The Best Durable, Easy-to-Clean Quilts for Pet Owners

Finding the best quilt for pet owners is all about knowing what to look for and what to avoid when shopping for cat- or dog-friendly bedding. Even if your furry family members sleep with you, that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice bedding style or quality. Here, find our recommendations for choosing the perfect pet-resistant quilt or coverlet for your room. 

Are Quilts Good for Pet Owners?

Pet owners in search of durable, easy-to-clean bedding can confidently add quilts to their list of options. Most quilts are washable, and many will fit in a residential machine, making it easy to accommodate the frequent maintenance required in a home full of pets. With a wide range of fabrics, styles, and colors to choose from, you can easily find a quilt that can withstand the wear and tear that comes with having a pet in the home. We recommend smooth surfaces and antistatic qualities that keep hair from sticking, durable materials like cotton, and colors and patterns that hide hair and stains. 

Things to Consider When Choosing Pet-Resistant Quilts

Lightweight quilts are great options for hot sleepers or those in warm climates who like to snuggle their pets while they snooze. If you’re ready to find a pet-friendly quilt or coverlet for your bed, here are some things to keep in mind. 

  • Pet owners should prioritize durability and smoothness when choosing a quilt. Delicate fabrics, such as cotton voile, are likely to tear and should be avoided. Steer clear of static-prone synthetics as well as duvet covers with a super-soft or brushed surface; microfiber, flannel, jersey knit, and velvet act like magnets for pet hair. 
  • Keep an eye out for quilt features and construction details that could easily snag—think embroidery, beading, appliqué (like that found on our kids’ quilts), and certain types of stitching. When it comes to pet-friendly quits, the simpler, the better. 
  • Dark bedding is not always better at hiding pet hair. Instead, look for a quilt in a color that’s similar to your pet’s coat to better camouflage stray strands. 
Image of women and dog in bed on pink quilt

Our Top Picks for Pet-Resistant Quilts

Once you know what to look for, you can start to narrow down your options toward finding the right pet-resistant quilt for your room. Keeping factors such as durability, comfort, and style in mind, here are our recommendations for the best quilts for pet owners. 

Matelassé Coverlets

Matelassé is a type of fabric that’s woven to give the appearance of being quilted. Its textured surface is particularly adept at hiding pet hair, and because it’s only a single layer of fabric, it’s a lighter alternative to a quilt’s three layers. You can use a matelassé coverlet as your only top bedding layer, especially when the weather’s warm, or layer it over your comforter or duvet to add a layer of protection against your pet’s paws, teeth, and mess.

Patterned and Patchwork Quilt Designs

The multitextured, multicolored, multipatterned designs of patchwork quilts easily conceal dirt, hair, and stains—some of the most common concerns for pet parents who let their cat or dog sleep on the bed. Look for patchwork and pattern quilts sewn from cotton, linen, or rayon made from bamboo. These natural and semi-synthetic materials offer durability, colorfastness, and breathability, and their smooth surfaces allow you to remove stray hairs more easily. 

Image of a patchwork quilt in neutral colors

Cotton Sateen Quilts

Silky-smooth cotton sateen is one of our favorite fabrics for pet-friendly duvet covers, and it’s just as smart a choice when stitched into a quilt. A cotton sateen quilt’s lustrous surface means shed fur slides right off. The tightly woven fabric is comfortable year-round and decidedly durable, so it stands up to heavy use and frequent washing. Choose the sateen quilt design that best suits your style and addresses your pet-related priorities: Opt for a patterned sateen quilt that makes stray hairs harder to spot, or choose a solid color that closely matches the tone of your pet’s coat.  

Tips for Keeping Quilts With Pets

Even with the best quilt for the job, pet owners still have to work a bit harder to keep it clean. Follow these tips to keep your quilt looking lovely, no matter how many pets snuggle up in bed with you. 

  1. Remove hair regularly. Use a lint roller or vacuum to remove dirt, hair, and dander between laundry days and before you put your quilt in the wash. 
  2. Maintain a regular laundry routine. While the general recommendation is to wash a quilt two times per year, pet owners may need to launder their top bedding layer once a week—or even more. Add an extra wash if the quilt starts to look dingy or dirty, or if pets have been out and about in rain, snow, or other messy weather. 
  3. Add a protective barrier. Add a folded blanket or flat sheet at the foot of the bed for your pet to sleep on. This extra layer keeps that oil, dirt, and hair at least partially contained, and it’s easier to clean than a quilt. 
  4. Air it out. You may find that hanging your quilt on the line or drying rack out in the fresh air on a nice day refreshes the fabric and chases away stubborn pet odors that may remain after laundering. 

Keep your bed clean with pet-friendly bedding that stands up to overnight snuggles with your four-legged family members. Pair a durable, low-maintenance quilt with other layers to suit your comfort preferences or the season. For more on choosing bedding for your home, explore our other Guides.