How Does Microfiber Furniture Hold Up to Cat Scratching?

Identification

• Microfiber is a synthetic material made of very fine fiber strands. Silk fiber strands are the most delicate and fine of natural fabrics, and microfiber strands are one-half the diameter of a silk fabric. These fibers are made of various types of polymers, most typically polyester and nylon. The resulting material is lightweight, soft and washable. The material is also relatively inexpensive and versatile in its usage. Microfiber was developed in the 1970s in Japan, but it was introduced into the mainstream in the United States as Ultrasuede in 1989.

Benefits

• Aside from being an inexpensive furniture covering, microfiber offers many benefits to cat owners. It is very difficult to shred and tear when clawed by cats. If a cat scratches microfiber-covered furniture, the dense material resists nicks and tangles. Cats often prefer scratching a surface that feels rough and files their claws, making the soft, smooth surface of microfiber an undesirable scratching surface. Thanks to that, some cats refuse to scratch microfiber fabric at all. Aside from scratch resistance, microfiber is also stain-resistant and simple to clean. Ease of cleaning and resistance to scratches make microfiber furniture long-lasting.

Considerations

• A synthetic fabric, microfiber is not usually made of renewable or environmentally friendly materials. Microfiber fabric makes furniture highly flammable and dangerous in the event of a house fire. The fumes created by burning microfiber fabric are toxic to humans and animals. Furthermore, using microfiber fabric does not guarantee your cat will not scratch the furniture or that the furniture will not tear if the cat does scratch it. It simply gives the furniture a better chance of standing up to the abuse as it occurs.

When Tears Happen

• If a tear occurs in your microfiber furniture, you have several options regarding what to do next. If the furniture is old, you may simply choose to replace it. Another option is to replace the upholstery on your furniture with new microfiber. This process may be done at home by removing the old microfiber upholstery and recovering the furniture with new microfiber. Because microfiber is inexpensive, reupholstering is a thrifty option if you are able to do it yourself. If you wish to reupholster but are unable to do it yourself, you may hire a furniture care specialist to reupholster your damaged furniture. A specialist may even be able to simply repair the tears in the furniture. Also, microfiber repair kits are available from furniture stores and upholstery shops.