Best Couches for Dogs (and Other Types of Pets)
1. High Performance Fabric
Living with dogs, a sofa made with high performance fabric can feel heaven-sent. Thanks to stain-resistant technology that works hard to prevent dirt and “accidents” from setting in, the high performance fabric sofa is a must-have for both dog- and cat-owners alike.
2. Tight Weave
When it comes to dog-friendly sofas, ‘high performance fabric’ wouldn’t mean much if the weave type of the fabric was loose, easy-to-snag and catch on claws and paws. Before investing in a sofa, make sure it has a tight weave.3. Metal Legs
Dogs – and puppies in particular – like to chew, and they’ll chew on anything they can get their choppers on! Ensure your sofa gets to live out its lifespan without bearing the unsightly marks of teething by chew-proofing it: when possible, trade wood legs, arms and other design elements for metal – the ultimate ‘chew repellant.’
4. Genuine Leather
When it comes to real leather sofas, we’re big fans of the buttery-soft texture and rich colors they’re associated with – but in our eyes their winning characteristic has got to be their durability. The thick texture and natural coating means they can stand up to Max jumping onto and down from the seat cushions, so you can cuddle up with your favorite furry friend worry-free.
Weather-Resistant Sofas
When it comes to human furniture that’s also intensely pet-friendly, outdoor furniture can’t be beat. And if your dog is intensely “paws-on” with your furniture, you may want to even consider an outdoor sofa for indoor use, providing a cozy seat you both can enjoy together, guilt-free. The good news is that outdoor furniture now comes in such “indoor”-looking designs; choose one that transitions well with your interior decor, and get ready to experience “pet-friendly living” like never before!What Are the Best Pet-Friendly Couches?
One thing to note is that not all dogs, cats, and iguanas (and other pets!) behave the same. Some dog breeds like to chew more than others and some cats like to claw more than others, for example. Younger animals will be more energetic, so if you’re looking for a new sofa and you have a puppy or kitten as a housemate, you’re best choosing materials that are smooth and not loosely-woven or easily snagged. All said, shop for couches with your pet baby’s unique characteristic and personality traits in mind – the longer the two of you have been together, the more you’ll know exactly which elements in a sofa will be the best match for your pet!
We’ve covered material types and durability (strong metal legs) – but there’s one final thing to consider, and that’s size. A large dog or cat would be most comfortable on large sofa, especially if he or she is sharing it with you! Dogs tend to like to sprawl out more and cats tend to like to curl up, but either way, opting for an extra seat cushion can make the two of you more comfortable.
Best Couch Material for Cats
Cats, way more than dogs, like to scratch, claw and paw. Cats are curious by nature, so it’s a given that the moment you bring a new sofa home, one of the first members of your household to explore the new material will be your cat! To make sure your cat’s claws don’t destroy the new purchase before you’ve even gotten a chance to use it, opt for a sofa material that’s one of microfiber, faux leather or faux suede. While genuine leather may be a good match for a dog, it’s actually not the best for a cat, whose longer claws (and inclination for using them) can potentially damage the leather’s layers.Featured Products
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Editorial Disclaimer: Articles featuring tips and advice are intended for educational purposes and only as general recommendations. Always practice personal discretion when using and caring for furniture, decor and related items.
