Velvet: a surprisingly pet-friendly fabric
When choosing fabrics for homes with dogs and cats, velvet is not always the first option. Its elegant, sophisticated appearance leads many people to believe it is delicate and difficult to maintain. The reality is quite different.
View 1
Why is velvet an excellent choice for pet owners? One of its main advantages is its very tight weave. Unlike fabrics with looser threads, cats’ claws find it harder to catch and penetrate the surface, making it less appealing to scratch. Pet hair also tends to stay on the surface, making it easier to remove with a simple brush, vacuum cleaner or damp cloth.
View 2
Durability for everyday family life: Beyond aesthetics, durability is essential when choosing a fabric. Many upholstery velvets exceed 60,000 cycles in the Martindale test (ISO 12947), a recognised measure of wear resistance. In practice, this means the fabric can withstand intensive daily use while retaining its appearance and comfort for many years.
View 3
What should you avoid? Not all velvets are alike. For homes with pets, avoid very delicate velvets such as natural silk, and favour technical versions designed specifically for upholstery, developed for greater durability and easier care.
View 1
Why is velvet an excellent choice for pet owners? One of its main advantages is its very tight weave. Unlike fabrics with looser threads, cats’ claws find it harder to catch and penetrate the surface, making it less appealing to scratch. Pet hair also tends to stay on the surface, making it easier to remove with a simple brush, vacuum cleaner or damp cloth.
View 2
Durability for everyday family life: Beyond aesthetics, durability is essential when choosing a fabric. Many upholstery velvets exceed 60,000 cycles in the Martindale test (ISO 12947), a recognised measure of wear resistance. In practice, this means the fabric can withstand intensive daily use while retaining its appearance and comfort for many years.
View 3
What should you avoid? Not all velvets are alike. For homes with pets, avoid very delicate velvets such as natural silk, and favour technical versions designed specifically for upholstery, developed for greater durability and easier care.