Pet Office Chair Guide: What to Look for Before You Buy

If you have pets, working from home usually means your cat or dog may look for some attention or just be right at your feet. It can be hard to find a pet office chair that doesn't get destroyed by sharp claws or mucky fur. You want something that feels good to sit in, but won't look gross after a week. In this article, we will help you find a pet office chair that lasts and makes you and your pet happy.

Why Your Office Chair Needs to Be Pet-Friendly

For those who have a cat or dog, your furniture is theirs too. While a standard office chair is designed for a person who sits focused, the Pet office chair has to deal with a lot more. Between your cat using the backrest as a climbing wall and your dog leaning against the base, a "normal" chair will get damaged fast.

Without pet-friendly material, the fabric will get nags, the wheels will get stuck with hair, and the foam might smell. So it’d be much better to buy a chair already suited to your lifestyle than to buy a new one every year. Your workspace should be able a little chaos without looking messy.

Must-Have Features in a Pet-Friendly Chair

Little things really matter when you shop for pet friendly office chairs. The wrong one will make you spend your time cleaning rather than working. But here is what actually matters.

1. Durable, Tight-Weave Fabrics

Stay away from loose knits or soft materials. Cats like to stick their claws in those, and they'll rip the threads out one day. You want something that feels smooth and tight. This makes claws less likely to sink in and fur less likely to stick.

2. Metal vs. Plastic Bases

For some, plastic bases are fine but scratch easily when a dog chews on them or a cat climbs up. A metal base is much stronger. It also stays cooler, which some pets like to lie on while you are doing your work.

3. Stability and Weight Capacity

If your dog jumps up to say hello, you need a nonslip chair. You want a wide base with five legs to keep the right balance. This keeps the chair steady when a heavy pet reaches for it or lands on your lap.

4. Ergonomic Adjustability

The height and tilt have to be adjustable. If your pet is behind or under the seat, you want to move the chair without crushing them. Locks on the chair help keep you and your pets comfortable. 

How to Match the Chair to Your Pet's Behavior

Each animal reacts differently to furniture. Some consider a chair a bed, and some a toy. Choose the style that best suits your pet for the day to get the best from your pet office chair.

For the "Scratcher" (Cats)

Avoid faux leather or "pleather" if your cat likes to sharpen its claws on everything. And once a cat pokes a hole in that, it peels away like skin shedding. Instead, go with heavy-duty microfiber and "performance" fabrics. These materials are so tightly woven that claws slide off rather than catch and tear the threads.

For the "Shedder" (Long-haired Breeds)

Avoid velvet or fuzzy fabrics in case your pet drops hair everywhere. Those are magnets for fur. You need a seat that has a smooth finish so hair sits on top. That way, it's clean in a second with a damp cloth or a vacuum. Some mesh chairs work well here, just make sure the mesh is stiff and doesn't clog holes with hair.

For the "Co-Worker" (Lap Pets)

If your pet spends its entire day on your lap, you need a wide seat. A narrow chair will feel totally cramped with a 15-pound pet thrown in there, too. Look for a seat at least 20 inches wide with a waterfall edge design. This shape allows you to sit in a way that regulates the blood flow to your legs, so they won't numb while your pet is sleeping on you.

Tips for Extending the Life of Your Chair

A rugged pet office chair also requires some assistance to maintain its shape. You have to be proactive; pets bring dirt, oils, and sharp claws with them. The most expensive chair will look old and torn in a few months if you don't maintain it. 

The following are the easy tips to maintain your pet chair:

1. Use Fabric Protector Spray

Before you even sit in the chair for the first time, spray it with a fabric protector. This forms an invisible wall preventing liquids from getting into the foam. If your dog accidentally throws up anything, or your cat vomits, the mess stays on the surface, not deeper in the chair.

2. Keep Those Nails Trimmed

That will save your furniture. Sharp, overgrown nails can slit through almost anything. Keep your pet's nails clipped short or grind them so they lack the "hooks" to snag the fabric.

3. Vacuum Every Single Week

If you see some thick fur on the chair, clean it immediately before it gets too late. The pet hair sinks into the fabric and has oils that go bad. Once a week, clean the cracks of the seat with the small brush tool on your vacuum.

4. See Screws and Bolts

Pets jumping on and off a chair makes a lot of vibration. Every few months, jack up the bolts under the seat with a wrench. This stops the chair from getting "wobbly" or squeaking in the long run.

5. Wipe the Wheels

Pet hair gets tangled in the wheel casters. If too much hair in there, the wheels stop turning, and your floor starts scratching. You can pull out hair clumps occasionally with tweezers or a small knife, so the chair rolls easily.

Looking for a Reliable Pet Office Chair Option?

Tired of cheap chairs that buckle or are destroyed by your pets? The Newtral Freedom-X is for you. It is a multipurpose chair you can use with your pet. Rather than battling for space, this design lets your furry friend sit right beside you while you work.. The following are the reasons that this chair is so good for a pet-friendly home:

• Super Strong Base: It has a Class 4 SGC-certified gas lift and solid alloy base that holds up to 330 pounds. This means it remains steady when a large dog leans against it.

• Heavy-Duty Armrests: These reinforced 8-level adjustable armrests are rated for 220 pounds each. They're good and stable, so your dog and cat can take a nap.

• Flexible Seating: You can slide the seat more than 2 inches forward or back and tilt the backrest 90 to 117 degrees. This helps you figure out where to snuggle with your lap pet.

• Built-in Work Tray: It comes with a 66-pound foldable tray. Put your laptop here, and leave the main seat area wide open for your pet.

• Hair-Proof Wheels: Silent blade wheels roll smoothly and quietly. They never get stuffed with stray pet hair like regular plastic wheels do.

This chair is strong enough to keep you and your pet comfortable all day without destroying furniture.

Final Thoughts

If you are planning to buy a pet office chair, you need to plan ahead for the future. Picking a tough fabric chair, a metal base, and enough room for a cute co-worker on your lap saves you money and stress. A quality chair like the Newtral Freedom-X proves that you don't need to choose between a sleek office and your furry friend; you both can spend quality time in this all-in-one option.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the best material for pet owners?

Tightly woven synthetics, microfiber, or performance polyester are the best materials. These are good, as there are not many large gaps where claws can get stuck and pull. If you want something smooth, look for high-quality, scratch-resistant materials that won't peel or flake when a dog or cat jumps on them.

2. Can I use a cover to protect a regular office chair?

Yes, a cover saves a chair from sweat, oils, and many other kinds of dirt. But most covers move about and look a bit messy. The covers prevent fur from touching the seat, but do not provide much stability to the chair or prevent the wheels from becoming jammed with hair. It works as a good temporary fix, but a real pet-friendly chair is better.

3. Are mesh chairs okay if I have a cat?

It depends on the mesh. Some mesh is extremely thin and loopy, a nightmare for you, as cats love to climb it. But high-end heavy-duty mesh like that found on the Newtral Freedom-X is stiffer. Such mesh is generally okay because it is just too tough for a cat to really sink their claws into and shred.

4. How do I protect my chair from scratching or chewing?

Giving them something better to play with is best. Keep a scratching post or chew toy by your desk. If they still go for the chair, spray some "bitter spray" on the legs to stop chewing. For scratching, keep their nails trimmed to avoid deep gouges in fabric or plastic.
More Reading: Four Tips for Fixing That Squeaky Desk Chair