Which sofa by the cat ?

Living with a cat is a privilege - and a challenge at the same time. Especially when it comes to choosing a new sofa. Scratching, fur, jumping from the run or the favourite naps on the backrest are everyday occurrences that every cat guardian knows. That's why the purchase of a new piece of furniture should be well thought out. In this guide, we answer the question: which sofa will work best for your cat and what to look out for to avoid frustration and damage. Which sofa next to a cat? Start by choosing the right fabric Cats have claws - and they don't always just use them to scratch the scratching post. Therefore, the fabric with which the sofa is upholstered is crucial. When looking for the answer to the question "which sofa by your cat?", start by eliminating those fabrics that are most prone to pulling, fraying and fur poking. 1. avoid velour and velvet Although soft and pleasant to the touch, fabrics like velour or velvet are easily frayed, attract dander and are sensitive to claws. Cat scratching can leave a permanent mark that is difficult to remove without replacing the upholstery. 2 Best: fabrics with a fine, tight weave For flats with a cat, upholstery fabrics with a very tight weave that are difficult to snag are best. The fewer protruding fibres, the lower the risk of snagging. Popular options include braided polyester, microfibres and selected Easy Clean fabrics. 3 Pet Friendly certified fabrics An increasing number of manufacturers are offering fabrics labelled 'Pet Friendly' or 'petproof'. Such fabrics are scratch-resistant, easy to vacuum and do not easily absorb odours. It is worth looking for specific markings in the product description. 4. organic and natural leather - depending on the cat Leather is easy to clean, but not all is suitable for a home with a cat. Cats that scratch furniture can quickly damage the surface of organic leather. Models with a stronger coating or more expensive natural leather do better, but this is an option mainly for cats not prone to scratching sofas. See also: Easy-clean vs. water repellent fabrics Shape and design of the sofa by the cat - what matters? In addition to the fabric, the construction of the furniture is also worth considering. Which sofa by the cat will be safer for the cat and less likely to be damaged? Avoid loose cushions and decorative stitching - they are tempting for your cat and easy to shed or scratch. Integrated backrest and seat - fewer items for your cat to bite and move. Higher legs or sofa all the way to the floor - restricts space for hiding (or for licking under the sofa). Colour matters - but only if it matches the cat Contrary to what you might think, colour choice is not just a matter of aesthetics. If you have a cat with a light-coloured coat, a dark sofa will be perpetually covered in white hair. Conversely, a black cat on a beige sofa will also leave marks. That's why it's a good idea to go for shades that are similar to your pet's coat or melanges that 'mask' the fur. How do I look after the sofa with my cat? Even the best fabric will not protect 100% against cat wear. Here are some tried and tested practices: Use covers or blankets for the parts of the sofa where your cat sleeps most often, Brush your cat regularly to reduce the amount of fur, Vacuum the upholstery with a special tip every few days, Place the scratching post close to the sofa - the cat will switch more quickly to a 'legal' place to sharpen its claws. What else is worth knowing when choosing a sofa bed next to your cat? Some sofas offer interchangeable covers - a solution worth considering if you care about the long-term use of the furniture. Above all, a sofa by the cat should be durable, easy to clean and resistant to everyday 'cat habits'. Style and form do matter, but only if they go hand in hand with the real needs of the cat sitter. FAQ - the most common questions about the sofa by the cat What fabric for a sofa by the cat will work best? Tight weave fabrics such as microfibres, polyester plaids and Pet Friendly fabrics - which are scratch resistant and easy to clean - work best. Is it worth buying a leather sofa for a home with a cat? Leather may be easy to care for, but it is prone to scratching. It will not work well with cats that scratch furniture. Only worth considering with a very quiet cat. Are there special sofas for cat owners? Some sofas are advertised as 'pet friendly' and feature hardy fabrics. It is worth looking for models with Pet Friendly fabrics and integrated construction.