We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. The 8 Best Cat Scratch Furniture Protectors Guard your couch against kitty claws By Lorraine Wilde Lorraine Wilde Lorraine Wilde, M.S. is a writer for The Spruce Pets. She has over 25 years of experience, almost as long as her 30 years of being a dog and cat mom. Her work has included Run Those Dogs, Parents Magazine, Leaders in Heels, Sheownsit.com, and Miss Millennia Magazine, among other publications and, most recently, a Sniffspot host. Learn more about The Spruce Pets' Editorial Process Updated on 03/11/26 In This Article View All In This Article Top Picks Reviews What to Look For FAQ Why Trust The Spruce Pets Credit: The Spruce Pets / Lecia Landis If you have a cat, furniture protectors prevent damage while allowing your kitty to scratch—a healthy behavior that helps them exercise, stretch, relieve stress, maintain their claws, and leave their scent in their territory. “When choosing furniture or couch protectors, you want to get a thick material that your cat can’t scratch through to the furniture underneath,” says Dr. Janet Cutler, CAAB, a certified cat behaviorist at Cat World. “Discouraging your cat from scratching that area is the goal while training your cat where they should be scratching. You want to get something that covers the entire piece of furniture so they don’t just move from one spot they like to scratch to another.” Scroll to read our recommendations. Top Picks Best Overall: SALE Navaris Cat Scratch Sofa Shield at Amazon $39 $16 Jump to Review Best Leg Protector: SALE Stelucca Amazing Shields Cat Scratch Deterrent at Amazon $27 $15 Jump to Review Best Couch Cover: Easy Going Stretch Slipcover at Amazon $51 Jump to Review Best Protective Scratcher: Sofa-Scratcher Cat Scratching Post at Amazon $60 Jump to Review Best Tape Roll: One Sight Anti-Cat-Scratch Furniture Tape at Amazon $16 Jump to Review Best Clear Cover: Laminet Clear Vinyl Couch Cover at Amazon $23 Jump to Review Best Tape Sheets: Panther Armor Cat Training Tape Sheets at Amazon $21 Jump to Review Best Side Table: Mau Kona Scratcher at Maupets.com Jump to Review Best Overall Navaris Cat Scratch Sofa Shield Credit: Amazon $39 $16 at Amazon What We Like Durable Sustainable fiber Easy to put on What We Don't Like Will not fit all couches and chairs The Navaris Cat Scratch Sofa Shield does all the things you need most—it covers well and is durable, yet affordable and easy to use. If you can’t stop your cat from scratching the arms or legs of your couch, this one might be a great fit for you. This cat scratch furniture protector is made primarily of cream-colored woven sisal, a sturdy, sustainable plant fiber made from Mexican agave leaf fibers. Most commonly used to make rope and mats, your cat can enjoy scratching without damaging your sofa fabric. The arm of the scratching cover fits over the top of most standard couches (choose a left or right-side installation) and is secured by tucking it under the seat cushion. The bottom has fasteners that you can easily tie on and off, so you can remove it for parties. The base fabric is available in four colors that will blend well with almost any home decor. Measure your couch carefully to ensure it will fit and avoid returns. You can also get additional panels separately for other parts of the couch or other furniture. Dimensions: 19.69 x 27.56 x 0.08 inches | Materials: Linen, sisal | Colors: Light brown, light gray, dark gray, black Best Leg Protector Stelucca Amazing Shields Cat Scratch Deterrent Credit: Amazon $27 $15 at Amazon What We Like Easy to install Leaves no residue Barely noticeable What We Don't Like Not recommended for use on faux or real leather This style of protector—with large peel and stick-on plastic panels and optional twist pins to hold them in place—is sold under many different brand names. This one has the largest number of positive reviews of all the brands we considered. The protectors come in a pack of six with 50 twist pins so you can cover all the most tempting parts of your sofa (just make sure that you don't apply to faux or real leather). They can be cut to size to get the just-right fit. Although these protectors are made of very durable plastic, they’re also bendable to fit your furniture. They’re thick enough so that there is no chance your cat’s claws will get through. When it's time for new ones, they come off easily without leaving a residue—a good way for households with both dogs and cats to provide dog-friendly couches with some extra protection. Dimensions: 17.5 x 13 x 0.94 inches | Material:s Plastic | Colors: Clear Best Couch Cover Easy Going Stretch Slipcover