Cats are capable of destroying anything, including leather. You'll have to train them and keep their claws clipped and make the best of it.

Microfiber slipcovers would not be my taste, but see if you can find something made up and decide.

I think the bad talk about PB is mostly for their wood products.

BTW I have cats so I can sympathize.

I have seen some IKEA sofa that you purchase the cover separate. As to the cats, they can be trained to use a scratching post. I had a trained cat and ended up with a 3 year old that had no idea what a scratching post was for. Here is what to do. Cover all favorite spots on furniture with double stick carpet tape or a clear vinyl (looks better) I pin on vinyl pieces, can purchase at a fabric store. They also sell it at pet stores. They must scratch somewhere, I use a sisel rope covered scratching post that is not strait up and down but has an angle and is very solid and stable.I have tried the other items at pet store and this works best for me. I have to replace the rope once a year. Rub with catnip to attract them to it. If you catch them at furniture pick them up and show them the post, even take their paw and show them what to do don't yell or punish them with your hand,they may not understand what they did wrong. Positive reinforcement works best with cats. I also give them a treat when they use the post. I have also used a spray bottle with water when caught at furniture. It works so well now both cats run to the scraching post and scratch to get a treat...they now know the furniture it off limits. A few people I know tried this and it works,took about one month to train. I do still have vinyl on a few areas just to be sure

I have two C & B sofas and a chair and 1/2, one for 12 years, from their Chippendale collection; the other sofa and chair set is their Huntley collection and we've had it for 6 years. I love their sofas. The 12 y.o. one is fantastic construction but about a year ago the fabric started to tear and now it is completely shredded. The frame is in great shape. I love the style and comfort of both of them and recommend them. The best bet is to buy in Sept/Oct when they have their 25% off custom upholstery sale. We are now replacing the older sofa with a B-Y leather set which I am very excited about. Good luck!

Our17-year-old cat died a year ago, but as a kitten we trained him and his sister to not scratch furniture via the positive reinforcement methods izzie talked about. Also, as I recall from years ago, there are deterrent sprays that can be used on the parts of furniture cats are likely to scratch. In 17 years we never lost a sofa to our Frankie and Johnnie! Until Johnnie got very old he kept his claws manicured himself because he was an inside-outside cat and they got worn off. I was so glad to see you didn't mention declawing. Good luck!

If you are looking to buy a sofa it would be advisable to go for the fabric or suade option. Nowadays in the marketplace there are many contemporary designs in fabric and suade. these are also cheaper to replace if in the unforunate circumstance of them being defaced.

regrads

www.designersofas4u.co.uk

Here is a link that might be useful: Designer Sofas4u