Owners of furry pets are familiar with the problem when a cat or dog scratches the upholstery of the sofa with sharp claws. Sometimes animals manage to tear the upholstery along with the foam rubber, and then the sofa takes on an extremely unpresentable appearance. Of course, no one is going to get rid of their pets because of this, however, measures must be taken.
Otherwise, all the upholstered furniture in the house may become damaged. There is an excellent solution to this problem - purchase a sofa with anti-vandal upholstery. This is one of the recent scientific developments that gives the fabric unique properties and resistance to scratching by sharp objects. In the article we will look in detail at the features of anti-vandal fabric, tell you what it comes in, find out the manufacturers of this miracle material, as well as approximate prices for it.
Peculiarities
Let’s find out what characteristics allow us to call this material “vandal-proof”.
Extremely high wear resistance. Anti-vandal upholstery is very difficult, almost impossible to damage with anything. The fabric does not wear out over time. Over the years, unsightly, characteristic bald spots will not form on your sofa in the places where you sit most often.
Even sharp cat claws cannot damage this upholstery. Therefore, you can enjoy communication with your beloved pet without fear for expensive furniture.
On video, anti-vandal fabric for a sofa from cats
Anti-vandal fabric is resistant to stains. It repels dirt, grease, and also has water-repellent properties. Such unique properties are usually provided by special Teflon impregnation of the material.
Flock guarding the sofa
The second name for flock is “vandal-proof” fabric. When you are not at home, mustachioed “vandals” are happy to run the apartment. Just imagine how a dog begins to test the strength of the pillow with its teeth, and a cat diligently “massages” the back of the sofa or seat. Sharp claws dig deep into the fabric, pulling threads out of it, and the filling falls out of the pillow chewed by the dog... But this trick doesn’t work with flock! No matter how much the cat wants, it is impossible to make hooks, because... The fabric has no weave. Punctures are also healed, and minor defects are masked by the velvety surface. Thanks to the anti-vandal properties of the upholstery, pets will quickly lose interest in the furniture and will use it exclusively for its intended purpose.
Small children are the second threat to the sofa. Don't be surprised if you find stains from spilled juice, leftover mashed potatoes, or watercolors on the upholstery. In the case of chenille or matting, traces of childhood mischief will remain with the sofa forever, but flock is a completely different matter. Just wipe the upholstery with a sponge and it will look fresh again without fading the color!
Kinds
In principle, any sufficiently dense or smooth fabric can be considered as anti-vandal - one where the cat cannot catch its claw. What types of upholstery materials can we classify as anti-vandal?
The so-called "relaxation" . This is one of the latest developments; it is an artificial polymer-based material.
Anti-vandal relax fabric can be washed and has particularly high strength characteristics.
Artificial suede for furniture is durable and dense and can protect your furniture from the sharp claws of animals. A suede sofa immediately gives a certain status to any room. You can also learn about the difference between natural suede and artificial suede by following the link.
Artificial suede looks extremely elegant, noble and “expensive” in the finished product.
Furniture weaving – Flock. This Teflon-impregnated fabric, called “anti-claw,” is now becoming extremely popular due to its unique characteristics. Teflon flock, along with its anti-vandal characteristics, retains the softness and comfort of ordinary material.
Dense furniture corduroy is practically not subject to deformation. Also a good option if you don’t want to purchase fabrics with artificial impregnation.
Chenille is one of the most affordable and, at the same time, quite good options as an anti-vandal material against cats.
Anti-vandal Chenille fabric is dense and resistant to “cat vandalism”.
Among them:
- long service life;
- high abrasion resistance;
- repels dirt, grease and dust.
Ordinary lint-free fabrics - dense, rather rigid - can also act as anti-vandal.
This is, for example, a tapestry. This beautiful material, thanks to its unique density, increased rigidity and smoothness of weaving, withstands cat “attacks”. A prerequisite is that such “vandal-proof” materials must be smooth so that the cat has nothing to cling to, and the fibers in the fabric structure must lie very tightly to each other.
Attention: if you are choosing anti-vandal fabric for the first time, it is better to use the tips and advice of an experienced consultant. It is also important when purchasing to carefully study the properties of the fabric you are purchasing. In this case, you are much more likely to buy a quality product.
Anti-claw. Let's talk about the features of this popular anti-vandal upholstery material.
This fabric has increased strength and wear-resistant characteristics. The name “anti-claw” can be given to Teflon flock, Teflon-impregnated microfiber, artificial suede, or Scotch guard. Also see photos of microfiber sofas here.
