Does Your Pet Scratch the Furniture?

Does Your Pet Scratch the Furniture?

Having a pet in your life has its upsides. A vast majority of Americans have some sort of pet in their household. It has been said that having a pet can improve your quality of life. But having a cat or dog, you are bound to experience a few bad habits that can wreck your living space.

As pet owners, we can experience chewing on our furniture, especially if we get a puppy or kitten. They are naturally teething, and just like human babies, they need something to relieve the discomfort. But as adult animals, they may chew just to chew, and there goes your favorite pair of shoes or your table's leg. And for those cat owners, you most certainly experienced them scratching your furniture, no matter what it is: leather couch, your door, or carpet.

Don’t worry, you don’t have to throw away or replace your furniture. There are a few simple methods to help fix and restore your wooden furniture. It doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. If you have a little DIY experience, you will be able to tackle this job, plus the items needed are readily available at virtually any hardware store, and many items can be found right at home.

Light scratches might only require a good buffing to remove them, but deeper gouges can require a little more (including a bit of patience). Keep in mind, the most successful method depends on both the depth of the scratch and the type of surface.

Easy Do-It-Yourself Methods

Regardless of which method you use, the first thing you’ll need to do is prep the damaged area. Clean it with a damp rag. Remove any dirt and debris, but try not to saturate with a lot of water. Allow the area too dry.

Stain or Gel Method

Next, if you don’t have the original stain or finish, try to remove faint wood scratches by gently buffing the marks with a wood polish in a color as close as possible to the wood. There are gel stains that work best available at any hardware store. If you want to test the stain/gel before applying it to the original wood, experiment with a piece of scrap wood. Start out light- it can always be darkened. Dab a small amount of stain or gel onto a corner of a piece of cloth, and increase slowly as needed to prevent the rubbed area from becoming too visible. You may need to repeat the buffing action on the entire surface to ensure the finish does not look uneven.
*** Be sure to follow all directions on any product you use and test a discrete area before applying to your original project.

Filler Method

If your pet has severely gouged your furniture or floor, you might want to consider filling them. One popular way is the walnut method. Break a walnut in half and rub the meat over the scratch. After using the walnut, rub the area with your finger to distribute the nut's oil, which can fill in and decrease the appearance of scratches. You can also use wood filler putty by applying it evenly with a putty knife, scraping the area clean, and letting it dry. Sand the area smooth, wipe with a clean cloth to remove any dust, and stain or paint to match the original color.

A  felt-tip marker in a color that closely matches the wood can work too. Just be sure to apply sparingly, and immediately wipe away. Another option is a tinted wood filler or wax stick, available at most hardware stores. 
***Again, follow all directions given by the manufacturer.

Taxi My Pet

We all have dealt with some sort of destruction from our cat or dog. It is good to know there is some helpful information to save us money and time. Taxi My Pet can understand your pet needs to socialize and get some form of exercise. But what can you do if you can't take your pet to the boarding facility or a playdate for some socialization?

We offer a pet taxi service in Abilene that you can rely on. We are insured, locally-owned, and operated. We can also get your pet to their vet appointment, groomer, or to your office. Call us at 325-386-7600 or visit us at www.taximypet.com to book their ride and to learn more about the parameters we travel to.