Pet vs. Couch

From Furballs to Fabulous: Choosing the Ultimate Pet-Resistant Sofa

How do you choose a sofa that holds up to your playful pets? Here's some helpful advice for picking the purr-fect pet resistant couch.
Alex Back | Couch.com CEO & Founder
cat on a couch covered completely in fur

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    What is a cat proof couch?

    If you know cats, then you know that no couch is truly cat-proof. But with the right fabric, protection, and proactive decisions, you can help keep your sofa safe from even the sharpest claws.

    • Fabric fortitude: A cat-proof couch is armed with fabrics that can take on the feline fray. Look for tightly woven materials like microfiber, canvas, or even synthetic blends that don't easily snag or show scratch marks.
    • Texture tactician: Opt for fabrics with textures that cats find less appealing for scratching. Nubby weaves and even leather can act as a barrier against their clawing instincts.
    • Stain shield: Cat-proof couches often come with stain-resistant treatments, standing guard against unexpected spills and messes, ensuring your couch remains pristine even in the face of feline mishaps.
    • Structured support: Durable frames and sturdy legs are the unsung heroes of a cat-proof couch. They can withstand playful pounces and feline antics without skipping a beat.
    • Strategic styling: Look for couch designs that incorporate features like detachable cushion covers. This makes washing and maintenance a breeze, keeping your couch looking fresh despite any fur flurries.

    So, while no couch is completely invincible against the cat kingdom, a cat-proof couch combines thoughtful fabric choices, smart design, and a dash of strategic cat psychology. Follow these tips so you'll never need pet furniture covers.

    What type of fabric does cat hair not stick to?

    Hair. Hair everywhere! Fur all over your home and furniture is the bane of every pet owner's existence. Choosing the right fabric for your furry family will stop you from ripping out your own hair!

    • Sleek leather: When it comes to fabrics that play hard to get with cat hair, opt for smooth and tightly woven options. Leather, faux leather, and vinyl are like the cool cats of the fabric world, resisting clingy cat hair.
    • V for velvet: Believe it or not, velvet can be a surprising winner. Its plush yet dense surface doesn't encourage hair to stick around, making it easier to whisk away. It typically has a very high rub count so consider a microfiber sectional with a velvet feel!
    • Get your twill on: Twill weaves, like those found in denim, can be a smart choice. Their diagonal texture creates less surface for hair to latch onto, keeping your fabrics looking cleaner.
    • Linen love: Linen's textured surface doesn't give cat hair much to cling to, earning it a spot on the "less sticky" list.
    • Go dark and patterned: Dark-colored fabrics and patterns are like cat hair ninjas. They camouflage stray hairs, giving you more leeway between cleaning sessions. Have a lighter colored cat? Do the opposite and choose a lighter fabric!

    Cats and their hair might be inseparable, but your furniture can still maintain its chic demeanor with the right fabric choices and a hint of feline finesse! These are great ideas if you don't want to resort to furniture covers for pets.

    Does microfiber stick to cat hair?

    cat on a couch covered completely in fur

    Worried about your favorite green velvet couch or your other microfiber furniture becoming as furry as your cat? There are pros and cons when it comes to microfiber fabric and cat hair. Let's take a look at how this smooth and sumptuous texture handles pet fur.

    • Microfiber attraction: Microfiber's fine fibers can attract cat hair, leading to some visible hair accumulation on your favorite microfiber sofa.
    • Smooth surface advantage: Despite the attraction, microfiber's smooth surface makes it easier to remove cat hair through methods like wiping or vacuuming.
    • Color considerations: Darker microfiber colors tend to camouflage cat hair better than lighter shades, reducing its visibility. Have an orange or fluffy white cat? The opposite is true! Go for a lighter color like beige, eggshell, or even yellow.
    • Regular maintenance: Employing regular maintenance practices such as brushing your cat and using a pet hair remover like lint rollers can effectively manage cat hair on microfiber furniture.

    Microfiber might have its cat hair magnet tendencies, but its convenience in terms of cleaning and comfort still make it a viable option for both you and your furry companion. Balancing the cozy appeal with practical upkeep is the key to a happy hair-free home!

    A smiling man with short brown hair and a beard stands on a beach during sunset. He is wearing a black short-sleeved shirt with small white dots. The ocean and sandy shore are in the background, creating a warm and relaxed atmosphere.
    Alex Back
    Couch.com CEO & Founder
    Alex Back is the founder and CEO of Couch.com. Previously, he was the co-founder and COO of the popular furniture brand, Apt2B, which was acquired by a large US retail furniture chain in 2018. He worked to integrate Apt2B, one of the very first online furniture retailers on the Shopify platform, into the operations of the 100 year old larger business entity and was deeply immersed in the business operations of both online and brick and mortar retail for 4 years before leaving in 2023 to start Couch.com. Working in various parts of the furniture industry since 2004, he has 20 years experience in retail sales, e-commerce, marketing, operations, logistics and wholesale manufacturing and distribution. He has worked extensively with partners such as Costco, Bed Bath and Beyond and Amazon and his work has been highlighted in many publications such as Forbes, CNN and HGTV, among others. Alex is delighted to bring his experience and authority on couches and the furniture industry to this platform, along with many of his industry colleagues who are helping him keep the Couch.com audience informed and engaged on a daily basis.
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