Cats usually don’t like scratching velvet, but it’s not a 100% guarantee your furniture is safe.

Quick Scoop

  • Most cats prefer rough, loose-weave fabrics (like sisal, tweed, linen, some carpets) because their claws can really “catch” and tear.
  • Velvet has a tight, dense weave and smooth pile, so it doesn’t give that satisfying resistance or visible shredding many cats crave.
  • Because of this, many owners report their cats mostly ignoring velvet sofas and chairs.
  • However, every cat has its own preferences; some will happily scratch anything , including velvet, if there are no better options or they just like the feel.

Why Velvet Is Often “Safer”

  • Cats scratch to maintain claws, stretch, and mark territory, so they actively seek a texture that grabs and frays.
  • Velvet’s construction (short, dense pile, tight weave) makes it harder to hook claws in deeply or create big hanging threads.
  • Compared with linen or tweed, velvet tends to show fewer obvious pulls and runs from casual contact.

Think of it like this: a rough doormat invites scratching, while a smooth, slightly slippery cushion is less exciting.

But Can A Cat Still Ruin Velvet?

Yes, they can —just less commonly.

  • Some cats will scratch any furniture texture except very smooth or hard surfaces; individual Reddit reports mention cats destroying velvet and suede just fine.
  • A determined or bored cat may still use a velvet armrest or sofa edge as a scratching spot, especially if there are no good alternatives nearby.
  • Kittens or very energetic cats may test multiple surfaces in the home until they find a favorite.

So velvet is “lower risk,” not scratch-proof.

Tips To Protect Velvet Furniture

If you’re leaning toward a velvet couch or chair and live with a cat:

  1. Provide better scratching options
    • Place sturdy sisal or carpet posts near the velvet furniture.
 * Add horizontal scratchers (cardboard, sisal mats) if your cat likes floor scratching.
  1. Make the velvet less tempting
    • Use double‑sided tape or temporary furniture guards on favorite corners/arms.
 * Rearrange the room so a good scratching post is closer and more obvious than the sofa.
  1. Manage claws and stress
    • Trim nails regularly to reduce potential damage.
 * Keep your cat enriched (play sessions, climbing spaces) so they are less likely to use your couch as an outlet.
  1. Consider fabric choices
    • If you want even more protection, some guides suggest leather, microfiber, or performance fabrics as durable, cat‑resistant options.

Mini Takeaway (TL;DR)

  • Velvet is generally less appealing to cats than many other fabrics, thanks to its smooth, tight weave.
  • It’s not a guarantee; a determined or quirky cat may still scratch it.
  • Combine velvet with good scratching posts, nail trims, and mild deterrents if you want to stack the odds in your favor.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.