Best Cat-Proof Couch and Sofa Protectors – Jan. 2024 Update
How we chose the sofas, couches and covers that deserve the “cat-proof” title
The initial candidates for the best dog and cat-proof couches, sofas & protectors were made by our Editor-in-chief, Bob (who holds two relevant degrees – one in Materials Science and one in interior design).
The next thing we did is look through over 2000 user reviews and talked to 30+ pet owners.
The whole process initially took about 10 months, and the guide has seen 5 updates since. You’ll see the detailed results and explanations on what to look for below.
Last updated: June 2023
How to choose right?
What are you looking for?
This guide is divided into 2 sections – dog & cat-proof couches/sofas and top-rated covers & protectors.
Click one of the two buttons above to skip to a section.
Best cat proof couch
So, without much ado let’s get to out our top picks for the cat proof couch and sofa and look into what is it about them that makes them resistant to cats and dogs ands suitable for owners.
weight & material | & quick links |
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velvet sofa | ‣ Size - 88 x 33 x 31 " ‣ Weight - 130 lbs ‣ Material - velvet | quality ratings > |
Ultra Soft | ‣ Size - 90 x 39 x 40 " ‣ Weight - 126.2 lbs ‣ Material - Ultra soft poly-fiber | quality ratings > |
by Divano Roma | ‣ Size - 74" L X 31 " ‣ also available as 1 & 2 seater ‣ Weight - 126.2 lbs ‣ Material - PU leather | quality ratings > |
Cat proof sofa, our picks – Divano Roma Velvet Chesterfield-Style
If you ask feline experts, they will recommend velvet as the go-to material. Lauren Haynes, a home organizing expert with the Star Domestic Cleaners (London, UK) simply puts it like this, “Velvet is a proven fabric in the war against pet scratching.”
Your intuition might tell you that your best bet would be a couch or a sofa made from a more rugged material, one that can take the “abuse.” In reality, you’re better off option discouraging your pet to scratch in the first place – and velvet does just that.
The elegant style might not work with all spaces and it might seem like a luxirious piece to “sacrifice” in a cat household, but that’s just the thing – the chances of your cat damaging are much lower. It does retain hair which will be visible if you go with some of the more vivid or darker color, but if a lint-roller can fix it, most cat-owners will be OK with it.
Velvet is not appealing to “scratchers”
Because of the fine, looped threads, velvet can do very little for them because their paws can’t drive into it like they do with other materials. Once they realize that, they won’t be as interested.
This type of sofas (scroll arms and button tufted) will work with pretty much any interior design style, but they tend to be much more expensive than this Divano Roma. As a final touch, use citrus-based air fresheners and spray a bit of it on the legs – cats find any citrus smell repelling.
Also, velvet is not easy to clean so, to complete the cat-proofing, you might want to pair it up with a cover – they won’t be tempted to scratch the sofa, and you won’t have to deal with hair and dirt, it’s the ultimate solution.
Quality and pet-friendliness ratings:
- Claw resistance 90%
- Comfort 96%
- Design & build 94%
- Sctrath-repelling 100%
- Easy to clean 95%
- Owner satisfaction 90%
- Value for $ 96%
What makes it the best cat-proof couch/sofa
This sofa is our top pick because it hits the sweet spot between comfort, the pet-friendly quality of the velvet, gorgeous design, the low-lying legs (that can be easily protected) and finally, the price.
Downsides – over the period of completing this guide it went in and out of stock and the later periods simply lasted too long for our taste. Additionally, the style and the materials are not as universal as some of our other picks. In other words, it’s not for everyone.
Ashley Furniture Darcy Sofa
– 2nd top-rated cat proof couch
There’s no material that can withstand the abuse of cat and dog claws better than poly-fiber. The issue is, couches and sofa of this type are not common and when you do find one – they are not the most pleasing thing to look at. Having said that, looks and design-wise, this set from Ashley furniture is probably the most universal on the list.
Enter ultra soft poly-fibers used for this piece pieces from the Ashley Furniture Signature Series.
We didn’t really expect to find a single cat proof couch or sofa that ticks all the boxes.
These were the guidelines of our
Material Technology Engineers:
- Resistant to claws, including stretch marks and holes
- High–density material (tightly woven) that will be thick enough to withstand the claws
- Easy to remove the fur from the surface
- Resistant to odors
- Easy to remove the dirt
This one ticks all the boxes
It’s the only poly-fibers that’s soft enough not to have that unpleasant feeling of synthetics against the skin and, yet, maintain all the qualities that make it resistant to “abuse” by pets.
