I am Ready to SEW But the Fabric Attracts Lint and Cat Hair

I am ready to sew! Are you? My first project was a tote. It still is a tote. It's made of a heavy gorgeous dark green upholstery fabric. The fabric attracts lint and cat hair.

Does anyone know of a fabric treatment that will cut down on the amount of lint and cat hair that is attracted to this cotton fabric?

I plan on finishing the tote and washing it. I think if I let it soak in some fabric softner, that it might help. I don't know though. If it fails it'll be good sewing practice.