apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

While my dogs don't scratch furniture very much, they shed a lot of white, brown and black fur. What works for me are surfaces that are easy to remove hair from with a lint roller or vacuum. I found the Doria fabric available from Room & Board to fit the bill.

I would be inclined to say leather because while microsuede may clean up nice the hair will cling to it. With the leather it will just slide right off.

I have a black and white cat and I selected possibly the WORST fabric possible...it's a tight weave. The hairs get woven into it. I'm now in slipcover city and hating it.

Would appreciate comments too, so I know how to do this better the next time!

We have 2 Italian Greyhounds that shed little white and grey hairs. They scratch, and love to eat chewies on the couch. We bought microfiber (Axis from Crate and Barrell). It's great. They destroy it, shed, even get food on it- we whipe it with a damp microfiber cloth, and it's good as new in 60 seconds. The only downside is having a big piece of synthetic covered furniture- but if your OK with that it's a great choice.

I have the Snap Sofa from La-Z-Boy in an oversizede black and white houndstooth print. I have SIX shedding dogs, black, white, spotted, and brown. It just doesn't show the hair! All the sofas in the Oldham collection come in the houndstooth...

I know. I know.

The general rules for fabric are that pattern, texture and muddy colors hide pet funk and dirt. So....the more pattern, texture and color-to-pet-matching you do...the fewer bad things you'll notice.

My sofa and chair both look fairly tattered due to a former cat who scratched them too often. Both current cats don't scratch, but do shed; one of them is a Maine Coon and has that sticky silky long hair that clings to everything, no matter how often you brush him. I have looked everywhere for slipcovers, but they are invariably frumpy. I end up draping the furniture in old sheets, which can be washed weekly. It's not just about hiding the fur, it's about not sitting on it and getting it all over your clothes! I think I'll eventually just give in and buy new furniture, and keep draping it in sheets... sigh.

i can not recommend analine leather more highly. we have a red analine leather couch (natuzzi) and it has held up to our two cats for years. the analine leather is extremely difficult to puncture; hair and anything else slides right off; and scratches can be buffed right out. also, as it has aged it is getting that fabulous worn look of old leather furniture. added bonus: analine leather is the cheap grade, making a luxury item more affordable.

I mulled over this for months before finally selecting leather. My cat avoids it like the plague. I'm so happy I no longer have to live with a scratched up couch or spend hours cleaning up hair.

I also heard that microsuade and velvet are non-scratch materials

I recommend microseude. Looks great, feels great, and I think it's cheaper than leather (as well as more ethical for vegetarian types).

Polar fleece throws work really well at collecting pet hair because they have usually have a charge. When I'm petting one of my cats and she's standing on or near the throw, the hairs all fly in one direction to stick to the fleece. Every week, we wash the throws and then tumble on air to get all the fur off. Not a couch covering material, but something to keep in mind. If you go to Malden Mills' website you'll see you can get the fleece in many patterns, weights and colors (I'm contemplating leopard instead of the boring chocolate brown sherpa I have).

regards,
trillium

i have one cat now - used to have two. we had a leather couch that they just shredded (just running around on it - jumping off, etc.). since it was my husband's "bachelor pad" couch (and about 10 years old) i was not too sad to see it go :)
we have microfiber now - bought from the door store. we paid extra for the scotchguarding on the fabric so we can wipe up any spills, etc. that may happen.
cat hair easily vacuums off (or use lint roller) with no problem. we've had it for less than a year but are happy so far. hope this helps.

I have a chihuahua puppy and as long as his nails are trimmed and he's brushed from time to time, leather works great. A throw, a blanket, or some washable fabric is always a good idea when you have pet sitting on furniture. A dog can be taught not to chew furniture: crate him when you're not home and when you are, if you see him chew your furniture, tell him NO, give him a chew toy instead and praise and reward him. Pretty soon he'll get the message. Teething puppies especially NEED to chew something. Give him a rubber bone or chew toy.

Mitchell Gold used to have a great fabric called "Natty" in colorway called "Pepper" or something like that. Highly textured (but not in a snag-prone way) and an overall black and white fleck.

We have the same problem. I USED to have a B&B Italia sofa with a 100% wool fabric which was amazing. It didn't stain, and the color hid dog hairs very well. It also was amazingly tough and didn't show wear at all.

