chewing your furniture or wooden windowsills without your permission. Many larger species are also known to take chunks out of wall plaster, much to their owner’s horror and dismay.
Therefore, it is important to always supervise your bird when they are spending time out of their cage. This is also expected of responsible owners, since there are many household threats that simply do not exist for birds in the wild, such as electrical cables and sockets, poisonous houseplants and the risk of cats or dogs entering the home that are not used to bird companions.
The concern with critters: rats and hamsters
Hamsters and rats have ever-growing teeth and claws which need to be regularly filed down, either by a vet or on their own through the providing of suitable materials and minerals for them to chew and scratch. Unfortunately, there is not much you can do to prevent your cute critter from urinating on your new couch. If you find your critters to be particularly destructive to your furniture, they may be lacking mental stimulation in their accommodation. Ask yourself the following questions:
- How long has it been since you changed up the interior design of their cages? This needs to be done regularly, and placing cardboard boxes or tubes in their cage is always advised.
- Have you provided enough “shreddable” material in their cage? Critters love foraging for food and shredding materials, and the activity is important for their physical and mental well-being.
- Are you spending enough time with them? Oftentimes, letting your critter out infrequently will cause them to display destructive – and downright rebellious – behaviour. This can sometimes be remedied by spending more time with your pet, feeding it treats and making an effort to bond with it.
It is important to remember that like birds, hamsters and rats are not really suited to being domesticated and kept in cages. Therefore, as a responsible owner – and one who does not wish for their new couch to be messed with – it is your duty to go above and beyond to provide as much enrichment and stimulation as possible.
Find cheap couches for sale with 5Star Furniture
We at 5Star Furniture are proud of our cheap couches for sale, featured in our various catalogues as well as unbelievable deals throughout the year. From cosy 2-seaters to huge L-shaped pieces, our cheap couches for sale encompass both affordability and high-quality. If you are looking for durability to protect your couches from naughty pets, more resilient microfiber or stronger materials, which are known to withstand claws and are easier to clean and maintain. Try to steer away from silks and cottons, as pets will have a field day with these types of cheap couches for sale.
There is always the option of purchasing covers to go with your cheap couches for sale, which can be removed and cleaned conveniently, protecting the couch underneath. It should come as no surprise that longer-haired pets will make their mark on your new couch, forcing you to make use of lint rollers, vacuum cleaners or special brushes to get rid of the seemingly endless pieces of fur. If you cannot bear the idea, make an effort to train your pet to sit or lie down on a comfortable pet bed of their own and potentially save your new piece found from cheap couches for sale deals.
