The best bed frames for dog and cat owners are upholstered ottoman or divan beds in tightly woven fabrics — velvet and bouclé both resist claw snagging better than loose weaves, and an enclosed storage base stops fur collecting underneath where you can't reach it. The three things that actually matter are fabric weave, frame height, and whether the space beneath is sealed or open.
Table of contents
- Which bed fabrics survive pets
- Why enclosed bases beat open frames
- Height, access and older pets
- Cleaning fur, mud and accidents
- Frequently asked questions
Which bed fabrics survive pets
| Fabric | Claw resistance | Fur visibility | Verdict for pet homes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plush velvet | Good — dense pile, no loops to catch | Shows light fur on dark colours | Strong choice; brush fur off easily |
| Teddy bouclé | Moderate — loops can snag on claws | Hides fur well in cream tones | Good if your pet doesn't scratch |
| Loose-weave linen look | Poor — threads pull easily | Moderate | Avoid with cats |
| Leather / faux leather | Poor — punctures show permanently | Excellent | Avoid with claws |
The key principle: tight, dense surfaces beat loops and loose threads. A claw glides across velvet pile but hooks into a bouclé loop or a woven thread. If you have a cat that kneads or a dog that climbs up, velvet is the safer specification. Colour matters too — mid-tone greys and browns hide fur far better than either black or cream.
Majestic Velvet Ottoman Bed — dense velvet, enclosed base
Plush velvet over a fully enclosed gas-lift storage base. From £319.99 with free UK delivery.
Shop the Majestic Velvet →Why enclosed bases beat open frames
An open-legged bed frame creates the single worst cleaning zone in a pet household: a low, dark gap that collects fur, dust and dropped treats, and which a vacuum head can't properly reach. Fur bonds with dust into mats that only shift if you move the entire bed.
An ottoman or divan base removes the gap entirely — the frame meets the floor, so there is no cavity to fill. It also means no cat disappearing under the bed at vet-appointment time, and no toys vanishing for months. Compare the two base types in our guide to UK bed frame types.
Height, access and older pets
Ottoman and divan bases sit higher than most open frames, which is worth thinking about if your dog sleeps on the bed. Younger dogs manage easily; older or small breeds, and dogs with joint problems, may struggle — a pet step or ramp solves it, and is far better for their joints than repeated jumping down. Cats are unaffected.
If your pet sleeps on the bed nightly, also size up if you can: a king gives 150cm of width versus a double's 135cm, which absorbs a medium dog without either human losing space. Dimensions are in our UK bed sizes guide.
Cleaning fur, mud and accidents
Fur: a rubber glove or damp rubber brush dragged across upholstery lifts embedded fur far better than a vacuum alone. Follow with the upholstery attachment.
Mud: let it dry completely, then vacuum. Wiping wet mud drives it into the weave permanently.
Accidents: blot immediately with a dry cloth, then use an enzyme cleaner formulated for pet urine — ordinary detergents leave the odour markers that encourage repeat marking. Test on a hidden area first, and check your fabric's cleaning code.
Full routines: cleaning a velvet bed frame and cleaning a fabric bed frame.
Frequently asked questions
What bed fabric is best if you have cats?
Dense plush velvet — claws glide over the pile rather than hooking into it. Avoid loose weaves and bouclé loops if your cat kneads or scratches furniture.
Do ottoman beds help with pet hair?
Yes, considerably. The enclosed base removes the under-bed gap where fur and dust otherwise accumulate out of reach.
Are ottoman beds too high for dogs?
They sit higher than open frames. Most dogs cope fine, but a pet step is worth adding for older, smaller or joint-affected dogs.
How do you get dog hair off a velvet headboard?
Drag a damp rubber glove or rubber pet brush across the surface to lift fur into clumps, then vacuum with an upholstery attachment.
Browse pet-friendly velvet designs across our ottoman bed range.
