It looks like this piece is stitched on 25 count over 1, and it completely covers the material. So I would say that it doesn't matter what color the piece of material is, unless you will show some of the material around the boarder when framing it. I personally like using 25 count, one over one. I buy all different colors, just for the fun of it, but my work is framed or made into pillows without showing any material. So it's just what color you feel comfortable using. Some darker colors are hard to work with, and I have discovered when using them, put a white or light colored towel on my lap while stitching.

I took the easy way out. I found this and the other Tapestry Cat patterns as 1000 piece puzzles so I purchased them, put them together and framed them and they hang in my house now. It was a lot quicker. I have so many other projects large and small I am working on and I knew I would never get to them to stitch. Enjoy your project. It is so beautiful.

I agree with mom55 but would add that the cat's chest is an off-white or white? And so I would avoid any real dark fabric to prevent the chance of the dark fabric showing through when you stitch the light areas.

I have this pattern in the "planning stages"...because there is at least 2 skeins of DMC Winter White 3865 and lots of light tans, grays, yellows and pinks, I'm sticking to very light...but not white white...antique white or platinum, probably. When I was reading about this piece, I read that the platinum was being suggested as a "comfortable" choice...whatever that means. :) I'm working the Stained Glass Santa right now... sort of...I've gotten to actually stitch on it twice...the DR was down about 10days and then the DS and DinLaw came in for a visit...such fun! :) ANYWAY, the Santa is a lot quicker than I thought it would be--pleasant surprise! I'm pretty pumped about getting started on the Cat! :)