If you share your home with a feline friend, you know that cats have a way of making every corner of your house their own. From climbing onto furniture to scratching surfaces, cats bring unique challenges to interior design. As a designer with two fantastic cats, I’ve learned how to create a stylish, feline-friendly space that all of us can enjoy!

Here are my top design tips to get you started making your home more cat friendly.

Rob and Brittany petting an orange cat in a stylish home

1. Choose Cat-Friendly Fabrics for your Upholstery, Pillows, and Soft Surfaces

Cats love to climb, scratch, and nap on furniture, so your fabric choices matter.

When choosing a material that is cat-friendly, consider the following:

Opt for durable, tightly woven materials that resist claws and fur.
Nubby or heavily textured fabrics are also excellent choices because they hide scratches and wear more effectively.
Embrace velvet! Especially when it has a high pile or is made of mohair, velvet is a good option as many cats are deterred from scratching by its texture.
Avoid delicate materials like silk, which are easily damaged and attract fur.
Leather is not a great option because cats can quickly and permanently damage it with their sharp claws, leaving puncture marks on a brand-new sofa or chair.

Not all cats react the same way. Get to know your cat's preferences before committing to a specific fabric for a major piece of furniture.

Pro tip:

In my home's lounge, I chose a fabric for the loveseats that has a heavily textured and interesting mottled look, with various pile heights and thread colors - so when the cats scratch them, you can hardly tell!

2. Incorporate Scratching Solutions into Cat Trees and Stylish Cat Furniture

Scratching is a natural behavior for cats, so it’s important to give them designated places to scratch. Scratching posts are a must, although they may not always be attractive.

Look for pieces in neutral tones or materials like wood and sisal that are as unobtrusive as possible. Some cats prefer to scratch in a vertical position (on things like scratching posts and furniture), while others prefer a horizontal position (on things like rugs and cardboard scratchers).
Observe your cat’s habits and provide options that suit their preferences.
One option for an attractive vertical scratcher is the Curvy Clawer by Furry Tail (https://www.furrytail.net/).

Pro tip:

When you want to deter a cat from scratching a piece of furniture, make sure you always give them an alternative. A “no” (don’t scratch this!) should be followed by a “yes” (scratch this instead!).

3. Consider Cat-Friendly Rugs

Rugs can add warmth and style to your home, but they should also stand up to the challenges of living with a cat.

As an interior designer, for cat-friendly rugs, I recommend:

Cut pile rugs (as opposed to loop pile) because cats can easily catch their claws on loops and permanently destroy a rug.
A longer cut pile is even better suited to a home with cats because the depth of the fibers can exceed the length of the cats' claws, preventing them from reaching the foundation of the rug where permanent damage can occur.
I tend to avoid flat weave or low pile rugs for that reason.
Darker colors or patterned designs can help disguise fur, stains, or wear.
If your cat has a tendency to scratch rugs, it's always a good idea to provide alternative horizontal scratching surfaces nearby to redirect their behavior.

Pro tip:

Go with natural fibers where possible! The natural lanolin oils in wool make it inherently stain resistant. Hairballs clean up easily from the natural wool rugs in my home.

Warm interior design with textures in rugs and upholstery

4. Keep Toxic Plants Out of Reach of Your Cats

Many houseplants are toxic to cats, so it’s essential to choose pet friendly greenery like spider plants and Boston Ferns.

Many cats will avoid chewing on plants with thick, large leaves like a Bird of Paradise.
For toxic plants you can’t resist, I suggest placing them out of reach like on a high shelf or tall plant stand.
For a comprehensive list of plants that are toxic or safe for cats, visit the ASPCA’s guide on toxic and non-toxic plants (https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants).

Cat laying on table with beautiful plants

5. Embrace Cat-Safe Decor in Your Interior Design

Breakable items and fragile decor can be tempting targets for curious cats.

I recommend opting for sturdy decorative pieces or securing fragile items with museum gel (a clear adhesive used to secure items to surfaces without causing damage) to prevent accidents.
Consider displaying family heirlooms on a high shelf or inside a glass-front cabinet.

Pro tip:

As silly as it may sound, you may want to consider textiles that are similar in color to your cat! For example, my Maine Coon's beautiful grey fur is almost invisible on the rug in our music nook.

6. Prioritize Your Cat’s Personality in Your Interior Style

Every cat is unique, so tailor your design choices to your pet’s preferences. Ensuring your design caters to your cat’s individual needs will not only enhance their comfort but also help reduce stress and destructive behaviors.

And most importantly....

7. Do Not Declaw Your Cat!

Declawing might seem like a quick fix to prevent scratching damage, but it is a highly invasive procedure that can lead to long-term physical and behavioral issues for cats. Cats rely on their claws for balance, climbing, and self-defense, and removing them can cause lasting pain, arthritis, and even changes in temperament including peeing outside the litter box. Instead of declawing, focus on training your cat to use scratching posts and other designated surfaces. Regular nail trimming can also reduce the impact of scratching.

By combining style with functionality, you can design a home that’s as beautiful as it is cat-friendly. With a little creativity, you and your furry companion can coexist in perfect harmony.

–Robert

All Photo Credits: Anna Routh Barzin

Additional resources for cat-friendly style:

For great-looking cat furniture and accessories, check out Tuft and Paw at https://www.tuftandpaw.com/
For more insights into living harmoniously with cats, one of my favorite sources is Jackson Galaxy’s website at https://www.jacksongalaxy.com/
For a comprehensive list of plants that are toxic or safe for cats, visit the ASPCA’s guide on toxic and non-toxic plants https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants