A pet protector needs to cover the area your dog or cat actually uses, plus a margin so it stays in place when they settle in. Measure the seating surface, not the whole sofa.
Size chart
| Where it goes |
Cover size (inches) |
Size to select |
| Chair or single seat |
28 x 28 in |
70 x 70 cm |
| Loveseat |
28 x 59 in |
70 x 150 cm |
| Standard sofa |
28 x 71 in |
70 x 180 cm |
| Large sofa |
28 x 83 in |
70 x 210 cm |
| Wide seat or bed |
35 x 35 in |
90 x 90 cm |
| Extra-wide sofa |
35 x 47 in |
90 x 120 cm |
How to measure
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Measure the seating surface your pet uses, across the width.
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Add roughly 8 inches so the protector tucks in at the sides and does not shift.
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Decide on the backrest. If your cat climbs the back of the sofa, choose a size long enough to drape over it.
A note on units. Measure your furniture in inches, then use the table above to find the size to select. Our size selector shows centimetres, because that is how covers are manufactured, so the table gives you both.
Common measuring mistakes
- Measuring the whole sofa rather than the seating area your pet uses.
- Not allowing a margin to tuck in. Without it, the protector shifts on the first jump.
- Overlooking the backrest when the pet is a cat.
Protector or full cover
A protector covers the seating area, comes off in seconds and goes straight in the wash. It is the right choice for daily use. A full cover protects the arms and back as well, and suits homes where a pet has the run of the furniture.
Claws, hair and accidents
For claws, look for a dense woven fabric rather than a loose knit, which snags. For hair, a smooth surface releases hair far more easily than a textured one. For accidents, a waterproof backing is what actually protects the upholstery underneath.
Choosing the right fabric
| If your priority is |
Look for |
Why it matters |
| Claws |
Dense woven fabric |
A loose knit catches and pulls; a tight weave resists. |
| Shedding |
Smooth surface |
Hair lifts off instead of working into the pile. |
| Accidents |
Waterproof backing |
This is the layer that actually protects the upholstery. |
| Summer |
Cooling ice silk |
Pets settle on it rather than on the bare sofa. |
Frequently asked questions
Will it slide when my dog jumps up?
Protectors with a non-slip backing and tuck-in flaps hold well. Push the flaps into the gap between the seat and the backrest when you fit it.
Is a waterproof protector noisy?
A laminated backing is quiet in normal use. Crinkling usually comes from a loose fit rather than the material.
How often should I wash it?
Weekly for a shedding pet. That frequency is precisely why the protector exists: it washes, the sofa does not.
Shop the right cover
Still not sure?
Send us your measurements at support@frenchcovers.com and we will tell you which size to order. Include the width across the arms, the depth of the seat and a photo of the piece if you can. It takes us a minute and saves you a return.