The special “anti-claw” material is made in such a way that when an animal tries to scratch it, its claws slide off without leaving any marks. After several attempts, as a rule, the cat’s interest in the sofa completely disappears.
More fabric properties:
- “Anti-claw” is a very dense material, due to which it practically does not wear out and lasts a long time.
- The fibers of the fabric are often intertwined, which ensures its density and strength, and resistance to deformation.
- The material, despite the anti-vandal artificial impregnation, “breathes”, which allows you to provide the proper microclimate.
- The surface is pleasant to the touch, it is comfortable to sit on such a sofa.
- A variety of different colors allows you to choose a vandal-proof coating to suit any interior. Whatever style the apartment is decorated in, even the most intricate one, suitable upholstery material will be found in this case too.
Flock "anti-claw"
For the most part, in the category of “anti-claw” fabrics there are various types of flock with a smooth texture. The structure of this material is dense, there is a smooth base inside, and a pile outside. An animal's claw cannot cause any damage to the pile, and it simply slides off the smooth surface of the base material. It is impossible to put a catch or tear the fabric.
Flock of the “anti-claw” category is a fabric obtained not by weaving, but by special gluing and subsequent application of pile using the method of static electricity. The technology is quite complex and provides reliable protection of the fabric from the sharp claws of a pet. This material can be washed and dry cleaned.
The composition of anti-vandal flock is as follows: 35% cotton, 65% polyester. The pile is nylon. The material “breathes”, having a high level of breathability. Since the base of the material is cotton, the air circulates perfectly without encountering obstacles.
The surface of the fabric has water-repellent properties. Even if you accidentally spill something on the sofa, the water will collect in a drop without immediately being absorbed into the upholstery. During this time, it can be easily collected and removed.
An important advantage is that the fabric is able to maintain the brightness of its color almost all the time it is used. It does not fade, does not fade in the sun, and does not lose its decorative qualities. At the same time, the colors of anti-vandal flock can be any - from light, delicate to rich and bright.
How to choose foam rubber for furniture in Leroy Merlin?
Find out which blanket is suitable for a corner sofa.
Read how to choose a mattress for a child:.
How much does flock cost?
Anti-vandal fabric will cost more than regular fabric, but the money spent will be worth it. Your sofa will remain in new condition, despite all the efforts of children and pets. Only flock can withstand punctures, scratches, and stains without visible consequences. Even if there are no troublemakers in your house and you want to enjoy the impeccable condition of the furniture for as long as possible, choose this type of fabric. Practicality combined with beauty is the best solution for modern sofas.
In conclusion, I would like to quote the words of a famous song: “The most important thing is the weather in the house, and everything else is vanity.” It’s not so important what kind of sofa you have in your living room, what’s important is the atmosphere and relationships with loved ones. Advice for the future: flock upholstery will not hurt if you decide to get a cat. There is anti-vandal fabric for every “vandal” - both the cat is pleased and the sofa is intact.
Manufacturers and prices
Which of the modern manufacturers can offer us high-quality anti-vandal coating at the best price?
Estimated cost for the most common anti-vandal fabrics.
Galaxy
This is an excellent anti-vandal microfiber with Teflon impregnation. The colors are mostly neutral and pleasing to the eye. Slightly vintage shades are suitable for classic interiors in a traditional style. Microfiber is very pleasant to the touch. Cost - 1107 rubles/m.
Anti-claw
Flock anti-vandal material. The material is very pleasant to the touch, the colors are delicate, pastel, classic, mostly light in color.
Anti-claw flock is impregnated with a Teflon composition, thanks to which it has unique performance properties. Price - 790 rub/m.
Verona
Teflon material, durable and damage resistant. There are bright colors, beautiful and cheerful. Cost - 890 rubles/m.
Panda
In this case, anti-vandal velor of the highest category is presented. A very beautiful palette of colors - from light, delicate to bright, catchy. Cost - 740 rubles/m.
Fabrics for furniture - anti-claw
Anti-claw fabric is a fabric that has several different properties that has been gaining popularity in recent years.
To prevent furniture from being damaged by the claws of pets, it is upholstered with a special anti-claw fabric, which is particularly durable and wear-resistant.
The threads of this fabric are very tightly woven and have a very short pile, making anti-claw upholstery fabric very difficult to tear, even with the help of sharp claws of pets.
Anti-claw furniture fabric
A special interweaving of threads prevents the animal’s claws from penetrating between them, thereby creating holes, puffs and other damage to the fabric. This fabric is also breathable.
A wide range of similar fabrics for furniture upholstery, along with a different assortment of colors, allows you to choose exactly the fabric that you like, which will fit well into the interior of the room, which will appeal to all family members and, most importantly, which will not tear from the claws and teeth of pets who love to sharpen their claws in any inappropriate place. With the help of this fabric you will not have to worry about the presentable appearance of your furniture for a very long time.
