Home Fibers You Should Avoid If You Own Cats (And Which Are Better)

Cats bring charm and companionship into homes, but they also introduce unique challenges when it comes to furniture. Their sharp claws and shedding fur can wreak havoc on certain materials, causing sofas, rugs, and chairs to age faster than you planned. It's a story many cat owners know well. One 2018 survey that asked over 100 cat owners about their feline's scratching habits saw 81.5% reporting that their furry friend had scratched up their furniture at some point or another.

Of course, scratching is part of a cat's natural instinct. However, certain fabrics will show wear and tear quicker than others. The wrong fiber not only looks worse over time but also requires more maintenance to keep clean, especially when your cat is drawn to scratching surfaces like your couch.

By choosing the right furniture materials, you can create a living space that is stylish, comfortable, and practical for both you and your feline friends. But which home fibers should you avoid if you own cats, and are there durable alternatives that can withstand their playful — and sometimes destructive — tendencies?

Certain fabrics are simply not built to coexist with cats. Silk, for example, while naturally strong, is susceptible to static electricity— which attracts pet fur and dust. Velvet, with its soft and plush surface, might appeal to your sense of style, but is more susceptible to damage than other, tightly woven fabrics. Scratches and pressure marks are also more visible on velvet, making it a high-maintenance choice for cat owners.

Textured fabrics like chenille and tweed invite trouble because cats find the loops irresistible for scratching. Once damaged, these materials are challenging — if not impossible — to repair. Similarly, open-texture fabrics like linen may look chic, but they are vulnerable to snagging and trapping fur; over time, these visible pulls detract from their overall appearance. The texture of corduroy and other ribbed fabrics can trap fur and is difficult to clean thoroughly; these fabrics also tend to show wear faster in homes with active cats.

Cats love textures that mimic tree bark for scratching, such as most homes' carpeting, and materials like chenille or tweed offer a satisfying feel for their claws. Fabrics that generate static also attract fur, compounding the problem.

If you're a cat owner shopping for a new couch, it's best to opt for one made with materials that balance durability and practicality. Microfiber is often considered the best furniture fabric for pet parents because of its tight weave that resists scratching. It's also easy-to-clean and stain-resistant. Leather is another smart choice, as it doesn't trap fur and can be wiped clean. High-quality leather holds up well against fur and minor scratches, but deeper claw marks may still appear over time. If you're going this route, try buying a worn-in leather sofa to make these potential scratches appear less obvious. 

Synthetic upholstery blends like polyester or acrylic are affordable, stain-resistant, and less likely to succumb to claw damage than natural fibers like cotton. Canvas or denim, as heavy-duty fabrics, are highly durable and have a tight weave that resists claw marks and fur, making them particularly good for homes with multiple cats. Outdoor fabrics, originally designed to withstand the elements, are tough, stain-resistant, and easy to maintain.

Employing a few additional strategies can help keep your home textiles in top shape. Protect your sofa from claws by using a washable slipcover, like Loiion Cat Scratch Furniture Protector, for easy cleaning. Finally, invest in a toy like Made4Pets Cat Scratching Post to give your cats an outlet for their natural instincts and stop them from scratching at the carpet and other furniture.