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Pets need sofas too

Everyone wants their home to be a comfortable place to relax in after a hard day’s work. Most importantly, we want quality sofas that we can simply sink into in order to enjoy well-deserved spare time.

Another item most people want in their homes is a pet. A cat or dog can be as welcoming as that comfy sofa and, more often than not, they will spend more time on it than the rest of the family. Comfort, therefore, is as important to the family pet as it is to everyone else.

For some reason, it seems natural for a cat or dog to think that the sofa has been put there just for them, and there is something very soothing about seeing a dog sprawled on it, or a cat lying in any patch of sunlight that happens to settle on the cushions.

The market for pet beds is huge these days; even designer models can be purchased, some complete with lacy canopies or studded with gems, but the most pampered pet will forego such luxury and choose to settle itself down on the family sofa, even squashing themselves in between the other occupants, however disruptive that may be, and we can be sure that, if it were possible, they would like to be consulted on the choice of a new one.

The most discerning cat or dog would probably choose something made of an organic fabric – leather, for them, would be too cold in the winter, and too hot in the summer. If they are the kind of pets who sleep awkwardly, they may even worry about sliding off in their sleep. Some pets would choose bright colours and patterns; others would opt for something understated and neutral. They possibly would not care much for cushions or throws, but will learn to live with them if it means lounging around all day in comfort. From the family’s point of view, a throw, put down for the pet to lie on, will be easier to keep clean than the sofa itself, so most pets probably have to put up with one.

One of the main problems with pets that sleep on sofas is that it may be a little difficult getting them off when others need to sit down. Dogs can be persuaded, cats will generally need to be physically removed, because they will ignore any polite pleas. However, as long as there is enough room for all, a pet will always be welcome to share the sofa with the family as they relax.