How to Cover a Leather Sofa for Pet Use

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By C.M. Mackenzie
eHow Contributing Writer

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Pets love comfortable furniture as much as people do. Even if you want to keep them off it for any reason, it's nearly impossible to do so. Claws, drool, urine and feces damage sofa upholstery--especially leather--easily if the sofa isn't protected. Protecting your leather sofa is not at all difficult. Pet supply manufacturers have created solutions to the problem. With very little effort, you can protect your valuable furniture from your pet cats or dogs.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Sheet (or slipcover)
Waterproof pad
Pet couch throw

Step 1

Place a cotton sheet or slipcover over the leather couch. Tuck it in behind the cushions and along the inside of the sofa's arms to keep it from sliding.
Step 2

Put waterproof pads on the sofa's seat cushions, on top of the sheet. Any pet can have accidents. Waterproof pads will save you from cleaning messes from the expensive couch.
Step 3

Throw a sofa-sized pet furniture protector over both the sheet and the pads. Many pet supply stores (offline and online) sell these. You can also use a thick furniture throw--it doesn't have to be specifically for pets.

Now the sofa is both attractive and pet friendly. When guests are coming and you want to show off the leather sofa, all you have to do is remove the cover, pads and sheet.

Tips & Warnings

The sheet or slipcover simply provides additional protection beneath the pads and the furniture throw. If you don't like how it looks--if the throw doesn't cover it completely, for example--you can simply use the throw and the waterproof pads.
Launder the pet covers or sheets regularly. Even though the leather is covered, it will pick up some pet odor if these are not kept clean.
Some furniture throw covers are already waterproof; you won't have to use waterproof pads for these. Only those that specify they are waterproof, however, are waterproof--don't make the mistake of assuming all pet throws are. Alternatively, you can use plastic slip covers, but be aware that moisture can get trapped beneath the plastic and moisture isn't good for leather.