Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Cats

PawTracks may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

The best slipcovers to protect your expensive furniture from cat destruction

Mary Johnson
By

If you’re already a cat lover, we probably don’t have to tell you how much these adorable fur babies can brighten your day. According to science, self-defined “cat people” are actually smarter than those who identify as “dog people.” Additionally, pet parents in general are healthier and happier than people who don’t have at least one pet. That said, sometimes your cat can be a real nuisance. From cats who come down with the night crazies to the futility of wearing a chic, all-black outfit, being a cat parent comes with a price. Unfortunately, that price might include your favorite chair. Here’s how you can protect your furniture from cat scratch damage. 

A gray striped cat chews on a ruined gray sofa.

Choosing the best furniture for a cat-friendly household

According to Decor Aid’s co-founder and CEO, Sean Juneja, cats are far less likely to claw furniture with recessed legs made from metal or wood. Because cats see the legs of our furniture as scratching posts, recessed legs present a much less attractive target. And unlike some wood that cats can satisfyingly sink their nails into, metal feels slippery beneath their paws, which deters scratching. Juneja also says, “The best fabrics are ultrasuede and leather because a cat cannot claw into these.” 

Related Videos

Steer clear of high-maintenance fabrics like tweed, silk, and velvet. Tweed is easy for cats to claw, leaving behind unsightly pilling. Silk and velvet both require professional cleaning to maintain, which can cost several hundred dollars a pop. (If the thought of scratched silk isn’t horrific enough, imagine having to pay a professional cleaner around $200 every time your cat coughs up a hairball on the sofa. Yikes!) 

The best slipcovers for your furniture

Want to keep your furniture scratch-free without having to go out and buy a new sofa? We have some good news. Say farewell to the ugly, shapeless slipcovers of the past. Modern slipcovers are stylish and protective, so you can keep your furniture safe from harm without breaking the bank. Here are a few of our favorites. 

TEWENE Sectional Slipcovers

Protecting your sofa from cat scratch damage can be a challenge, but the task becomes even more daunting when you have a sectional sofa. Never fear — the folks at TEWENE have you covered. (Pun intended.) Available in pale gray, dark gray, and a warm brown aptly named “coffee,” this sectional seat cover comes with two pieces in a variety of sizes from 28 × 28 inches to 36 × 94 inches. Made from a velvety, machine-washable fabric backed with anti-slip silicon, this slipcover set allows you to enjoy the comfort of your sectional without leaving it exposed to your cat’s razor-sharp claws. 

A tiny gray striped kitten sniffing at a sofa.

Navaris Natural Sisal Furniture Protector

Many cats target the arms of sofas and chairs when they fall into a scratching frenzy. If your fur baby leaves the back and seat untouched, these arm covers may be your best option. Made from natural sisal, they will keep your cat’s claws away from her target without covering up your entire sofa. Our only complaint with this option? You have to buy each arm cover separately, but that can also be a bonus if you have a one-armed sofa or chair. 

YEMYHOM 3-Cushion Sofa Slipcover

For some feisty felines, every inch of exposed fabric is a target. If your fur baby loves to claw your sofa to shreds, this full-coverage slipcover is a household essential. Available in sizes Small through X-Large, this slipcover is machine washable and comes with anti-slip rods to keep the overall look neat and clean rather than shapeless. Worried the slipcover won’t complement your design scheme? You’re in luck — this slipcover comes in an impressive 27 colors and patterns, so you’re sure to find a perfect match for your space. Even better, the polyester microfiber and spandex blend feels so buttery soft you might prefer it to your sofa’s original fabric. 

Easy-Going Recliner Slipcover

If you’ve ever tried to find a recliner slipcover in the past, you know options were severely limited. Fortunately, times have changed. This recliner slipcover comes in 11 different colors, and the blend of 80% polyester and 20% spandex has enough stretch that you won’t have to struggle when you cover your chair. One caveat is the sizing: if your chair’s seat is smaller than 23 inches or larger than 35 inches wide, you’ll have to find another slipcover. However, not many people will run into that problem with this one-size-fits-most option. 

A Maine Coon cat scratching a beige corduroy sofa.

Tired of your cat shredding your furniture to ribbons, but hate the look of those plastic slipcovers your grandma had in her house? Now you can have the best of both worlds. With our top picks, you’re sure to find a stylish, washable slipcover that protects your furniture without sacrificing the look of your home. 

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
What you can do to help your cat after surgery and show your pet how much you love them
Here's how to keep your kitty feeling safe, comfy, and calm post-op
A cat at the vet

You love your kitty. Sometimes, that means agreeing to send them in for cat surgery. Whether it’s a standard spay or neuter procedure, necessary dental work, or something more worrisome like removing a cancerous tumor, you’ll want to ensure you give your furry friend some extra TLC post-operation.

Your feline friend may also need you to be patient with them. Cat behavior after surgery can vary from pet to pet, but they may be slightly shyer, lethargic, or easily irritated for a while. The good news is that your cat should go back to normal — and hopefully wind up as an even healthier version of themselves soon. Knowing what to prepare for can ensure your cat feels safe, loved, and comfortable after surgery.

Read more
Are urinary tract infections in cats possible? What cat parents should know about this condition
What to know about prevention and treatment of UTIs in cats
Gray cat in a cat bed

UTIs are a common and pesky condition in humans. It’s short for urinary tract infection. A UTI is an infection of a part of the urinary system, like the bladder, kidneys, or urethra, as the name implies. UTIs can involve painful burning sensations when peeing. They affect about 10 out of 25 women and 3 out of 25 men at least once, according to the Urology Care Foundation.

Cat parents may wonder: What is the rate of urinary tract infections in cats? Unfortunately, it’s not zero. Cats can get UTIs. The good news is that cat health experts don’t commonly see the issue when treating felines. However, it’s still good to think about the urinary tract when approaching your cat’s health.

Read more
Bengal cats: What to know about these quirky descendants of Asian leopards
Bengal cat breed facts that may surprise you
A Bengal cat lies on a white floor and bathes their forelimb

With their striking rosette coats and low-maintenance grooming needs, Bengal cats are already one of the most desired breeds in the world. Once known as Safari cats, the breed went through a name change in the 1970s to reflect its fascinating heritage. But what is living like a Bengal cat actually like? Are they as feisty as their Asian leopard ancestors?
We'll explore the Bengal cat's personality in depth, covering everything from a brief look into their history, the most common Bengal personality traits, and any breed-specific requirements that may hinder your quest to adopt one of these lovely cats.

Bengal cat history
While some cat breeds, such as the Egyptian Mau, can trace their lineage as far back as 10,000 B.C.E., the Bengal cat is a relative newcomer on the scene. The Bengal cat was first bred deliberately in California in the 1980s, after cat breeder Jean Mill crossed a domestic shorthair (a black tomcat) with an Asian leopard cat. Asian leopard cats, a breed of dainty wildcats hailing from Southeast Asia, are also known as Felis bengalensis -- hence the aforementioned name change from Safari cat to "Bengal cat," -- a nod to this hybrid breed's wild ancestor.
However, there may be another reason for the switch that led to the newly dubbed Bengal cat. When the breed's name was changed in 1974, the man responsible was named William "Bill" Engler -- B. Engler. Some believe he drew inspiration from his own name.

Read more