Credit: Amazon $51 at Amazon View on Walmart What We Like 31 colors Affordable 30-day returns, no questions asked Easy to clean in washer and dryer What We Don't Like Foam anchors can slip out I own several of these durable slipcovers, and though they don’t completely prevent scratches, my cat avoids them due to the stretchiness of the cover. I love that they fit snugly, protect the entire piece, and keep my furniture looking tidy—not frumpy or messy. I have the wine and light blue for my loveseat and peacock blue for my wingback chair. The spandex gives these covers a durable stretch while the jacquard fabric is attractive, soft, and comfortable. Since eight sizes are available, I got matching covers for all my furniture. I have at least two for each piece so I can put on a clean one while the other is being washed. I use the warm delicate cycle and don’t overdry to make the spandex last, but customers say these covers withstand standard washing and drying. Because these covers are affordable, I can change the look of my living room without buying new furniture. They’re easy to put on with elastic edges and tags for alignment. Non-slip foam anchors hold the seat area in place. Hair doesn’t stick to the material, making it easy to brush off, and it comes out of the dryer nearly hair-free. Dimensions: 35 x 38 x 35 inches to 35 x 108 x 35 inches | Materials: 85% polyester, 15% spandex | Colors: 31 solids Best Protective Scratcher Sofa-Scratcher Cat Scratching Post Credit: Amazon $60 at Amazon $60 at Chewy What We Like Handmade Freestanding Available in rounded or right-angle corners What We Don't Like Not soft to the touch A scratching post is one of the best places for your cat to scratch. This clever, free-standing scratching post is designed to hug the corners of your sofa or loveseat, so you don’t need to break your cat of the habit as long as you have this in place. Its thin base slides under your sofa leg to create stability and maintain position. Its surface is sturdy and contoured, and the sisal-covered scratch panel is available in five neutral colors. The sisal material construction makes it tough and durable for lasting protection, while also being an environmentally sustainable product that’s at least partially compostable. Sofa-Scratcher offers this product in both rounded and right-angle corners so you can choose the style that best fits your sofa. Dimensions: 10 x 9 x 24 inches | Materials: Engineered wood, wood, sisal | Colors: Beige, black, charcoal, ivory, moss Best Tape Roll One Sight Anti-Cat-Scratch Furniture Tape Credit: Amazon $16 at Amazon What We Like Easy to apply Good for kittens Very sticky Non-toxic What We Don't Like Can leave residue on some fabrics Double-sided sticky tape is one of the easiest and most versatile ways to deter your cat from scratching your furniture. It also helps to keep them from climbing on countertops, in potted plants, and anywhere else you don’t want their little paws to perch. You can put it almost anywhere to protect from tiny, sharp claws. Some cats learn quickly and eventually, you might not need to use it. This medical-grade adhesive was straightforward to peel, coming with a white paper backing to prevent application problems. Some pet parents noted that their cats were drawn to lick the adhesive and that it had a slight chemical odor when first applied. Be careful when applying to flat, smooth surfaces as it can be hard to remove, and note that it should not be used on faux or real leather. Dimensions: 4 inches x 30 yards | Materials: Medical-grade adhesive | Colors: Clear Best Clear Cover Laminet Clear Vinyl Couch Cover Credit: Amazon $23 at Amazon What We Like Waterproof UV protection Easy to remove Three sizes What We Don't Like Some noise Sometimes, you just need to protect it all. You can use this coverall while on vacation, while you’re at work, or all day every day. Some don’t appreciate the look but most agree it's quite functional. The clear vinyl is waterproof and your cat is not likely to want to scratch it. Many note that their cats avoid the cover altogether due to how noisy it is. It comes in three sizes suitable for chairs, loveseats, and sofas. It has a one-piece design so it’s easy to throw over the furniture, and durable seamed edges and a thick construction. It's super easy to clean. It’s thick enough to protect the couch even if their cat does scratch the vinyl. A bonus is that the cover will also protect your furniture from UV rays that fade and degrade fabric over time. Dimensions: 36 x 40 x 42 inches to 40 x 96 x 42 inches | Materials: Vinyl | Colors: Clear Best Tape Sheets Panther Armor Cat