There is little in the world softer, warmer or more beautiful than fur. Since the early beginnings of humankind animal pelts have been used to keep warm and snug against winter weather. Hides have been used as clothing and blankets for thousands of years. The modern equivalent of this practical and comfortable covering is a faux fur throw.

Many wild cats, bears and other mammals are now endangered with very few breeding in the wild or zoos. Hunting animals for their pelts is abhorrent to a lot of people and owning a real blanket or garment made of fur is frowned upon in most societies. Thankfully, the modern fibers available can recreate the numerous colors and textures without the need for hunting or farming these beautiful creatures for their hides.

An imitation leopard pelt or bear pelt can be just as lovely to look at as the real thing. The man made fibers used can achieve the exact same warmth and softness. A cover made from such a man made fabric is a fantastic cover for a couch or day bed in wintertime. It is able to transform a cold leather or harsh corduroy into a warm and lovely place to snuggle up against the winter nights.

Nature gives us a huge variety of furs from the lush colorings of a tiger to the pearly beauty of a chinchilla; however technology can give us an even greater range. Choose to match your furry comforter to your drapery and you might find that blue tigers do not exist but you can get what you want with an imitation fabric. There are companies who have extensive ranges of styles, sizes and colors to meet your every need. You could even get a small version to match to keep your four-legged friends warm and cozy too.

A quick search on the internet will reveal the ranges on offer and give a guideline for prices. Many of the companies ship overseas so check shipping costs when calculating the final cost. While standard sizes are readily available, there are also companies who will make your blanket bespoke so you can get exactly the size and shade you require.

As well as the large variety of colors and patterns, the backing fabric for your cover can also vary widely. Some have a backing of the finest satin or soft cottons, while some others have the durable more suede-type fabric. Take the time to work out where you will make use of your purchase and if it will need cleaning regularly.

The ultimate in warmth and comfort is to have a double-sided throw. These can be created using the same fabric or complementary fabrics. You could choose a leopard print for one side and a plainer black bear for the reverse. It is worth bearing in mind though that like its natural counterpart the fabric is heavy so double the skins, double the weight.

Looking after your purchase can normally be easily achieved with dry cleaning or by gentle hand wash. The supplier normally provides care instructions which reflect the exact item you have bought. If you are planning on using your purchase for pet bedding then it is worth picking one that is easy to wash in a machine using a gentle setting such as the wool cycle.