Pet-Friendly Sofas: What You Need to Know
Words by Emma Hughes
August 05, 2025
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6m
As pet owners, we want to do everything we can to make sure our furry friends are happy. For many people, this means planning their home space around their pets to give them the best environment possible for both play and rest.
If you’re looking to let your pets on your furniture, then choosing the perfect sofa to resist any problems they may cause is crucial. Although you can’t find a sofa that will be entirely pet-proof, you can take steps to make your seating area as comfortable for pets as it is for humans, as well as helping to keep your space clean from any loose pet hair and dirt that they may bring in.
Our guide will cover everything to consider when choosing a suitable sofa for your pets, as well as recommending some options that can deal with wear and tear from your animals better than others. Read on for all you need to know about pet-proofing your sofa.
What sofa materials are pet-friendly?
One of the most important parts of choosing a pet-friendly sofa is picking the right material. If a sofa isn’t durable enough, the sharp claws of cats and dogs can leave scratches on the surface, snag on the seams of your design, or, in some cases, puncture your cushions.
Unfortunately, no sofa materials are completely pet-proof, and even the most resistant upholstery can eventually become damaged by pets. Leather sofas, for example, are typically great at withstanding daily use – but they’re prone to scratching, and your pets are likely to wear down their protective coating over time. Some fabric sofas are more specialised for use by pets, so consider looking at these options.
The best sofa material for dogs and cats is one that can be cleaned easily, resists scratches, and withstands repeated use. When looking for a pet-friendly sofa fabric, make sure you prioritise a material with a tight weave. These fabrics have their threads woven very closely together, making them stronger and providing fewer gaps for your pet’s claws to snag on. Some common tight weave materials used in sofas include microfibre, canvas, and polyester velvet.
A sofa’s rub count is also important. This is a measurement of how many times a fabric can be rubbed before it begins to show signs of wear. In the UK, any sofa with a rub count higher than 25,000 is suitable to be sold, but this is the absolute minimum. The ideal rub count for a pet-friendly sofa is 80,000 or higher, as this will be able to deal with years of use from your pet.
You should also look for a sofa that is easy to clean, as this will make treating spills and shedding much more manageable. Some sofas are treated with a stain repellent finish that can help prevent damage, so keep an eye out for options like AquaClean fabrics while shopping.
What colours work best for a pet-friendly sofa?
If you’re looking to buy a pet-friendly sofa, colour is an important consideration. Ideally, you want your sofa to stay looking neat even when your pet has been using it, so choosing a shade that hides any loose dirt and fur can help.
Neutral shades are typically the best for hiding pet hair. Try to choose a tone that isn’t too bright or dark, and instead choose a versatile option that can hide any colour of fur. Grey, charcoal, and taupe are all strong options.
Navy, beige, and brown sofas tend to be the best at hiding any mud that your pet has brought into the house. However, you should clean your sofa immediately if you notice any traces of dirt, as leaving them untreated can result in more permanent staining.
The best way to hide pet hair is to choose a colour that matches the shade of your pet’s fur. For example, brown fur is much less likely to show up on a brown sofa. Dark colours are often said to help hide pet hair, but if your dog or cat has a light shade of fur, these can actually make them more noticeable.
Image credit: @hanburyno.15
Best pet-friendly sofas: our recommendations
As always, no sofa can completely resist damage from pets, and we unfortunately can’t accept liability for any pet-related accidents to your furniture. However, Barker and Stonehouse does offer various pet-friendly sofas that are better suited for use by your four-legged friends than other choices, thanks to their easy-to-clean surfaces using the best sofa materials for cats and dogs. Here are some of our recommended options:
Plush velvet
Our plush velvet sofas feature a rub count of over 100,000 and a tight weave fabric, making them durable enough to put up with plenty of use by your pet. Both our Harrington and Floyd collections include plush velvet options for a comfortable seat that you and your pets can both enjoy.
Berber
Berber fleece fabric is a popular choice for its curled texture that’s soft to the touch. Not only is it cosy, but its rub count of 80,000+ makes it a strong choice for resisting damage from pets. If this sounds like the right fabric for you, Take a look at our Floyd sofa range for some more Berber pieces.
Image credit: @alexsimpsonhome
Kingham
Our Kingham fabric sofas have a rub count of over 80,000+, so you can count on them to provide long-term comfort for you and your pet. Our Lincoln collection is a popular option in this material.
Glam Block
For a soft, textured finish to your sofa, and a tight weave that can resist your pet’s claws and teeth, try our Lenor Cream Fabric Sofa. Its neutral shade will also help to hide pet hair in the event of shedding.
Brushed Cotton
Brushed cotton has a rub count of 60,000+ and an easy-clean finish that makes maintenance a breeze. Our Rosa, Finch, and Quarry sofas, all available in our English Heritage range, feature this finish.
How to take care of your sofa if you have pets
No matter how pet-friendly your sofa is, it will still need plenty of upkeep to keep it in good shape throughout its life. No sofa is 100% resistant to the rough and tumble that pets are likely to put it through, so you can always take more steps to make yours more suitable for your furry friend.
Using washable throws and furniture covers can allow you to keep pet hair off your sofa. These can be cleaned between uses, so your furniture will always look as neat as the day you bought it, even after you’ve been cuddling with your dog or cat. You should also regularly vacuum your cushions and sofa frame to remove any loose pet hair that may be caught in your fabric.
You can also make sure you’re in control of how much your pet uses your sofa by ensuring they have their own dedicated bed. If your pet doesn’t have their own place to sleep, they’re more likely to rest on your furniture. Monitoring how much your pets use your sofa is important to make sure they don’t cause damage.
Image credit: @behind_the_door_at_ronnies
Keeping your pet regularly groomed will also help prevent shedding, and you should trim your dog's or cat’s claws as needed if you’re worried about them scratching or snagging on your sofa. If your cat has a habit of scratching your furniture, consider adding toys to your room that will distract them from this. Scratching posts, for example, can give cats a dedicated place to hone their claws without affecting your sofa.
It’s also worth noting that regardless of how much you pet-proof your sofa, accidents are bound to happen. Our furniture care guides will help you find the right maintenance routine for your sofa based on whatever material you choose.
We understand that no matter how careful you are, accidents happen. For that extra piece of mind, our protection plans cover certain types of pet damage, although it’s worth checking for yourself exactly what is and isn’t covered.
Conclusion
While there’s no such thing as fully pet-proof furniture, we hope our guide has helped you learn how to choose a sofa to match your pet’s unique needs. No matter what sofa you’re looking for, you’re sure to find an option to suit your preferences in Barker and Stonehouse’s extensive range, so start browsing today!
Alternatively, if you’d rather make a decision in person, all of our stores are dog-friendly, which means you can bring along your furry friend to confirm whether you’ve found the perfect sofa.