Training Tape Sheets Credit: Amazon $21 at Amazon What We Like Easy to customize Variety of sizes included Money-back guarantee Transparent What We Don't Like Application can be a bit tricky Similar in style to the Stelucca shields, these are double-sided sticky tape shields that come in variety packs with different-sized sheets. For example, the 12-pack comes with five extra-large, five large, and two medium sheets. They’re thick enough to be sturdy but pliable enough to bend around corners. These tape sheets can be cut to size for excellent custom coverage no matter what size or shape your couch is. Customers report that they are easy to apply, stay in place, and last well. Unlike the Stelucca shields, these don’t come with twist pins. They're still easy to apply to furniture surfaces, but they tend to stick to themselves, which can make application a little tricky. They can't be used on certain fabrics including real or faux leather, velvet, or microfiber. Dimensions: 12 x 16, 10 x 17, and 6 x 17 inches | Materials: Plastic | Colors: Clear Best Side Table Mau Kona Scratcher Credit: Mau View on Maupets.com What We Like Attractive and functional Replaceable cardboard scratchers Stress tested for cats up to 25 pounds What We Don't Like Pricey With the Mau Kona Scratcher, you don’t need to cover your furniture, because this stylish side table has a built-in replaceable cardboard scratcher. The table is constructed with a solid oak top and an oak veneer base. Refills for the cat scratcher are available from the retailer. The table—which comes in an oak or walnut finish—is suitable for cats up to 25 pounds. The product comes with a 45-day risk-free trial, and 5 percent of proceeds from each sale are donated to animal welfare and environmental conservation efforts. While it's not inexpensive, this sleek table is a design-friendly option. Dimensions: 24.38 x 11.63 x 15.25 inches, tabletop diameter 19.13 inches | Materials: Solid oak, oak veneer, cardboard scratcher | Colors: Oak or walnut Final Verdict We like the durable Navara Cat Scratch Sofa Shield because it’s made of sustainable sisal fibers that your cat will love to scratch. For everywhere else in the house, try One Sight Anti-Cat-Scratch Double Sided Tape. It’s versatile, very sticky and non-toxic. What to Look For in Cat Scratch Furniture Protectors Material When choosing your cat scratch furniture protectors, you want to consider the material, as well as the thickness and coverage it provides. Dr. Cutler emphasizes that you want to choose a protector that is “thick enough that your cat can’t scratch through to the furniture underneath and large enough to cover the entire piece of furniture so they don’t just move from one spot they like to scratch to another one.” But not just any cat scratch furniture protector will do. “You want to avoid materials that your cat seems to like scratching since all cats will have their own preferred material,” Dr. Cutler told The Spruce Pets. “If your goal is to eventually have a cat that scratches where you want them to, and not on your furniture, having materials they’re less likely to scratch is important. You also want to avoid materials that your cat's claws could get stuck in.” Most cat scratch furniture protectors are either made from sturdy materials your cat will avoid scratching, like thick layers of plastic found in the Panther Armor Cat Training Tape Sheets, or from sturdy materials that your cat can scratch instead of your sofa, like sustainable woven sisal of the Sofa-Scratcher Furniture Protector Cat Scratching Post. Proper Sizing Measure your sofa carefully and pay attention to the dimensions of the protector you choose to ensure the best fit. Most of the negative reviews online for these products are left by customers who couldn’t get a good fit because they didn’t properly measure or compare their furniture to the dimensions of the product. Effective Alternatives “Cat repellent sprays that you put on your furniture work for some cats, but not for many,” says Dr. Cutler. “It can cause damage to your furniture, so finding alternative options is highly recommended. Many repellent sprays taste bad and are meant to keep pets from chewing on things, but the scent disappears after a while and wouldn’t be effective for scratching, even if your cat doesn’t like it.” Spruce Pets tested 18 cat repellents and found that the Stelucca Amazing Shields from our list were the best furniture protectors. Pet Mastermind Claw Withdrawal Cat Spray was the best spray because it can be used on a variety of surfaces, and left a light lemony scent that effectively deterred a cat for up to three days. Dr. Cutler