The Best Duvet Covers for Pet Owners
If you’re a pet owner struggling to decide which bedding will stand up against your furry family members, may we suggest the classic yet practical duvet cover? A duvet cover offers many benefits as a bedding choice for pet owners: It protects your insert or comforter, is relatively low-maintenance, and can easily and affordably be replaced when it wears out or damage does occur. While not all duvet covers are equally dog- and cat-resistant, some are definitely up to the task. Explore our expert recommendations on which qualities and fabrics to prioritize in your search for a duvet cover that’s durable enough for pets—and comfortable enough for you.
Qualities of Cat- and Dog-Proof Duvet Covers
There is no such thing as a completely pet-proof duvet cover, but you can still make smart decisions when shopping for bedding that stands up to your four-legged friends. Pet owners should prioritize a few key characteristics when choosing their duvet cover.
- Easy to Clean: Dirty paws, oily skin, drooly mouths, extra fur—pets bring a whole host of extras onto the bed with them, making frequent laundry cycles imperative. You’ll want a low-maintenance duvet cover that is easy to toss in the washer and dryer.
- Durable: When choosing a duvet cover, pet owners should look for materials that are durable enough to withstand all that washing. You’ll also want to choose duvet cover fabrics with tight weaves that resist snags, stains, and pilling.
- Style and Color: Pets that shed leave behind fur that will stand out starkly against a duvet cover that’s not the right color. Strategically choose a hue that matches your pet’s coat color or opt for a pattern that camouflages shed fur.
Our Top Picks for Pet-Resistant Duvet Covers
Whether or not your dog or cat ends up on your mattress every night is a key factor when choosing a duvet cover. Keep maintenance, durability, and color in mind to narrow down your options and find the best bedding for pet owners. When it comes to households with pets, we suggest these duvet covers:
Cotton Sateen Duvet Covers
Tightly woven fabrics like cotton sateen make great duvet covers for pet owners. The tighter the weave and the higher the thread count, the smoother the surface—so the better equipped your duvet cover is to deal with the hazards of having a pet on the bed. There will be less snagging of claws in the space between the threads, and hair and dirt aren’t as likely to get trapped in the smooth material. High-quality cotton percale duvet covers can also be a good choice for pet owners who sleep hot, just keep in mind that the fabric’s looser weave means it’s not as resistant to snags.
Rayon Made From Bamboo Duvet Covers
Semi-synthetic rayon made from bamboo is a comfortable choice for any sleeper, and its many benefits appeal to pet owners in search of a reliable duvet cover. Say goodbye to lingering cat or dog smell: Rayon made from bamboo is naturally antimicrobial and resists the growth of odor-causing bacteria. Its natural antistatic ability and silky-smooth hand mean pet hairs are less likely to get stuck on your duvet cover’s surface. Plus, ultra-durable rayon made from bamboo is unlikely to pill or tear as long as it’s cared for properly.
100% Linen Duvet Covers
Breezy, beautiful linen may not seem like the natural choice for a cat- or dog-proof duvet cover, but linen’s threads are woven from flax fibers, which resist pilling and don’t trap pet hair. For hot sleepers whose pets sleep in the bed, a pure linen duvet cover can keep them cool and comfortable even with the extra body heat. A linen duvet cover is also a clear winner in terms of durability: Three times stronger than cotton, linen can withstand frequent washing and resists wear and tear.
Note: Although linen is ultra-durable, it does have a looser weave than some of our other pet-resistant duvet cover recommendations, so it may be more likely to snag on claws than materials with a tighter weave.
Fabrics to Avoid with Pets
Some fabrics are better suited for pets than others. When shopping for a pet-resistant duvet cover, dog and cat owners should steer clear of these popular fabrics:
- Flannel: Flannel’s soft, brushed surface may be part of its appeal, but it also attracts and traps pet hair—and frequent washing can cause premature pilling.
- Jersey Knit: A jersey knit duvet cover’s durability doesn’t mean it’s adept at resisting the wear and tear of pets. Its soft, stretchy surface and propensity to pill mean that pesky pet hair is more likely to get stuck.
- Microfiber: This synthetic material might be unbelievably smooth, but it’s also prone to static, which can grab ahold of pet hairs and make it hard to get them off.
A duvet cover can be a practical bedding choice for pet owners, but adding a waterproof protector beneath your duvet cover helps further prevent pet oils, accidents, and drool from seeping through to your insert. Layer other bedding in similar materials to create a comfortable space for you and your pets in any season. For more tips on choosing bedding, explore our other Guides.