What are the Most Durable Sofa/Couch Fabrics for Pets?

If you have a pet, especially a cat or a dog you know that keeping them off the couch doesn’t always work. And if you have yourself a Marley dog breed you know that getting bored and attacking the couch is going to be part of a drill.

And while you must get them trained not to do that, you also need a couch that can withstand some abuse so that every paw and claw doesn’t totally destroy what is possibly the biggest piece of furniture in your living room.

So let’s talk about the best fabrics that will keep your couch a little protection from your pets’ wear and tear.

Leather

This is an easy choice considering leather is stain resistant and durable. It is also a good choice because a lot of them get better with age, like wine.

If you have a pet that sheds a little (or a lot) leather is an excellent option because you can brush it off easily.

Then there are muddy pawprints to worry about. But not if you have a leather couch. All you need is a damp cloth and the prints will be taken care of.

You must also think about your pet’s claws. There might be a window before you get to clipping the nails when your sofa is at risk. But if you have a leather sofa, you can feel hopeful as it has a decent level of resistance towards punctures.

Now to budget. Leather can be expensive but if you think of it in the long run, it is a good investment.

This is a material that is meant to last a long time and in case there are flames around, it self-extinguishes. So, you know that it is a safe choice too, especially if there is a smoker in the house.

In all fairness though, there are a few downsides to owning a leather couch. On the practical side of things, if you live in a region with extreme low temperature, it can be a bit cold on a leather couch. You also don’t get many color choices with this material.

And if you have ethical issues with animal skin, you are probably already neck deep in rage at this suggestion.

But in that case, you could always go for man-made leather. You get a lot of the same benefits but you will have to pay more.

But if those are not your concerns, you will realize that this is a choice that all pet owners swear by. And even if your pet manages to leave tiny marks on the couch, the distressed look actually works in some interior design settings.

Canvas Covers

This one is a slightly different kind of suggestion. You can get canvas slipcovers for your existing couches to save them from your pets. That way, you get a durable cotton fabric that can work its way through some wear and tear that is also easy to clean.

This whole process makes this an affordable choice too because it saves you the trouble of getting a new sofa. Throw the slipover covers in the machine and let it take care of the rest. In fact, you can get many sets of canvas slipcovers for your sofa and change them as and when, just like your bedsheets.

Fabric with Nylon

If you’re leaning towards synthetic fabrics, this is a sensible choice. Nylon is capable of handling a lot of roughhousing and still comes on top looking pretty good.

Ofcourse, nylon material is used together (as a blend) with other fabrics to create a strong upholstery product.

When it comes to stains, spills and scratches, this synthetic fabric has a lot of tolerance which makes it a hot favorite.

It is also easy to remove hair and dirt with little effort. That means if you have a shedder, you must seriously consider nylon-blend for your couch. Thankfully, it is not an expensive option unlike the other synthetic fabric suggested here—leather.

Speaking of which, a lot of experts tend to say that synthetics are more preferred than natural fabrics for pet-friendly couches.

This is true for fabrics with high polyester or acrylic content because they last a long time and can handle everyday roughhousing.

All you need to check are the care instructions that come along with the fabric and you will be good. Most of them can be maintained with a simple fabric cleaner and a damp cloth. A dry microfiber cloth or a pet sponge is good enough to remove pet hair.

Microfiber or Microsuede

Speaking of microfiber, this is another good fabric if you’re looking for something soft like velvet but is easy to maintain.

It is also referred to as microsuede and it feels like some types of leather. It is a great couch for you and your pet to lounge on because it is stable and unlike some other materials, it does not get cold when the weather turns on you. Microfiber is also a breathable material which makes it an excellent choice in hot regions.

Microfiber is available in many colors and gets rid of odor very well because it is a low-pile fabric. It is also tightly woven which means they are claw-proof and can be cleaned easily.

Now for some not-so-good news. Microfiber is not very good with oily stains. So, if yours is a household that loves deep-fried food, you might want to watch it when on the sofa. It is also a bit tricky to get rid of pet hair because it creates static. But you just need a vacuum brush or a lint roller to take care of it.

Final Words

Some other woven fabrics like herringbone and chenille are also good choices. You get them in many textures and patterns that can come in handy if you’re trying to hide stains or pet hair.

If that doesn’t suit you, try looking at the outdoor furniture market which is filled with acrylic sofas that are being chosen by people with kids and pets for so many reasons. It is moisture-resistant and also comes in many colors and patterns. And isn’t that just great?