Much cheaper than the alternatives
There are alternatives out there that are specifically designed for pet owners, but in most cases, to get protection similar to that of this sofa, you’d have to go with a company that custom makes the pieces.
We all know that as soon as you hear the word “custom-made,” it’s far to add a zero to the expected price.
That’s probably the best part about this model from the Ashley signature series – the materials are just as resistant as the custom-made models and cost a fraction of the price.
Fact sheet and ratings:
- Dimensions and weight – 90 x 39 x 40 “ (3 seat), 126.2 lbs
- Material – ultra soft poly-fiber
- Block frame design of the corners
- Feet – raised, exposed, faux-wood used for the finish
- Seat cushions – loose (removable and can be cleaned separately)
- Cushion material – highly resilient foam
- Armrest and back cushions – fixed
- Claw resistance 96%
- Comfort 91%
- Design & build 90%
- Sctrath-repelling 92%
- Easy to clean 92%
- Owner satisfaction 88%
- Value for $ 90%
Bottom line – for cat owners, it’s a small miracle in its right that this couch/sofa exists in the first place.
Whether the company designed it with pet owners in mind, we don’t know, but it’s at the sweet spot between what a cat or dog owner will look in a sofa, comfort and design. Compared to the Divano Roma, the design is more flexible, meaning it can work with most room styles.
Add the fact that it is the lowest priced sofa on the list, and you have a clear winner and a God-sent for pet owners.
Bonded Leather by Divano Roma
– our pick among pet proof recliners
Among the leather sofas and couches that deserve to be labeled as cat proof, this Divano Roma recliner stands out.
It’s bonded leather, which means that the lather is layered with fiber and paper backer. That’s what made it one of our top 3 picks.
The upside of a dog proof leather couch
It will be the choice of people who prefer natural materials like leather to the synthetic poly-fiber and Crypton. Being a recliner, it’s probably the most comfortable option on the list.
On the other hand, as you’ll see in our ratings, it’s not as resistant to cat and dog claws and the other picks.
It’s not just about being resistant to claws
If a cat claw does get to it, it won’t be as tough as the poly-fiber and Crypton and an aggressive scratch won’t puncture but will probably leave a mark.
On the other hand, the hair doesn’t stick to the leather, and it’s easy to wipe off.
Finally, leather is generally more expensive, but not this Divano Roma recliner.
Info sheet, all ratings & overall rating:
- Dimensions & weight – 74 x 31 x 40 inches, under 180 lbs
- Available as 1, 2 or 3-seater
- Seat width and depth – 61 and 20 inches
- Seat height – 18 inches
- Materials – the seats, back and arms are filled with high-density foam, the bonded leather is hand picked (for grain, hold and resistance)
- What parts recline – in the 3-seater, the end seats fully recline, the middle one is fixed
- Claw resistance 91%
- Comfort 93%
- Design & build 92%
- Sctrath-repelling 87%
- Easy to clean 91%
- Owner satisfaction 88%
- Value for $ 90%
Bottom line – this Divano recliner will be the choice of pet owners who prefer the feel of leather to that of fiber. There are similar products out there but not in that price range (not even close).
An added plus is the fact that leather is a self-extinguishing material, which makes it a better choice for pet owners who are also smokers.
Honorary mentionBrentwood Classics Jimmy Sofa
This Brentwood Classic is a unique product because it’s the only decent model we could find that’s made of Crypton fabric.
The downside is that, as any Crypton fabric soft, it comes with a hefty price tag. It costs 200-300% more than our top pick.
Crypton fabric is a fascinating material in terms of how much abuse it can take from sharp objects like cat claws, how easy it is to clean and how resistant to odors and stains it is.
Basic info:
- Material – cat proof Crypton fabric
- Certified – Green Guard Certification
- Frame – solid wood, kiln-dry (reduced moisture content in the wood frame)
- Size and weight – 78 x 35 x 34 “, 119 lbs
Cat and dog-proof couch covers & protectors
Choosing a good dog and cat-proof couch cover here goes beyond the physical damage the claws can inflict on the material.
You have to think about the pee and odors that will linger after the cat or dog peed on the sofa, you have to think about the saliva and the dirt.
This category has not changed much since we first choose the products, which is probably a good thing for you because it means that the protectors are passing the test of time.
Below are top 3 picks for this update.
available | & all ratings |
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SHIELD cover | Sofa: X-Wide, Love Seat, Chair, Chair and a half, Recliner - oversized 11 colors | |
Waterproof | Chair, Love Seat Brown, Tan | |
Reversible | Chair, Love Seat 6 colors | |
It’s not just about the furniture
The secondary factor is not the safety of the furniture but that of your pet. With some materials, their claws can get “stuck”.