We now have a cotton/poly fabric which is shows pet hair, and wears much faster. We're going to get new covers for it, and we're opting for the microsuede. Had it been available, I would have gone with 100% wool.

As for leather. Personally I don't like how it feels. It can also scratch easily with dogs/cats.

Recently purchased dog beds in crypton fabric (have you seen the adds? William Wegman did a series of prints for them?) to test for possible sofa upholstery. Jury is still out, but all my menagerie LOVES them (and do seem impervious to stains and smells - not sure how might hold up to scratching etc)

Just one word: WICKER


;)

Wicker! You must not have cats. They love wicker nearly as much as scratching posts and corrugated cardboard. And left alone they can really tear it up. We have one cat who loves furniture, and one who leaves it alone. And the one who likes furniture hates having his nails clipped. The other doesn't mind at all. Sort of like kids - never alike. We want leather, but scared to go there.

Were thinking about buying a microfiber recliner and we have 3 cats. Would this be a bad idea? Will there claws tear it up? Thanks for any responses...

I Have 6 cats and one 5 pound toy fox terrier. I'm in the process of buying a couch. I don't know what material to buy. They say the microfiber the best,because cats won't scratch it. But, will they tear the material when walking over it?

I am thinking about buying the kramfors sofa from Ikea. I love the way it looks. I know it is not going to be as comfortable as a fabric item, but I am spending over 1 hour a week vacuming 1 of 6 couches in the house. It needs to be done twice a week. I was wondering if anyone out there has bought or just sat on this sofa. I have purchased an Ikea sofa and have it in my son's bed room, it's made with a very dense foam so it is rather hard. That is ok for a bedroom. Although I don't want to spend 8,000, the real issue I have with picking out a sofa is that I just don't like anything. I think the kramfors sofa look great, but are they comfortable enough for the living room?

I have two cats with a brain development disorder. Well, their brains did not develop the section about movement and space in the world. They basicly walk like they are drunk, real drunk. So geting up on the couch it like watching someone ice climb, legs and claws straight out and griping with full force. We have a corduroy type couch right now and it works great fo not tearing and does not show their hair at all. I was wondering if there are any other fabrics that would work the same. Would microfiber resist the claws as well? I had 2 mocrofiber couches about 2 years ago (before the cats) and liked them. Just not sure about the claws, they do not scratch, they just like to get up on the couch. Thanks

I plan on buying a microfiber sectional from Jennifer convertible. I have a cat, a dog, and a two year old. I'm concerned that the cat will destroy this furniture. Is microfiber pet friendly? I would hate to waste my money.

I bought a sofa from a company I shan't name (begins with "L") about 3 years ago, with microfiber fabric that I paid extra to have treated with stain-proofing. BIG mistake. Couch quality is junk with the cushions a mis-shapen disaster after less than a year (with only two adults in household), the microfiber attracts my four cats' fur like the plague and is hard to remove, and cleaning has caused "shiny" spots in the knap. The cats do leave it alone in terms of scratching. Just my experience, fwiw.

I work at a furniture store and have three cats. I have to say, I've had my microfiber couch for about 2 years, and it still looks great, they always try to scratch the corners, but nothing much happens. Ask any salesperson here and they will all swear by leather and microfiber, as well as many satisfied customers.

Thanks for everyone's comments. I'm looking for a recliner chair. I'm really wanting leather but afraid because I have 3 cats and a chewy dog. The dog is getting better about chewing. But one cat will scratch is my fear or even try to mark his territory. I don't want a new leather chair to be abused and not sure what to purchase. Thinking about the leather and covering it when I'm not in it.

Whatever you do dont get microsuade! I have a microsuade livingroom set and my medium sized dog loves sleeping on the soft material. Therefore, I am always cleaning dog hair off it. The hair sticks rights to it! The only thing that works is a huge lint brush, but a few days later I am back to where I started. I would thnk leather would be much better.

What is the best fabric for a couch? I need something that will wear long and well. Are polyesters the best way to go, or blends? We want it to be soft and comfotable but cottons don't seem to last long. Help!
Thanks for your help.

