Waterproof Pet Furniture Protector Blanket

The argument about whether the dog is allowed on the sofa is usually settled by the sofa. This is the practical surrender: a quilted throw that goes over the cushions, takes the hair, the wet paws and the occasional accident, and then comes off to be washed while the upholstery underneath stays dry and unmarked.

It is built in layers, with a soft quilted face that a pet will actually settle on and a leak-proof backing that stops liquid passing through to whatever is beneath. The quilting is what keeps the filling from migrating into one corner after a few washes, which is where cheap protectors give up. Sizes run from a narrow runner for a single sofa seat or a car bench right up to 200 by 305 cm, which will cover a large bed.

• Quilted soft top with a waterproof backing
• Sizes from 75 x 180 cm up to 200 x 305 cm
• Colours: dark grey, light grey, khaki and brown
• Suits sofas, armchairs, beds and car seats
• Soft enough that pets settle on it rather than beside it
• Lifts off for washing

Two things worth knowing. Waterproof here means the backing blocks liquid passing through the fabric. It does not seal the edges, so a large spill will still find its way round the side of a cushion. And a throw laid loose over leather or tight upholstery slides, particularly under an energetic dog, so tuck it well into the crease of the seat or expect to straighten it daily.

Who it's for: Households where the pet is on the furniture and everyone has stopped pretending otherwise, especially with older or incontinent dogs.