This usually happens when the weave of the material is wide – that’s the main reason a simple throw or blanket are an inferior choice to a dedicated piece like cat-proof couch covers (you can also get them for regular or office chairs).
Cat-proof couch cover
#1 pick – Original SOFA SHIELD Reversible Slipcover protector
The Original SOFA SHIELD Reversible Slipcover protector
Let’s get one thing of the way before we get into the nitty-gritty, this cat and dog proof sofa cover is not recommended for leather and isn’t waterproof.
With that said, it is by far the most popular pick for sog and cat-proofing your couch or sofa. Let’s see why.
Main advantages of the Original Sofa Shiled:
- Highest quality dog and cat proof materials – the Shield is THE only cover we found that’s backed up by a “no-questions-asked” 10-year warranty. Add the fact that it’s reversible (which doubles its lifespan) and you are looking at a product to last a lifetime.
- Range of sizes to protect every piece of furniture in your home – from small (loveseat ), through chair & chair and half, to the large and oversized versions for sofas and recliners
- Wide range of color choices
- Thick and comfortable – if you are looking for a cover that will fit with your sofa seamlessly, this might be your choice. The finish materials are durable yet soft, and the filling is thin but lofty.
- Strap-on band keeps it in place – a common issue with this type of cover and protectors is the discomfort as they start moving and wedging. The Original SOFA SHIELD stays in place because of the elastic and thick (2 inches) strap.
- The strap I adjustable so it will work with a range of furniture sizes
- Reversible – from our conversations with pet owners, the covers tend to wear out and the filling often starts dropping out of the cover. The materials of the shield are cat and dog-friendly, meaning that the cover is more resistant from damage from sharp claws.
- Easy to clean – no wiping with damp cloths, this cover is machine washable
All ratings:
- Materials 92%
- Cat and dog “friendliness” 90%
- Comfort 92%
- Fit 89%
- Lifespan 95%
- Maintenance 92%
- Value for $ 94%
Bottom line – the Shield is, hands down, the most well-balanced product among cat and dog proof covers/protectors. When we say well balanced, we are referring to the balance between being pet-friendly, comfortable, stylish and value for money.
The 10-year warranty will seal the deal for most pet owners, except those who are looking a waterproof cover that will protect their funriture from cat and dog pee. It’s also not designed to be used with leather.
If this is what your scenario, one of the two picks bellow will be a better fit.
Petmaker Waterproof dog and cat protector / cover
This cover costs more than the Shield and has a bit more dazzle going for it. When we say “dazzle” we are referring to the design that fits side pockets and the fact that it’s waterproof.
This can be handy for stuff like TV remotes but don’t get into the habit of tossing your car keys or small items in there.
If there’s a place to “lose” small house items, this will be it.
Let’s see what it has going for it:
- Materials – waterproof, soft-finish polyester
- Quilted patterned design
- Sizes available – chair, loveseat, couch/sofa
- Straps to keep it in place – not as thick and substantial as those of the SHIELD, but it gets the job done
- Available colors – brown and tan
- Easy to care for – machine washable and dryable
All quality ratings:
- Materials 89%
- Cat and dog “friendliness” 92%
- Comfort 88%
- Fit 85%
- Lifespan 86%
- Maintenance 92%
- Value for $ 91%
Bottom line – with the three hefty side pockets, the Petmaker cover is a peg ‘fancier” that the Shield. Another advantage it has over the Shield is the fact that it can be used for leather furniture and it’s waterproof, which means you won’t be cleaning and cat or dog pee.
If we have to choose one downside, it would be the price, at the time of completing the last update it costs about twice as much as the Shield. To be honest, at these cost ranges, the price is a moot point.
3rd top-rated dog & cat proof sofa cover –
Bella Kline Reversible Protector
This pet-friendly cover from Bella Kline is somewhere between the Shield and the Petmaker – it features the few quality and design aspects where the two previous covers don’t overlap.
It’s reversible (like the Shield), and it comes with hanging side pockets (two, while the Petmaker comes with 3). The company describes the finish as “water-repellent”, this means that any spills won’t go right through, but leaving it wet on the sofa is not a good idea.
In terms of price, it’s on the lower end of the range, hence the high rating in the “value for money” category.
