Will pets chew it?

Almost never. The tanning process leaves a hide thoroughly unappetising, so cats and dogs show no real interest in eating one. A bored puppy might test an edge or a corner, and a pet-safe deterrent spray plus a quieter spot for a few weeks usually settles it.

What pets do reliably do is claim the rug as a bed. Over 70,000 pet owners have our hides in their homes.

Pet accidents

Speed matters more than technique.

  1. Blot with a paper towel and lift as much liquid as possible.
  2. Clean the spot with a damp cloth and mild soap, avoiding harsh cleaners.
  3. Let it dry completely, hair side up.

Cowhide resists absorbing liquid, so an accident dealt with promptly rarely leaves a stain or an odour. For anything more stubborn we sell a 16oz cowhide cleaner formulated for these rugs.

Under furniture and layered with other rugs

Hides are durable enough to sit under coffee tables, sofas and beds, and they lie flat enough not to rock furniture.

Layering is where they really work. Jute and sisal make quiet base layers that let the hide's shape read clearly, while a patterned rug underneath makes a bolder statement. What to avoid is anywhere a hide will be rolled over by chair castors constantly, or anywhere persistently damp.

Do you need a rug pad?

Often not. The natural suede backing grips most clean floors well on its own.

Where a pad or rug tape earns its place is high-traffic routes and slippery floors such as hardwood, both for safety and for how it feels underfoot.