Anti-claw upholstery fabric
There are several types of fabric with this property.
- Flock - this material is created from high-strength threads onto which twill, cotton or satin fibers are glued. These particles are glued vertically, creating a soft and pleasant to the touch fabric that will not tear from contact with the claws of pets. This furniture upholstery is anti-claw. This fabric is very durable, strong and does not fade in the sun.
- Velor also belongs to this category due to the fact that its fibers have a very dense structure and are not susceptible to mechanical stress. Velor fibers can be either natural or artificial. Velor is quite homogeneous and is widely used in upholstery of upholstered furniture.
- Jacquard - the threads of this fabric are intertwined quite closely, which allows you to create quite strong fabrics for furniture upholstery, which can be called anti-cat upholstery - anti-claw furniture fabric. Animal claws cannot penetrate between the threads of this fabric and pull them out, thereby breaking through the fabric.
- Tapestry - this type of fabric is created from elastic and dense intertwined threads. Basically these are three intertwined strands consisting of several threads. This fabric is quite dense and heavy and is also not exposed to the claws of pets. Various patterns can be applied to this fabric, creating a unique look for upholstered furniture, but this fabric is expensive.
- Chenille - this fabric contains the same amount of artificial and natural fibers, woven together in a spiral, and the threads in the fabric are located both lengthwise and crosswise. Due to this interweaving of threads, the elasticity of this fabric increases, which does not give in to the claws and teeth of pets and can honorably be called anti-claw fabric and anti-cat fabric.
Anti-cat upholstery - anti-claw furniture fabric
Any anti-claw fabric has properties that make tissue damage caused by pets poorly visible.
It has short fibers, anti-claw fabric is wear-resistant, and any fabric called anti-claw or anti-cat has a frequent and dense weave of threads.
These types of fabrics are wear-resistant, unpretentious, easy to clean, and do not develop bald spots.
You can buy anti-claw furniture fabric in any city in Russia at prices that vary depending on the type of fabric, and you can also buy anti-claw fabric in Moscow at different prices, ranging from low prices to more expensive prices.
Source:
Adviсe
Several recommendations for choosing and caring for anti-vandal fabric.
Any type of anti-vandal material requires its own special care. All operating, washing, and cleaning conditions are on the product tag. Pay special attention to this when making a purchase.
Velor upholstery, as a rule, is washed even at a temperature of 60 degrees. And if the cover is not removable, then the velor can be cleaned well with a vacuum cleaner. Flock upholstery requires careful handling, as its adhesive base can be damaged by too intense wet cleaning.
From time to time it is recommended to clean the anti-vandal upholstery with a vacuum cleaner. This will rid your sofa of accumulated dust and freshen it up.
Also read about a set of covers for a sofa and armchairs in this material.
On video, anti-claw upholstery fabric for sofas:
Attention: we advise you not to rely entirely on anti-vandal fabric if the animal in the house is not even equipped with a scratching post. In this case, the cat has no choice - and she will periodically return to the sofa. And sooner or later it can ruin even specially treated upholstery. Therefore, it is better to purchase a special device for your animal, where she can sharpen her claws to her heart’s content.
Features of choice
In addition to the characteristics of fabrics already listed, a number of other nuances must be taken into account:
- The material must be safe. Since chemicals are used in the production of various upholstery products, they can be harmful to health or cause an allergic reaction. Therefore, it is necessary to request a certificate for the material from a specialist involved in reupholstering furniture.
- Give preference to materials that are durable and resistant to cleaning. It is desirable that the coating is difficult to damage even by animal claws. For this purpose there are so-called “anti-claw” coatings.
- The color is chosen depending on the interior. But remember that light-colored materials are more susceptible to stains and are less practical, as they require frequent cleaning and washing.
And consider your financial capabilities. It should be understood that natural fabrics are more expensive than artificial ones. When you order upholstered furniture repair services from our company, the master arrives with a catalog of fabrics from which you can select the most suitable upholstery option for you.
Reviews
Let's see what those who have already acquired furniture with anti-vandal upholstery say.
- Elena, 46 years old, Moscow. “I am a cat breeder. You can imagine what the situation is like at home. Four adult cats live in it at the same time, and kittens appear constantly. I don't keep cats in cages, they are family members. Previously, furniture, of course, suffered; sofas and armchairs could be thrown away after a year of service. Even though animals have scratching posts, they are never averse to scratching the upholstery. After purchasing furniture upholstered in anti-vandal material, life became much easier. Cats, of course, try to scratch the sofa, but they fail - their claws simply slide off. It's very funny to watch this. Now my home is finally in order. I recommend it to anyone who still has the same problem.”
