The strands are long and soft material. Soft stands up to washing. Cats love the softness. It's very soft and snuggly.

Vinegar helps soften and cut lint amount. Doesn't seem to be a problem with dogs, if the nails are groomed.

The weave of the blanket is tight like a waffle blanket should be. The weight is sufficient to make me feel secure but light and breathable. It will likely stay on my bed under a down comforter for the winter as well.

The picture online appears lavender. I have several cotton blankets that are much softer than this one including the ones i purchased at walmart's at a much cheaper price! It's warm but very scratchy.

I'm not sure how long this blanket will last at this rate of disintegration. Followed instruction for washing and still it got discolored and fuzzed out.