If you have a cat, you already know who the window seat really belongs to. The trouble is that most cushion fabrics are not built for claws, kneading and a steady layer of fur. Here is what to look for and which of our fabrics we recommend for homes with pets.
What makes a fabric pet-friendly
- A tight weave. Claws catch on loops and loose weaves. A dense, tightly woven surface gives them nothing to hook.
- Easy hair release. Some fabrics grab fur and hold it. Smooth, tight fabrics let hair lift off with a lint roller or a damp rubber glove.
- A removable cover. Accidents and muddy paws happen. A zippered cover you can take off and wash matters more than any fabric claim.
Our pick: crystal velvet
Our pet-friendly bench and window seat cushion uses a tightly woven crystal velvet that resists cat and dog claws and releases pet hair easily. It comes in 16 ready-to-order sizes, 2", 3" or 4" thick, and 8 colors.
How other fabrics compare with pets
| Fabric | With pets |
|---|---|
| Crystal velvet (pet-friendly) | Best choice: tight weave resists claws, hair lifts off easily |
| Waterproof Oxford | Good for spills and outdoor use; smooth surface |
| Vegan leather | Wipes clean easily; claws can mark the surface |
| Chenille | Cozy and soft, but textured loops can snag on claws |
| Faux lambswool (sherpa) | Very soft, but holds onto pet hair |
Not sure? Order a fabric sample kit and let your pet test it first.
Choosing thickness for a window seat
2" is a firm pad, 3" is our most popular balanced seat, and 4" is a deep, plush seat. For a window seat a cat will nap on and you will also sit on, 3" is the usual sweet spot. All of our cushions use 70D high-resilience foam, which springs back and keeps its shape with daily use.
Measuring
Measure the seat edge to edge for width (front to back) and length (side to side). For a snug fit inside a frame or nook, round down to the nearest size. If your window seat is an unusual size, our custom size cushion can be made from 8" to 55" wide and up to 150" long, including the pet-friendly crystal velvet.
Care
Remove pet hair with a lint roller or a damp rubber glove. Unzip and hand-wash the cover in cold water, then air dry.
Every cushion is cut and sewn to order in 1–3 business days and ships within 3–7 business days, with free shipping to the lower 48 states.
Related: Cushion fabric guide · How thick should a bench cushion be? · How to measure for custom cushions
