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Original poster

Throws to protect leather sofa from cats

9 replies

thevampirelestat · 05/02/2022 12:02

I'm moving in with family following the breakdown of a relationship, and they are very kindly letting me bring my two cats with me. Only problem is, family member has leather sofas (two two-seaters) . My cats are used to being on the sofas at mine (cheap, upholstered and covered with blankets), but the leather will be ruined in no time with their claws.

Can anyone recommend good thick throws or covers to protect the leather sofas with? Happy to pay a bit more for something that's really decent and will keep their claws from the leather.

Thank you!

OP posts:
Logoplanter · 05/02/2022 15:05

I don't think leather sofas and cats automatically results in a problem, I think it depends on the cats and how they use them. Jumping up and sitting/lying on them will be fine and the cats claws are unlikely to harm the sofa. If they play and run around and jump on them at speed then this may cause issues. I say that as a cat owner whose had leather sofas with 6 different cats over the years and the sofas have been ok with 4 out of the 6 cats.

I'm not sure if that helps reassure you a bit. I do think it's great that you are thinking what you can do to protect your relatives property Smile

Costco have had some nice large throws in, which interestingly enough my cats don't like. It may be a texture thing - sort of fake fur Maybe something like that would be good to discourage them going on the sofas.

sunshinesupermum · 05/02/2022 15:14

My cat loves the fake fur throw on our bed. Her favourite place! Not sure what to recommend tbh.

Artichokeleaves · 05/02/2022 15:17

Leather is tougher than you think, and a plus with cats, can be immediately wiped when little muddy feet are marched all over it or, as they inevitably will, they puke up on it.

I keep a knitted blanket folded over the back of one mine use a lot to climb up and that seems to prevent claw marks.

Elieza · 05/02/2022 19:42

How about a throw tucked down the back to minimise slippage, and couple of real sheepskin rugs on the sofas to protect them and be comfy? They are thick. Or put them down on the couch first with the cat blanket you usually have over the top.

You could get the vet to clip their claws as less sharp claws are unlikely to cause as much damage as pointy razor sharp ones.

And if one does go on the sofa without a throw don’t make the mistake I did and panic and push him off - I still have the enormous scratch marks from that incident a decade ago…

anxiousdoggo · 06/02/2022 18:00

@Elieza ahh, nightmare! I'll keep it in mind! I like the idea of sheepskin rugs as well as a throw actually - a bit more padding, plus the cats love things like that, so maybe they're more likely the stay on the sheepskin rather than jump around on the sofas.

Thanks everyone!

Moonface123 · 06/02/2022 18:10

l have two cats and a leather sofa, zero damage. l find the other types of sofas are more prone to getting damaged.

Original poster
thevampirelestat · 06/02/2022 18:10

ah, name change fail! Blush

OP posts:
Cecillie · 06/02/2022 19:21

I think it’s the sides and back that are the issue if they scratch. You can buy clear sofa protecter stuff from Amazon, like giant sellotape , a throw over body, going down back if exposed, plus those on arm edges would help

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