ᐅ How can I protect Ikea PLATSA furniture if I have pets?

Hello everyone,

I live with two very active cats and own some furniture from the Ikea Platsa series. Unfortunately, I have noticed that my cats like to scratch at the edges of the furniture and occasionally dig their claws into the surface. This causes unsightly scratches and sometimes even small chips in the material.

So my question to you is: How can I effectively protect Ikea Platsa furniture if I have pets, especially cats or dogs, that tend to scratch or otherwise wear on the furniture? Are there proven methods, such as special protective films, care products, or other tricks to keep the furniture in good condition for as long as possible?

I look forward to all your tips and experiences, as I don’t want to have to keep buying new furniture. Thank you in advance!

Hey benufuk,

great question! I have a Labrador female myself and also PLATSA cabinets at home. Here are my tips based on personal experience:

- Use scratch-resistant furniture surface protection films, such as clear PVC protective films that can be easily cut to size and applied.
- Place cat scratching boards in strategic locations to prevent cats from scratching the furniture.
- Additional care with furniture wax or polish improves the surface and minimizes visible damage.

It sounds like a bit of effort, but it’s definitely worth it! Don’t give up; the furniture needs to last a long time 🙂

Teonon schrieb:
Use scratch-resistant furniture surface protective films, such as clear PVC protective films that can be easily cut to size and applied.

I consider this recommendation to be very effective. Protective films prevent direct contact between claws and the surface and are relatively inexpensive.

For maintenance, I recommend using care products that are suitable for the materials of the PLATSA series, as harsh cleaning agents can weaken the surface texture.

Alternatively, plastic furniture edge protectors are useful for edges, as they provide mechanical protection for areas that experience heavy wear.

I have similar problems with two cats. My tip:
- Reinforce furniture with special adhesive films.
- Use cat scratching posts.
- Conceal minor damage with wood touch-up sticks or markers.

Hello,

I think the idea of protective films is great – and it works even better if you combine it with a little trick: cats tend to dislike certain textures!

Try attaching double-sided tape or small sisal strips to the edges of furniture – this often keeps the cats away. Additionally, I like using safety covers (a kind of transparent protective sleeves) that are very easy to apply and provide physical protection for the furniture. It even gives the whole thing a bit of a stylish look!

And hey, some scratches are simply unavoidable when living with furry friends – it’s part of life with cats 😉

dijan schrieb:
A few scratches from cats are sometimes simply unavoidable

That’s true, I know that feeling very well. I’ve experienced it too, but with consistent care—meaning regular inspections and prompt repairs of minor damage—it is possible to keep the furniture in acceptable condition.

For cat lovers, it’s important to remain patient and not see the furniture as purely static, but rather as functional items that show a bit of “life” through the presence of their animal housemates. That makes things easier – all the best!