- Polina, 28 years old, Sochi: “My cat is a beloved, but very spoiled creature. Loves to sharpen his claws on the sofa. Of course, this makes the furniture look terrible. I was advised to purchase furniture covers made from anti-vandal material. I bought it and now I don’t have any problems. The cat tried to sharpen its claws on the sofa several times, but nothing worked. Now she has completely lost interest in him. I’m glad: the cat uses the scratching post and the furniture is in order.”
We looked at the features of anti-vandal fabrics that are resistant to pet claws. Now you know what they are, and what you need to pay attention to when buying furniture with such upholstery. With the help of our tips, you will provide your home with a beautiful and stylish sofa with a cover that is not afraid of traces of cat “hooliganism”. A cheaper option for protecting furniture from pets is European covers for upholstered furniture.
Features of caring for anti-vandal fabrics
In order for the material to remain beautiful for a long time, you need to know some features:
- Proper care of the material extends the life of the entire product. The possibility of cleaning with chemicals is clarified at the time of purchasing the furniture.
- If the anti-claw fabric is not to be washed or wet cleaned, dry stain removers and aerosols should be used. After some time, the foam applied to the dirt turns into a powder that can be easily cleaned from the surface with a brush.
- The use of traditional cleaning products in the form of baking soda, vinegar or ammonia should be tried on the back of the sofa in an inconspicuous place.
You might be interested in Description of non-woven fabric: what kind of fabric is it, where and how is it used
Important! If the design of the furniture allows, you can use capes or covers made of anti-vandal fabric.
Cat scratching post
Characteristics and Features
Anti-claw fabric is a material characterized by increased density and strength . It is resistant to abrasion, scratches and cuts. Easily repels the main causes of stains - fat, liquids. Over time, scuffs and puffs do not appear on it. All this is explained by the second name - anti-vandal fabric.
Distinctive features of the material:
- the threads are intertwined often, tightly;
- the villi are short in length.
All this prevents the cat or dog's claws from clinging to the fabric. Accordingly, there are no puffs left.
The anti-vandal effect can be achieved not only due to the special weave of threads. Additionally, the surface of the fabrics is impregnated with Teflon. Due to this, it becomes slightly slippery, making it impossible for cat claws to catch on.
A sofa cover made of Anti-claw fabric with the addition of Teflon repels moisture and almost any dirt.
Varieties
Almost any sliding fabric with a dense weave of fibers can be called anti-vandal. Materials with such characteristics are divided into two groups, depending on the base.
On a non-woven basis
The most popular anti-vandal fabrics for furniture upholstery in this group are flock, relax, and artificial suede. Flock consists of cotton and polyester, an adhesive base, and a layer of nylon or polyamide fibers. The fabric turns out to be quite dense. This prevents furry pets from catching on the surface and damaging it. This fabric with protection against cat claws has the following advantages:
- It is tactilely pleasant; sofas with such upholstery are comfortable to use at any time of the year.
- The material is easy to care for. To remove dirt, simply wipe the surface of the sofa with a damp sponge or vacuum it.
- Long service life. According to the Martindale test, flock goes through about 50 thousand abrasion cycles.
At the same time, there are several significant disadvantages:
- When the fabric comes into contact with drinks and other substances containing alcohol, the structure can be significantly damaged.
- The flock is highly electrified, attracting dust.
- The material stretches after some time. As a result, the anti-vandal fabric loses its shape, forming unsightly waves on the sofa.
Relax is also based on pile and a cotton-polyamide backing. But it has the main difference from flock - a thin layer of isoprene, which gives the surface elasticity. In addition, there is also a special protective layer Antistain, consisting of carbon fiber. Based on the listed properties, the best answer to the question of what upholstery to choose for a sofa if there is a cat in the house is, of course, relaxation. There are several options for the described fabric on the market:
- classic - has small fibers, an excellent copy of suede;
- joy – very similar in appearance to flock;
- Lakshmi is a good choice for those who love leather;
- Eureka - cannot be distinguished from velvet, but does not have the disadvantages of this material.
Faux suede is the third contender for the best pet-proof sofa cover. It has the following composition: cotton, polyamide, polyester pile, adhesive layer. This anti-vandal material for sofa upholstery has its advantages:
- allows air to pass through;
- retains an attractive appearance for a long time.
