ᐅ My pet is chewing on everything on the Kallax unit – are there better types of paint or finishes for this?

Hello everyone,

I have the following problem: my pet – specifically our somewhat playful young cat – keeps biting the edges and surfaces of our IKEA Kallax shelving unit. Not only does it look unpleasant, but the surface has become noticeably roughened and damaged.

I am now looking for a solution to better protect the Kallax. Specifically, I am interested to know if anyone has experience with special paints or sealants that are really durable against bites and scratches, while also being as safe as possible for the pet.

Are there types of coatings that are more suitable than the original surfaces? Is it necessary to apply multiple layers? And very importantly: which products are well tolerated and safe for cats (low odor and low in harmful substances) during and after application?

I look forward to your tips and recommendations!

Wood varnishes based on polyurethane are very durable. It is important to sand the surface well beforehand and apply several coats. Make sure the varnish is low in VOCs to avoid strong odors and ensure safety.

That sounds really annoying with the cat! 🙂 When I did it at home, I used clear varnish from Clou (water-based), which dried thick and hard and is very durable! Plus: No strong smell, so it’s really great for the cat! Give it a try, the result is excellent!

When choosing a suitable varnish, you should primarily look for so-called hard or parquet varnishes (usually PU-based). These are specifically designed for high wear resistance and offer excellent scratch protection.

It is important to prepare the surface thoroughly by sanding and removing dust. Applying several thin coats is preferable to a single thick layer.

Since cats are especially sensitive to solvents, I recommend water-based products with low VOC emissions. These are significantly less harmful and dry with little odor.

Lotizar schrieb:
Water-based and low VOC emissions

That’s a good point. However, I would like to know if there are any proven products with verified safe ingredients. Some manufacturers use highly chemical mixtures that are durable but not necessarily safe for animals.

Can anyone recommend specific brands or certifications?

Hey, I totally understand how frustrating that is! 🙂 A friend recommended Osmo varnish to me – a special hardwax oil finish that is very durable and also based on natural oils.

The great thing is: it has very low emissions and hardly any odor. Fortunately, my cat hasn’t caused any damage since I started using it! Good luck to you, this can really make a difference!