What is the best sofa material that wont get ruined by a cat?

First of all, you made the right choice not to declaw your cat. I think it is cruel. Secondly, I have found microfiber to be the best material for a home with a cat. It is smooth, so it doesn't urge them to scratch, and it is easy to clean. Make sure you provide a nice scratching post for your cat and she will choose that over your furniture! Also, regularly clip her claws. It is easy to do yourself.

I offered my cat an oak branch with the bark , mounted upright for a scratch post. She never touched the sofa again.

I agree with Rebekka 100%. I have 6 and we are living with an existing sofa covered 99% of the time with old comforters, sheets, throws. And yes, learn to trim their claws, it will make your life easier.

It sounds like she wants to get on the couch when you say "pulling herself up", so it may stop her from pulling on the upholstery if you were to give her something she can climb on to reach the couch: a pair of pet stairs, a box at the right height, etc. Our daughters' cats get up on their high beds by jumping onto a chair and then from the chair to the bed. Good luck!

Deleted, thought I was answering a different question.

Good for you for not getting your cat declawed! It's a horrible, barbaric practice.

Just so the original poster understands, declawing removes the tip of their toes, not just the claw. Good job not having them declawed.

Thank you for not declawing your cat!!! My daughter bought a large scratching pad and duct taped it (vertically) to the front of the couch where her cat always went. She tried laying it horizontally just flat on the floor but if you watch cats (large or small), they like stretching upwards against a vertical, upright post, sofa, tree, etc. to sharpen their claws. You could try a step-stool type of thing so she can get on the couch BUT if the cat wants to sharpen her/his claws, it will still use the couch because it is "upright" like a tree AND cats usually never have a problem jumping up onto anything!

Fabric, I have found the most durable, closely woven fabric is best. That being said, try duck cloth. It is the same stuff they use for boats and comes in quite a few colors. (Bright) mostly.

Another option might be to make slip covers from the duck cloth, rather than upholstering just to see if it helps. While they are cute, they are little devils on getting their way.

i had my couches covered in a fabric called "sunbrella" it's meant for the out of doors, very tightly woven. water resistant. proved to be claw proof. unfortunately, not quite barf proof. have to let that dry, then scrape, then wash off.

Got a new sofa cover, for some reason my 2 cats don't claw it anymore. Link:https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/product/sure-fit-reg-vintage-faux-leather-individual-cushion-3-seat-sofa-slipcover/3263704?categoryId=13096#BVRRWidgetID

look up putting catnip around it.

Sofa covers, you can get a nice one for $30- and up.

Sorry for chiming in to this thread so late, but I just had to share this in case it helps someone out. I wish I had gotten this advice years ago as a cat owner.

My best advice?

Give the book " Ultimate Cat Secrets" a read.

It really is the only long-term solution to discipline your cat, OP.

This might come as a surprise to you, but your cat actually wants to obey you.

It’s kitty’s independent, sassy nature that makes you fall in love with him, but it’s this very attitude that makes it frustrating to train fun behaviours into your favourite feline.

Cats respond best to positive reinforcement – yelling, punishing or disciplining your cat just won’t work.

In my opinion, Ultimate Cat Secrets is a must-have for all cat lovers. It's not just a cat training manual – it’s one of the quickest and most comprehensive guides to living with a cat that I’ve ever seen.

The easy access audio format makes it a breeze to digest from your computer or your mobile device and the lessons inside are easy to implement. And if that’s not enough for you, ordering now will score you FIVE great bonuses:

1) How to toilet train your cat and get rid of that stinky litter box forever.

2) Extra tips audio program which includes basic first aid and tips on my favourite kitty calming remedy.

3) Pet medical recorder – an absolute essential for parents of asthma cats or any kitty with a chronic medical condition.

4) Downloadable transcripts of the entire program and all the bonus materials.

5) 100 recipes to pamper your feline friend.

I HIGHLY recommend it.

Here's a link to their site

Fill spray bottle with room temperature water. Catch her in the act, and give her a gentle spray. Be alert to her revisiting the chair, and repeat, saying “no” or “stop” as you spray.

You will be able eventually, to use the words with other situations. It is called behaviour modification.(I am a retired PhD clinical psychologist.)

Then you can choose any material you want. Cats can be trained. Mine respond to “sit” when they want treats. After a while I dont need to say “sit”, they just do.