But according to users, it will not be possible to get a reliable anti-vandal sofa with artificial suede. If there are several cats in the house that like to actively sharpen their claws on furniture, then the material will not last long. Another disadvantage is that even a Teflon-coated surface is difficult to keep clean. Do not use wet cleaning products. Old stains can only be removed by dry cleaning.
Flock upholstery
Sofa made of classic relax fabric
Fabric relax joy
Relax lakshmi
Relax eureka
Faux suede
On a woven basis
Anti-vandal covering for sofas can have a fabric backing. Animal claws can pass right through, but due to the tight weave, they do not leave puffs. A few examples: chenille, microfiber, jacquard, tapestry. The first fabric on the list is formed by intertwining chenille threads in a spiral pattern. The fabric is distinguished not only by the Anti-claw effect, but also by other positive qualities:
- pleasant to the touch;
- has a long service life;
- hypoallergenic.
It is important to remember that chenille easily absorbs moisture, and it takes a lot of time to dry completely. Therefore, the best cleaning method is dry. Although the material is positioned as anti-vandal, its softness and fluffiness are very attractive to cats. Because of this, the service life is significantly reduced.
The next representative is microfiber. Such a fabric is nothing more than an interweaving of high-density synthetic threads. Due to this, no snags are formed on it, although outwardly the fabric looks thin. Practicality and additional density are provided by the Teflon layer. Externally, microfiber is similar to suede, so sofas with anti-vandal coating made from this material are not only durable, but also attractive. Surfaces can be easily cleaned with a sponge dipped in soapy water. The fabric allows air to pass through well, so even in summer it will be comfortable to sit and sleep on such a sofa.
An equally popular pet-resistant upholstery is jacquard. Often when asked what Anti-Claw fabric is , this material is given as an example. But not ordinary, but impregnated with Scotchgard. The interweaving of the threads in it is much denser. Jacquard is very easy to care for: just wipe with a sponge dipped in soapy water to remove dirt. It does not electrify and looks like expensive fabric.
Tapestry is a fabric that is formed by interlacing jacquard threads. Their thickness, unlike the jacquard itself, is much greater, due to which the fabric is quite dense. The tapestry attracts attention with its variety of patterns and designs.
Any anti-vandal fabrics for furniture upholstery will not reliably and for a long time protect it from damage if the owner does not provide the pet with an alternative. For example, he will install scratching posts in several places.
Chenille upholstery
Microfiber lining
Jacquard covers
Tapestry sofa
Anti-cat mesh for windows, balcony doors and balconies (walks) for cats:
1. Invisible (even compared to a regular mosquito net), but very durable metal Anti-Cat mosquito net for plastic windows, wooden windows and sliding glazing of balconies (plastic and aluminum).
New! Now you can order an Antikot (Antikoshka) mosquito net for a swing window in both white and brown profiles.
It is worth distinguishing between the Anti-Cat metal mosquito net and the pet screen mesh. Pet screen, although stronger than a regular mosquito net, is torn by a cat's claws and, in addition, has reduced light transmission.
2. Do you have a very large or very active animal? Or maybe all together? Then the Anti-cat grille made of 2mm steel rod in PVC will suit you. A thick rod provides additional rigidity to the structure, and a 50x50mm cell provides the most free flow of fresh air into the room. The Anti-Cat grille is installed on plastic windows, wooden windows and sliding glazing of balconies (plastic and aluminum).
3. The Anti-Cat mesh for the balcony door is produced in two versions - with an Anti-Cat mosquito net and with an Anti-Cat grid. The anti-cat door is removable, so you can easily install and remove it yourself. Installed on its own hinges and closed with its own lock. Can be installed with opening inside or outside.
4. And if you want to not only protect, but also give a real gift to your pet, then order a cat walk on the window (other names: cat balcony, window enclosure, window cat cage) and it will become a favorite observation point for the little hunter. He will be delighted and never get bored, because there are so many interesting things outside the window!!
5. Windows opened in vertical ventilation mode pose a serious danger. When stuck in a window crack, a cat cannot get out on its own and slides into the narrow edge, which leads to poor circulation, injury and death within 20-30 minutes.
We always have metal limiters for vertical ventilation (anti-cat limiter, mesh corner) in stock, which are easy to install yourself. All you need to do is drill holes in the frame.
Everything ended well in this video, many thanks to this caring person!
Anti-cat mesh on locks
If you have plastic windows, then our Anti-Cat mesh on locks will help you in the following cases:
► you want to install the mesh without drilling the window frame (rented apartment, etc.);
► you already have regular mosquito nets installed and you want to combine them with the Anti-Cat net;
► you have anti-vandal bars on your windows that interfere with the installation of the mesh in the standard way;