What Are the Best Pet-Friendly Fabrics?

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If you share your home with pets, you know the struggle of keeping furniture looking its best. Claws, fur and occasional accidents can take a toll on upholstery, making it essential to choose pet-friendly fabrics that offer durability and easy maintenance. While no fabric is entirely pet-proof, some materials hold up far better than others.

In this guide, we’ll break down the best upholstery fabrics for homes with dogs and cats, highlighting top-performing brands that can help keep your furniture looking great for years to come.

Best Upholstery Fabrics for Dog Owners

For dog-friendly homes, the key factors to consider are stain resistance, durability and ease of cleaning. Dogs can be rough on furniture with their claws, paws and occasional messes, so choosing the right fabric is crucial.

Faux Leather & Vinyl

Faux leather and vinyl are excellent choices for dog owners. These materials are:

Waterproof & Stain Resistant: Liquids bead up on the surface, making spills and accidents easy to clean.
Highly Durable: They withstand scratching and general wear better than many woven fabrics.
Easy to Clean: A simple wipe with a damp cloth or mild cleaner removes dirt and fur.
Dander Resistant: Unlike woven fabrics, dog hair won’t embed in faux leather or vinyl, making it a great option for allergy-prone households.

Recommended Brands:

EverSoft™: Soft, supple and stylish with excellent durability.
Morbern™ Bayside: A marine-grade vinyl that’s waterproof and resistant to stains.
Nauga Soft: Offers a luxurious look and feel with exceptional performance.
Ultraleather®: Premium faux leather with a high-end aesthetic and long-lasting durability.

What Are the Best Pet Friendly Fabrics 3 — We offer beautiful faux leather and vinyl upholstery fabrics in a kaleidoscope of colors!

Woven Upholstery Fabrics

If you prefer the look and feel of woven fabrics, opt for materials with a tight weave to prevent fur and dander from embedding. Durable woven fabrics also resist abrasion from rough paws and frequent use.

Recommended Brands:

Crypton® Home Fabrics: Engineered for stain resistance and easy cleaning, perfect for active pet households.
Outdura® & Sunbrella® Upholstery Fabrics: These indoor/outdoor upholstery fabrics are water-resistant, highly durable and easy to maintain.

Fabrics to Avoid for Dogs:

Loose-weave fabrics (like chenille or tweed) that trap fur and dirt.
Delicate fabrics (like silk or linen) that wear out quickly under rough use.
Highly textured materials that can pill or snag from a dog’s claws.

Best Upholstery Fabrics for Cat Owners

Cat-friendly upholstery fabrics must withstand sharp claws and excessive shedding. The best options are highly durable and resistant to punctures.

Microfiber & Ultra-Microfiber

Microfiber is one of the best choices for cat owners because:

Tightly Woven: No loops mean claws can’t easily snag the fabric.
Claw Resistant: The smooth surface prevents cats from digging in.
Low Maintenance: Dust and fur are easily removed with a lint roller or vacuum.
Stain Resistant: Liquids don’t absorb as quickly as in other woven fabrics.

Recommended Brand:

Ultrasuede®: A high-end ultra-microfiber that mimics suede while being incredibly durable and easy to maintain.

What Are the Best Pet Friendly Fabrics 5 — An assortment of Ultrasuede fabrics in supple neutrals suitable for any home.

Batyline® Elios

While Batyline is designed for outdoor use, it’s an excellent indoor upholstery choice for cat owners due to its:

Abrasion Resistance: Withstands scratching better than most woven fabrics.
Water Repellency: Resists spills and pet accidents.
Easy Maintenance: Simple to clean with a household fabric cleaner.

However, sharp cat claws may still leave visible marks, so it’s not completely claw-proof.

What Are the Best Pet Friendly Fabrics 7 — You won’t believe how soft this synthetic-blend Batyline fabric is!

Fabrics to Avoid for Cats

Loose-weave fabrics that cats can easily sink their claws into.
Textured fabrics like tweed or corduroy, which are irresistible to scratching.
Leather & Faux Leather: Though easy to clean, they can show visible punctures from cat claws.

Choosing the Right Color & Pattern

When selecting upholstery for a pet-friendly home, consider color and pattern to help mask fur and stains:

Dark colors hide dirt and accidents but may show light-colored fur.
Neutrals like gray, taupe or camel blend well with most fur colors.
Patterns help conceal small stains, scratches and pet hair better than solid colors.

What Are the Best Pet Friendly Fabrics 6 — These fun pillows introduce color and pattern to a neutral setting.

Protecting Your Upholstery From Pet Damage

Even the best pet-friendly fabric benefits from regular care and preventative measures:

Use Fabric Protectors: Apply a protectant spray to help repel stains and liquids.
Trim Claws Regularly: Keeping your pet’s nails short reduces damage to upholstery.
Provide Scratching Posts: Redirect your cat’s scratching instincts away from furniture.
Vacuum & Brush Frequently: Remove fur before it embeds into woven fabrics.
Use Pet Covers: Protect furniture with washable pet blankets or covers.

Final Thoughts

While no fabric is entirely pet-proof, choosing the right upholstery fabric can significantly extend the life of your furniture. For dog-friendly homes, faux leather, vinyl and performance woven fabrics like Crypton, Outdura and Sunbrella are top choices. For cat-friendly homes, microfiber like Ultrasuede offers the best protection against claws and fur.

Still unsure which fabric is best for your home? Order fabric samples to test durability, texture and color before committing. Investing in the right upholstery now means fewer headaches (and reupholstery projects) in the future!