Cat proof couch and sofa protectors – October 2017

This guide on the best cat proof couch, sofa & covers took some creativity to put together – simply because it doesn’t fit any of the statistical models we have tweaked thus far to rate the products.



So, here’s what we did



The initial picks were made by our Editor-in-chief, Bob, who holds two relevant degrees – one in Materials Science and Technology Engineering & one in interior design (Universities of Turin, Italy and Metropolitan Institute in Syosset). He asked one more material-engineer, his friend and colleague, Vasco Tobia to make the initial choices.









The next thing we did is look through over 2000 user reviews and talked to a few pet owners. The whole process took about 8 months and the results you are about to see below are a fruit of that.



So, without much ago 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.



Cat-proof sofa - 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 the better option is discouraging your pet to scratch it in the first place – and velvet does just that.



They scratch simply because it’s in their nature; they are simply trimming their nails.



Velvet is not appealing for 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.



Bottom line – 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-laying 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.

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.



Cat and dog proof couch - Ashley Furniture Darcy Sofa



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 no the most pleasing thing to look at.



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 al the boxes that we were.



These were the guidelines of our Material Technology Engineers:





A material that won't be interested to scratch


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


Our top pick among cat friendly couches and sofas Ashley Furniture Darcy Sofa



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 i 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


Bottom line – for cat owners, it’s a small miracle in its right that this couch / sofa exist sin 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 an dog owners will look in a sofa, comfort and design.



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.



3rd top-rated cat proof couch - Brentwood 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 300-400% more than our top pick.



Crypton fabric is indeed an amazing 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 and our ratings:





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


Dog and cat proof recliner - Bonded Leather Double by Divano Roma



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



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 cat 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. At the time of the last update, the price point for this recliner in the same price range as our top pick – the Darcy sofa.



Fact sheet and ratings:





Dimensions & weight – 74 x 31 x 40 inches, under 180 lbs


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 – the end seats fully recline, the middle one is fixed


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).

There’s also the fact that leather is a self-extinguishing material, which makes it a better choice of pet owners who are also smokers.



Cat and dog-proof couch covers and protectors



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 cat and dog-proofing you couch or sofa. Let’s see why.





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 keep 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 with most sofas


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


Bottom line – the Shield is, hand-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 sofas, couches and chair from cat and dog pee. It’s also not designed to be used with leather furniture.



If this is what your scenario, one of the two picks bellow will be a better fit.



Petmaker Waterproof furniture 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. 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


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 water-proof, 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 and cat proof sofa cover - Bella Kline Reversible Sofa 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


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 car 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 of 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 dog or cat 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.



If you’re not that kind of person and you enjoy the company of your pet on those slow leisure days off lounging on the sofa (and most of us do), the better option will be getting a dog / cat proof couch in the first place or adding a protecting cover or sofa saver dog for the dog or cat.



We looked at our top picks in the two categories, so let’s take a step back and explain how we got there.



Cat and dog friendly sofa – pet proof couch materials



Choosing right 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, dirt.



It’s not just about the furniture – it’s about the safety of the pet, too



The secondary factor is not the safety of the furniture but tat 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 the inferior choice to a dedicated piece like cat proof couch covers (you can also get them for regular or office chairs).



The materials that tick all the boxes of pet-friendliness while keeping the couch cat proof are: velvet, leather, crypton fabric and synthetic fibers.



Materials you want to avoid



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



Before we get to the materials let’s look at what some causes of the issue starting at the very beginning - the psychology behind the scratching.



As experts explain, scratching is 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."



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 and, if they don’t seem to 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 pheromones plug-in



For most of us, using something like this will seem cruel. Pheromone smells calm them down and lower 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.



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.



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