Basic info and ratings:
- Three sizes – sofa (114 x 74 inches), chair (68 x 71 inches) and Love Seat (92 x71 inches)
- Six color choices – from muted gray and brown that will work with most spaces to vivid purple, green, red and blue
- Reversible – color of the other side is a toned down, lighter version of the main color
- Material – hypoallergenic fiber (quilted microfiber, to be more precise)
- Slipcover – so that no pet hair can “sink in” under the cushions
- 30-day guarantee
All quality ratings:
- Materials 88%
- Cat and dog “friendliness” 87%
- Comfort 87%
- Fit 85%
- Lifespan 86%
- Maintenance 92%
- Value for $ 92%
This cover will be the choice of pet-owners for whom water-resistance is not a priority.
It’d budget-friendly and hypoallergenic, so if allergies are an issue in your home, this might be your pick.
Reference info about dog and cat-proofing your couch and sofa
Keep the dog or cat off the sofa in the first place
We all love our pets, and not everybody will be thrilled about the option of using scare tactics to keep your pet off the furniture. But we’re not all the same, and if this is what you want to do, you have options.
The “mildest” ones come in the form of Sofa Scram sonic scat pads and mats for sofas.
These are so popular because they bring no harm to your pet. They work by emitting beeps that startle the pet so that it gets of furniture. They are not used as a permanent solution to keep your pet off the sofa, but as a training aid.
A few times of being startled by the sound of Sofa Scram sonic scat pads and they will forget about trying it again. It works fast, and you can remove the mat in a matter of days or weeks.
It’s a cheap solution if that’s what you’re looking for, but it does the trick.
Cat proof couch materials
We want two things – to protect the furniture while keeping the pet safe.
With some materials, their claws can get “stuck”. This usually happens when the weave of the material is wide.
The materials that tick all the boxes of pet-friendliness while keeping the couch cat proof are:
- velvet
- leather
- crypton fabric
- synthetic fibers.
Materials you want to avoid for a cat and dog-proof couch
You’ll wan to stay away from materials that are both textured and soft like chenille (or anything with a chenille-like finish).
The wide-woven loops of these materials will not only attract them but their claws will pull out the loops and form an irreparable lump.
The “history” of pet-proofing a couch
History is maybe too strong of a word, but we just wanted to look at the options we had until technology stepped in.
In the past, pet owners were usually stuck with advice like choosing a patterned material so that they can mask the havoc from the claw scratches, the air and the dirt from the paws.
Designing a pet-friendly home
As experts explain, scratching is a natural part of feline behavior patterns. It’s how they release tension, mark territory. As Dr. Cathy Meeks from the BluePearl Veterinary Partners puts it, “They see your couch as a toy and a tool.”
So, we’re not just dealing with accidental damage from stretches – if your cat has nothing else to use, it will use the furniture to trim their nails.
It sounds bad, but it’s actually a part of their bonding ritual with you. As the founder and director of The Paw Project, Dr. Jennifer Conrad lovingly puts it, “By marking your sofa or your chair, they are telling other cats that you belong to them, and they belong to you.”
This also indicates that choosing a dog and cat-proof couch is not necessarily the same.
Give them an alternative – a scratching post
None of the products we listed will make your furniture completely cat-proof. There are still parts that are exposed. Giving them the alternative of at least two scratching posts (ideally, one will be next to their “lair” and one next to their favorite piece of furniture) will minimize the damage.
In time, they will learn to use the posts to trim their nails and spare your furniture. Training a dog for adopted behavior like this is easier but you it can also be done with cats.
Use treats to reward the behavior you want them to adopt
If they don’t seem too interested, experiment. If you don’t succeed at your first go, try mixing it up by changing the locations of the posts.
Sometimes, they will even be more interested in a piece of cardboard or a rugged carpet than the post.
Using pheromone-based plug-in smells
For most of us, using something like this will seem cruel. Pheromone smells calm them down and lowers the scratching instinct. Bear in mind that the secondary effects of pheromones might be your cat becoming lethargic and sleepy.
If you love them for their naughty spirit, this will probably be your last resort. You can see our detailed guide on calming aids for pets and dogs here.
A better alternative is to keep their nails in check, so they don’t have to trim them against the furniture – this doesn’t mean declawing but maintaining a healthy nail-trimming regimen.
How do you order a permanent chair cover and how much?
Hi Paula, I’m afraid we can’t help with that, we’re not a manufacturer…we only test the products and review them. You can order the product we listed through Amazon, although I’m not sure what you mean by “permanent”. If you can clarify that part, we’ll be able to help better.
Thanks
The problem I have found with all couch covers is that the dogs either pull them off or snuggle UNDER them.
Hi Susan,
I know very well what you mean – there is a solution…choosing a cover that ties into place like Furry Buddy – you can see it here.
I hope it helps
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Thanks a million for the kind words, Marvin….we do our best…