A pet couch sells the cozy photo, but the test that matters comes after a month of daily use and a few trips through the wash. We tried fluffy cat couches and small-dog sofa beds with a senior cat and a 12-pound terrier, watching whether the bolster held its shape, whether the cushion flattened, and how the cover survived machine washing. The appeal is real, since a raised-side sofa gives a pet a wall to lean against and a soft edge to rest a chin on, which many cats and small dogs love for security. But filling quality separates a couch that springs back from one that pancakes into a sad mat within weeks. We checked the cover for a removable, washable design, because pet beds get hairy and need regular cleaning to stay hygienic. Corduroy and plush fleece each have fans, with corduroy hiding hair and fleece feeling warmer. For a senior pet, we leaned toward beds with a touch more support under the plush. The winners stayed fluffy and washed clean.

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