Living & Decorating With A Cat

The day my roommate and I spent hours color-matching a hideous brown & grey couch in our furnished college apartment to cover my cat’s scratch marks, knowing we’d owe a small fortune if we failed, I made myself a promise: never again.

I decided that from then on, I’d choose furniture that could survive life with a cat. What I didn’t realize at the time was how tricky that would be! Especially when most cat furniture back then didn’t fit the cozy, calm aesthetic I wanted for my home.

Since then, I’ve spent years searching for beautiful, functional pieces that both I and my cat could love. Adding more scratchers definitely helped, but it wasn’t the whole solution. Along the way, I’ve learned a lot about creating a home that feels inviting, stylish, and still totally cat-friendly.

So whether you’re welcoming your first kitten or already living with a seasoned biscuit-maker, here are my top five tips for decorating a space you and your furry roommate can enjoy together.

Meet Furlough - The CEO and inspiration behind this post!

Tip One - Bypass The Fabrics Cats Love To Destroy

Cats love to knead, stretch, and occasionally “test” the durability of your decor. Loose-knit fabrics snag easily, which means bouclé, chenille, and linen weaves are beautiful but not the best choice for a home with a biscuit-loving cat. These textures catch claws instantly and can look worn after just a few good stretches. Instead, opt for tightly woven materials, durable upholstery, or performance fabrics that resist pulls. Think canvas, microfiber, or any tightly woven textile. Not only will your furniture last longer, but it will also be easier to clean and maintain which is always a bonus in a cat-friendly home!

Tip Two - Get Plenty of Cat Scratchers

One of the easiest ways to protect your furniture is to provide several appealing scratchers throughout your home. Cats need to scratch. Not only does it helps them stretch, mark territory, but it keeps their claws healthy. Place scratchers near the items you want to protect, like the couch arms or your favorite chair. When the scratcher is the most convenient and satisfying option, your cat will naturally gravitate toward it instead of your furniture.

And remember, not all scratchers are ugly! There are plenty of stylish options out there. Here are some of my favorites that blend seamlessly with my furniture.

The Ultimate SiSal Art Scratcher
Cat-e-Corner
Canvas by Mau
A-Frame Covered Cat Bed, Mahogany
SODA 3in1 Cat Scratching

Tip Three - Go Vertical

If you’re a plant lover, you don’t have to give up your greenery just because you live with a curious cat. Start by choosing pet-safe plants. Options like spider plants, Boston ferns, calatheas, and parlor palms add gorgeous texture without posing a risk if your cat sneaks a nibble.

For plants that aren’t cat-safe (or ones your cat simply can’t resist knocking over), going vertical is your best strategy. Hanging planters, wall-mounted brackets, and high shelves keep your plants safely out of your cat’s pathways while still letting you enjoy that lush, leafy aesthetic.

Tip Four - Anchor Everything

Cats are natural climbers and curious explorers, which means shelves, art pieces, and decorative objects become tempting targets. Anything that can wobble, tip, or fall is fair game in your cat’s eyes, especially if it makes an exciting noise on the way down.

Secure bookshelves to the wall, use museum gel or adhesive putty for breakables, and choose heavier decor that can withstand a curious paw. Don’t forget to stabilize smaller items like picture frames, vases, and tabletop sculptures, too. Even cable organizers and lamp cords deserve attention, since dangling wires invite swatting, chewing, and the occasional dramatic zoomie collision.

Anchoring your decor gives you peace of mind and helps keep your cat safe from falling objects, so your home stays stylish without turning into a feline obstacle course.

Tip Five - Use Aluminum Foil As A Training Tool

If your cat is a countertop explorer, aluminum foil can be a surprisingly effective deterrent. Most cats dislike the crinkly sound, the shiny surface, and the unpredictable texture, so covering the area temporarily teaches them that the space isn’t worth investigating. After a short period, once your cat understands the boundaries, you can remove the foil entirely. It’s a gentle, non-harmful way to reinforce household rules without stress for you or your pet.

You can also use this trick on chairs, sofa corners, or any spot your cat loves to claw. If you have a piece of furniture that’s become a frequent target, especially items upholstered in fabrics cats can easily sink their claws into, wrap the vulnerable areas with foil when you’re not using them. The moment your cat touches it, the texture is enough to discourage further attempts. Pair this with placing a scratcher nearby, and you’ll gently guide your cat toward better choices without resorting to harsh methods.