I have read over all the comments and see many people talk about how great microfiber is and wont tear, easy to clean etc. Then there are a few people who say the opposite - attracts hair too much, tears, etc. We now have a true microfiber couch that has been treated, and so far has been great and its true that it is easy to clean and cats dont scratch it - however, we used to have what I could only call 'microsuade" not the actual microfiber. It was similar, but didnt have the depth or feel that our microfiber couch has. The microsuade couch DID attract hair and was hard to clean, easy to tear. All of this to put in my 2 cents worth - I wonder if those individuals that had problems with microfiber, really had microsuade which is overall a cheaper fabric - just not made as strong as actual microfiber. Just a thought! I still think microfiber is the best for cat owners :)

As the owner of a male cat who loves to scratch, leather may be the way to go. (Much as I hate to admit it, as I am a vegetarian.) My fiance and I recently bought a new leather couch, and in the three weeks we've had it, the cat has shown no interest in scratching it. Or rather, has shown no interest in making a hobby of scratching it, since he did put a light scratch in it when the vacuum was turned on and he got spooked. Right now he has a scratching post he loves so he mostly uses that, although he does occasionally scratch up the hall carpet. Above all, I'd advise against velvet or silk, as both are equally satisfying to scratch. I'd also probably be careful when it comes to microsuede. We purchased a microsuede armchair, the side of which the cat shredded beyond repair in only one afternoon. I suspect its silky texture combined with high snag factor was its undoing. Good luck!

I have two 85 lb American Bull Dogs who shed constantly.
We purchased a close knit weave pattern at Rooms To Go and have had the furniture now for about 9 years,it still looks great!! I just vaccuum the hair off daily with the vaccuum.
Just my experience. Thought I'd share it with you.
I live in Fl.

Is it a good idea to buy a leather couch when you have a dog? will the claws scratch the leather?

will my dogs claws scratch a leather couch???????



please can you get back to me as soon a s possible

My experience has been that leather is great for wiping off dog and cat hair, but it WILL scratch. When we bought our leather sofa we did what we called the "scratch test", by scratching the surface with a fingernail to see just how fragile the leather was. The sofa we bought passed the scratch test but still has gotten pretty beat up by our dogs and cats. I think it looks nicely aged, but my husband feels it looks trashy. I think it just depends on your perspective. You can buff a lot of the scratches out with some leather cleaner. Hope this helps!

I have five pets, and also provide in-my-home pet care. There has been talk about avoiding micro suede. Is microfiber suede the same thing, or is this the more durable one that you speak of? Thanks. Jeannie Fazio

Doe anyone have any opinion on chenille for dog hair. Does it get into the fabric like some of the other weaved fabrics? We are looking into the microfiber as well.
Thanks
Kathy

Do and don't buy microfiber! Cats won't and will scratch it. It will and won't rip. I will and won't clean very well. He he!

The only thing that seems to be consistent in all these posts is that nothing's consistent... Except that fur does attract to microfiber and microsuede! But cleans off very easily and not very easily!

Wow, people, please read the thread before asking to same stupid question that's already been answered!

Most furniture stores will give you fabric samples to take home and you can see how dog or cat hair attracts to it, see if it's easy to vacuum off, etcetera.

how do you BUFF OUT dog scratches on a leather couch?
what leather cleaner do you recommend?

Futon!!!!!
Great for animals and kids! No cat scratching and the covers are really nice these days and a lot are machine washable.

u all suck nobody can make up there mind

Hi, I can add to this debate. I have two cats who have NEVER done behaviour scratching. We got a bicast leather sofa and loveseat and in five days five of the cushions were all scratched up just by the cats walking on them in their normal cat way! Never again!!! We also have a microsuede couch, and that is great. There is one tiny little run in the whole thing, and that was when a claw got stuck right in it. Very durable. Also vacuums in about a second - cleans so nicely, too. Go microsuede. Also, we started on Soft Paws - very worth it! Exactly as easy and great as they say!

Hi, I'm starting my own business in making and designing dog and cat beds. The first bed I made all the dogs loved it but thought it was a chew toy in the end. I was wondering what would anyone suggest in the type of fabric and the stuffing on the inside so that it is chew proof, water resistant, easy to clean, and at the same time still be comfortable to the animal... I am up to any suggestions and also places to find these fabrics.

