The majority of Aussie households own a pet, and 90% have had a pet at some point in their lives, according to Animal Medicines Australia.

The majority of us can't resist cuddling up with our felines and poodles while watching Netflix, even though some have a steely will and won't let our pets on the couch. Pets can, however, shed hair, track dirt, and get their claws into our favorite furniture fabrics as well.

There's good news: you don't have to compromise style to accommodate your pet. With a little bit of forward planning and consideration, you can find a sofa that looks great and will last for years to come.

What are the key factors to consider when choosing a pet-friendly couch for your house? In this blog, we explore the factors to consider when choosing a Pet-friendly sofa.

Make wise material choices

Pet-friendly sofas are made from a variety of textures and fabrics. Some textures and fabrics are more tolerant of scratches and stains, while others are less.

When it comes to the type of material you want for your sofa, you need to ask yourself three questions:

Even with regular trimming and clipping, a pet's nails can get caught in certain fabrics or scratch others. Loose-weave fabrics, such as tweed and corduroy, can snag on claws and gradually unravel.

Despite your best efforts, your pets are going to leave stains on your couch as time goes on, so make sure it's stain-resistant. If your pet loves to hunt outside and comes back with dirty paws, or if your dog drools over the couch when it gets hot, choose a fabric that you can clean regularly.

If you have a pet that sheds a lot (think huskies), then you should choose a material that won't hold onto hair or is easy to clean.

Four pet-friendly couch materials

A hardy fabric that can withstand the daily demands of owning a pet is the best couch material for dogs and cats. These four materials are the best pick because of their durability and ease of maintenance:

Linen

The good news for contemporary coastal decor enthusiasts: linen is extremely pet-friendly. While linen requires a bit more upkeep than velvet or leather, it's still a fantastic choice for a pet-friendly sofa.

It's easy to keep your linen sofa looking great for years to come since many options, such as the Bronte, come with removable and replaceable covers.

Leather

We have leather at the top of our list. Leather sofas, such as the Nadia 3 Seat Sofa, are among the best pet-friendly furniture materials because they do not have weave or pile for animals to pull on. Aside from its insane strength and durability, leather is also more resistant to scratches and bites than other materials.

The best part is that leather sofas are super easy to clean. Just wipe them down with leather care products, and they'll look brand new in no time!

Velvet

There is no doubt that velvet is one of the last materials you’d think of for a pet-friendly couch. However, due to its short and dense pile, your pet won’t get caught in the claws of this luxurious fabric. The Draper 3 Seat Sofa, for example, doesn't have a weave, so any hairs will easily come off the surface, so you won't have to spend hours vacuuming up pet fur.

Outdoor furniture

The Newport Corner Sofa isn't just for the backyard! If you're looking for a low maintenance and stylish furniture option for your home, outdoor settings are the ideal choice.

Besides being built to withstand the elements, outdoor furniture is made of metal, teak, and rattan. That means your pet's antics won't be a problem. The beauty of outdoor furnishings is that they often come with removable cushions made of durable materials, so they're easy to clean or put away.

Size up your couch

Choosing a pet-friendly sofa should also take the height into consideration. Our four-legged friends have shorter limbs than we do, so choose a sofa that's easy to get on and off.

Your cat or dog may find it more convenient to come and go easily if you choose a higher couch.

It's also important to take into account the shape of your sofa. Larger dogs, such as labradors or golden retrievers, may benefit from a snooze and cuddle chair like the Stella.

Colors reduce maintenance

We recommend choosing a sofa or armchair that is similar to the shade of your pet, such as the Draper Leather Sofa or Lucy Armchair, unless you want to have to clean it every day. This way, it won't be as obvious when their fur inevitably sheds on the sofa.

Greys and tans are great for hiding wear and tear, especially if you opt for a less pet-friendly couch material. Leathers, patterned fabrics, and textured fabrics are also great for concealing stains or mess. Click here

With removable covers, you can simplify cleaning

Pets are messy! It's one of the joys of having a furry companion, but it also means regular cleaning and maintenance.

Covers can be removed

A sofa with removable covers, like the Haven 3 Seat Sofa, makes cleaning a snap: simply unzip the covers, take them to a cleaner, then zip them back up. For a sofa that looks as good as new in the worst-case scenario, you can also replace the covers.