Living with a pet is the best – until your favorite sofa becomes their favorite chew toy.

Between the hair, the drool, and the occasional claw marks, not every piece of furniture is up for the challenge. Much like shopping for kid-friendly furniture, finding the right pieces for a pet-friendly home means thinking about durability, comfort, and safety.

The good news? There are plenty of stylish, pet-approved options out there – you just need to know what to look for. Our guide details how to select durable pieces that can handle scratches, stains, and shedding. We’re here to help you spend less time vacuuming sofa cushions… and more time giving pet cuddles.

What to Look for When Shopping for Pet-Friendly Furniture

Each pet is different. Some shed. Some jump. Some think throw pillows are meant to be destroyed. You know your pet best, so when you're shopping for new furniture, keep their quirks (and bad habits) in mind. Here are specific fabrics and features to consider when looking for cat- or dog-friendly furniture.

Leather and performance fabrics

When choosing a pet-friendly material, you’ll want something durable and easy to clean.

If stains are your biggest concern, consider performance fabrics made from stain-resistant polypropylene. Leather is also a pet-friendly sofa or recliner fabric, and is probably the best option for dogs, as it is sturdy, easily wipes clean, and doesn’t attract pet hair like some upholstery. Thick-grained leather tends to be more durable against pet claws than softer, more supple grains. Distressed leather is a good option if you’re hoping to camouflage any minor dog or cat scratches.

If you’re specifically looking for a cat-friendly sofa, microfiber is scratch-resistant and easy to clean with soap and water. Microfiber attracts hair, but can be cleaned with a vacuum or lint roller. Generally, you’ll want to find a sofa with a tight weave so your pet won’t get their claws snagged on any loose fabric.

Some sofas have cushions that can be machine-washed, so check the care label for available cleaning methods. For machine-washable cushions, use a gentle cycle and a mild detergent. Dry the cushion by hanging it or laying it on a flat surface. For cushions that are not machine-washable, it’s recommended to spot clean with a mixture of mild detergent and water. Blot the stain with a cloth and avoid rubbing it in. Rinse the area with clean water and blot it dry with a towel.

Metal legs

Cushions and upholstery aren’t the only parts of furniture your pets will sink their teeth into. Dogs and puppies will chew on anything, including your furniture legs. While traditional wooden legs provide a sturdy foundation for your sofa, table, or bedroom set, they can chip or scratch easily when gnawed on. Metal legs are more resistant to claws and teeth marks. If you prefer to stick with wood, find a sofa with stubbier legs so it’s more difficult for your pet to reach with their teeth or paws.

Dark colors

There’s a reason most pet beds aren’t white. Choose a dark-colored sofa or one with a stain-hiding pattern. Black, brown, beige, and gray are your best options to mask stains and general wear and tear caused by pets. Another tip is to find a sofa that is similar in color to your pet. 

If you simply must have a sofa in a lighter shade, there are low-tech ways to protect it from pets. You can strategically place a throw blanket on the spot where your dog or cat prefers to sit or drape your sofa with a slipcover. You can also buy absorbent pads to soak up stray liquids before they seep into your fabric.

Spacious seating area

Like it or not, pets are probably going to make their way onto your furniture. If you’ve already accepted this fact, or are outright excited to spend some quality snuggle time with your dog or cat, you’ll want to be sure every person and pet has enough space.

If you have a big dog or multiple pets, look for a larger sofa or sectional so there's plenty of room for everyone to have their own space. A sectional is also a good option if you want a designated “pet zone” so any inflicted damage is limited to a single part of the sofa. Of course, buying a larger sofa or sectional is only an option if you have the space for it.

The height of your sofa may also be an issue if you have a smaller pet or one with mobility issues. If you want them to be able to climb onto the sofa by themselves, you may opt for a lower sofa.

Sturdy tables with rounded corners

From dining tables to coffee tables, you’ll want to gravitate toward hardwoods, like oak or maple, that are more resistant to scratches. Metal tables are also more resilient and easy to clean. Glass coffee tables may be durable against claw marks, but will smudge easily and can break if your pet is a climber.

Much like sofas, pet parents will want to invest in tables that have sturdy legs and rounded corners, especially if the pet is blind or often bumps into walls or furniture.

Pet-friendly bedding

If your pet sleeps with you in bed, you’ll want sheets and blankets that use tightly woven fabrics. You may also want to use a duvet instead of a comforter, because a duvet has a removable cover that is easier to wash. A mattress protector is always a smart choice, whether you have pets or not. For an undisturbed sleep, you might also consider a memory foam mattress known for its motion absorption, so you won't feel a thing if your furry friend moves around a lot.

Protection plan

We love our pets – they’re part of the family. But let’s be honest: even with the best precautions, accidents still happen.

That’s why it’s smart to choose furniture that’s both stylish and pet-friendly. And for extra peace of mind? A good protection plan can be a lifesaver if a cushion gets scratched, stained, or torn.

How to Protect Your Furniture From Pet Hair, Odor, and More

Choosing the right fabrics is a great start, but there are a few everyday habits that can go a long way in keeping your furniture looking its best.

• Just like you'd ask a guest to take off muddy shoes, it’s a good idea to wipe your pet’s paws after a trip outside, especially if they've been running through grass or mud.
• Make bathing and nail trimming a part of your pet’s weekly routine.
• Establish a cleaning routine for your furniture, too! Weekly vacuuming can help eliminate pet hair and dander.
• Buy a dog bed or cat tower to provide your pet with a designated space that is an alternative to climbing on furniture. Chew toys and scratching posts may also steer their destructive behavior away from your favorite pieces.
• Still dealing with chewed legs and mystery stains? If your pup’s not responding to training or just won’t stop the destruction, it might be time to call in a pro.