likes FeliScratch, a pheromone that you can spray on areas (like scratching posts) to encourage your cat to use for scratching. Positive Reinforcement The best way to deter destructive scratching behavior is to always have plenty of acceptable scratching areas for your cat with a variety of surfaces and textures. Scratchers come in multiple styles, sizes, and materials. You can also make the areas you want the cat to scratch more appealing by placing catnip or silvervine near them or attaching toys to the scratching place. You can give your cats treats and play with them on or around it to help create a positive association with the scratcher. But you must also be careful when discouraging bad behavior. You want the cat to understand that you don’t want the behavior without making your cat think you are mad at them or don’t like them. If your cat thinks you’re mad at them, it could result in more bad behaviors instead of less. Prioritize Humane Options “In the past, declawing cats was a common solution to cats scratching furniture,” explains Dr. Cutler of the process that amputates a cat's third phalanx, or third toe bone. “We have research that shows that declawing is associated with increased odds of back pain, inappropriate elimination, and aggression. The procedure itself is painful, and can remain painful for a long period of time. The procedure has also been banned in many areas, and is not recommended by many veterinary organizations.” If nothing else is working, Dr. Cutler recommends SoftPaws vinyl nail caps that you can put on your cats’ nails to keep them from damaging your furniture. FAQ Why do cats scratch couches? “Cats can scratch for many reasons,” Dr. Cutler told The Spruce Pets. “They scratch to help stretch their muscles, leave their scent (they have scent glands in their paws), and it helps keep their claws in good condition. Cats don’t naturally understand that our furniture is not something to scratch, so they need to learn that couches are not appropriate locations for scratching. They also need to learn that other surfaces, like a scratching post, are appropriate for scratching.” What couch materials do cats not scratch? “There are no fabrics that cats will absolutely not scratch, and every cat has a preferred material,” Dr. Cutler said. “Leather or faux leather is less likely to be damaged by scratching but some cats do scratch leather couches. Microfiber is also pretty resistant to scratches or rips, as are canvas and other tight-woven fabrics. Outdoor patio furniture material is also quite sturdy and less likely to be damaged by claws.” Unfortunately, most of the cat scratch furniture protectors in our list are not appropriate for leather or faux leather, according to the manufacturers. How can you discourage a cat from scratching furniture? “Providing strong, solid scratching posts/trees and having both horizontal and vertical surfaces is important. You want to reward scratching those with treats or praise," Dr. Cutler said. “Punishing your cat for scratching furniture is not an effective way to stop them from choosing that as a spot to scratch and it can be harmful to your bond with your cat." Which surfaces are the most appealing for a cat to scratch? Cats like scratching on a variety of vertical, horizontal, and angled surfaces, though they do prefer tall, sturdy objects they can sink their claws into, which is why furniture is appealing to them. Sisal rope and sisal-wrapped cardboard or wood provide a good alternative. Why Trust The Spruce Pets The Spruce Pets exhaustively researches and recommends a broad range of products. We also tap a network of experts and testers to help you make smarter purchases. This piece was written by Lorraine Wilde, who rigorously researched and evaluated the cost, materials, and quality of each cat scratch furniture protector, as well as customer and expert reviews and each company’s business ethics. Wilde has had at least two cat and two dog companions for the past 35 years and she expects only the best for them and her human family, too. Wilde has been covering the Spruce Pets beat for two years, covering items for both cats and dogs including cat beds and couch covers for dogs. Dr. Janet Cutler, CAAB, is a cat behaviorist at Cat World. She is one of North America’s most knowledgeable experts about cat behavior. Cutler holds a Ph.D. in animal behavior and welfare from the University of Guelph and is a certified applied animal behaviorist (CAAB). She specializes in cat and dog behavior and runs a cat and dog training company called Landmark Behavior in Canada. 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