We are considering purchasing a microfibre set(loveseat, sofa and chair), it is not our first choice, it is dark brown and we have a golden retreiver that sheds, however the price is $1000 for all three pieces and we are a little tight and that is our main consideration wether it is right or wrong. We figure for that price if we can get five to ten years out of the set and want to make a change we are still in the good. We figure for that price we just vacuam or lint brush the set a couple times a week for that price. Looking for some advice and perhaps some common sense, is thiss the right purchase?
Sincerely,
Confused

I am having the same problem. We have a white whippet that sheds and a black leather couch, which is fairly easy to clean. My problem is that the room is super cold and the leather does not motivate anyone to sit on it. I would like to find a new couch with a warmer feeling fabric that is easy to maintain with a shedding dog. Does this exist?

I have Micro Suede Couch, the Cat hair sticks to it really badly, I use a Lint roller, and I also cover mt couch using an Old Queen Size Sheet and then put old Towels on the top at the Back were they like to sleep. I have several sets so when I wash one I throw the next set on.
My one Cat has scratched at the back of this Couch.

I have Micro Fiber Couch, the Cat hair sticks to it really badly, I use a Lint roller, and I also cover mt couch using an Old Queen Size Sheet and then put old Towels on the top at the Back were they like to sleep. I have several sets so when I wash one I throw the next set on.
My one Cat has scratched at the back of this Couch.

CORRECTION *** Micro Fiber Couch ***

We love our leather, but, boy-o-boy, have the pets ruined it. The 2 cats don't spend their time scratching at it, nor do our 2 small dogs chew on it. The problem comes from then chasding each other up and down. The scratches are unbelieveable! It is expensive furniture, but now, I can't even give it away. If you have some magic way of keeping your pets off of leather, DO NOT try to furnish your home with it. I guess that my next choice will be microfiber. Besides for the leather, we have indoor wicker with indoor-outdoor fabric. It has lasted well, with no snags, scratches or gouges. It does pick up the grease from one of the dogs hair, so I keep after it with Dawn dish soap and a little water. It works on the dog, too. There is no really great solution, I guess. I sure hope that I am not disappointed with the microfiber.
Bea

I have 3 dogs and a cat, so there is a lot of clawing, scratching, licking, jumping, and chasing on our couches. I was considering leather or microfiber, but after reading this page i have decided to keep my current couch. It is made of a polyester fabric that I have found to be quite durable. I have had it for over two years and it still looks as good as new. There are no scratches, no stains and i have never had to clean hair off of it. I did get the scotchguard treatment which protects from stains and i don't allow my dogs to chew basted or colored bones on the couch.

We have 2 couches. Both old and worn out. The one we have mostly just sits way too low to the floor, and is about 25 years old. The other is a love seat about 12 years old and our mastiff declared it his when he was just a pup. Now that he is nearly 160 lbs, needless to say the material has gone to pot where he runs and jumps on it. He dosen't bother our couch that we sit on, except occasionally he will come to the side and rest his head on the arm, and when he does this, drool gets all over the arm. When he shakes his head, it goes everywhere! My daughter just got a new microfiber couch this past weekend and she said the salesperson did a demonstration of how water just rolls off, so I'm wondering how it handles thick slimy drool???? I know it sounds disgusting, but we love the big guy, so we just go around with a drool rag most of the time, cleaning up after him.
Also, one other thing I wanted to ask. When we first bought
the loveseat, they scotchguarded it for us, but you know when we had had the couch not even 30 days, we noticed it
looked dirty, and not just a little dirty, but really bad. You'd of thought we'd had the thing for years and never vacuumed it. I wondered if anyone else had ever had this problem with scotch guarding. It was almost as though the scotch guarding
attracted the dirt, somewhat like soap attracts dirt. I only ask because I know there going to ask me if we want it scotch guarded, and I'm not so sure I want to again. Anyway, if this microfiber is as great as they promote it to be, I wouldn't think you'd need scotch guarding on top of it.
anyone with any ideas??

I purchased the Bauhaus microfiber couch and chair from Macy's in a dark green. Beautiful straight lines/modern look, but HORRIBLE for dog hair. I would spend hours vacuuming, lint rolling and whatever gadget for dog hair I could find. Yes, it would clean up and look good as new, but the time spend is just not worth it. Great for kids and spills - terrible for pet hair. Leather for me next!

I just bought a microfiber sofa and I hate the way it holds dog and cat hair. I have two cats and a rat terrier and I am always cleaning the animal hair off of it. Animal hair gets woven into the micorfiber material and it's hard to get out.
I would recommend leather.