Reviewed & Fact-Checked By
Dr. Lorna Whittemore
Veterinarian, MRCVS
Reviewed & Fact-Checked By
Dr. Lorna Whittemore
Veterinarian, MRCVS
The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.
For as much as we love our cats, there’s no denying they can also be brutal to our furniture sometimes. Whether scratching a sofa, coating a favorite chair in fur, or knocking over unsecured shelves, cats and furniture don’t always make the best housemates.
Thankfully, there are options out there that can help you design a space without worrying your cat will destroy it before the week is out. To help you find them, we’ve collected reviews of the 10 best cat-proof furniture pieces in 2022. Browse our selections and contemplate our additional guidance at the end to find just the right option for your house and family.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Mellow 9” Metal Platform Bed Frame, King
Scratch-proof metal construction
Easy assembly
Sturdy
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Best Value
Yusing Litter Box Enclosure/Storage Shelf
Sturdy and functional
Built-in scratch pad redirects scratching behavior
Multiple uses
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Premium Choice
Rivet Revolve Modern Upholstered Sofa
Excellent for small spaces
Easy assembly
Comfortable and durable
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Rivet Jamie Leather Mid-Century Modern Accent Chair
Won’t collect hair
Easy assembly
Comfortable and stylish
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Vasagle Ladder Shelf
Resistant to scratching
Versatile
Cool look
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The 10 Best Cat-Proof Furniture Pieces
Our pick for the best overall cat-proof furniture piece is the Mellow 9” Metal Platform King Bed Frame. You love your cat and your bed but don’t love what your cat does to your bed frame. This steel bed frame is stylish and safe with rounded edges to prevent human or feline midnight mishaps. The frame is designed for use without a box spring, which is one less thing for your cat to scratch.
Type of furniture: Bed frame
Size: 80” L x 76” W x 9” H
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Since it’s low to the ground, it will make it easy for your older kitty to climb in bed even when they start slowing down. If your cat is the hiding type, there’s plenty of space underneath the bed, plus it serves as storage. Users rave over the easy assembly and sturdiness of the bed frame. However, they caution that it may damage hardwood floors over time.
Pros
Scratch-proof metal construction
Easy assembly
Sturdy
Rounded edges for safety
Cons
May damage hardwood floors
Our pick for the best cat-proof furniture piece for the money is the Yusing Litter Box Enclosure and Storage Bench. The enclosure is made of sturdy wood and metal, and it’s ideal for resisting kitty destruction. It also features a built-in scratching pad that will draw your cat’s claws toward a more appropriate destination. Although it’s designed to hide away smelly and unsightly litter boxes, the Yusing looks nice enough to function as an entry table or storage area.
Scratch-proof metal construction
Easy assembly
Sturdy
Rounded edges for safety
- Scratch-proof metal construction
- Easy assembly
- Sturdy
- Rounded edges for safety
May damage hardwood floors
- May damage hardwood floors
Type of furniture: Litter box hideaway, storage shelf/bench
Size: 35” L x 18” W x 29” H
The litter box is tucked away behind two magnetic doors, only accessible to the kitty until you open them. The shelves can be used to store cat supplies or whatever you want. According to users, the directions for assembly are confusing and unclear. They also suggest you line the interior of the litter box area with protective vinyl or something similar. Overall, users were pleased with the look and function of the furniture.
Pros
Sturdy and functional
Built-in scratch pad redirects scratching behavior
Multiple uses
Cons
Directions are confusing
Requires extra protective layer near the litter box
Cats and couches notoriously don’t mix, so when you read reviews of the Rivet Revolve Modern Upholstered Sofa that specifically mention its cat-proof credentials, you won’t be able to resist! With a hardwood frame and durable covering, this sofa offers a minimalist silhouette.
Sturdy and functional
Built-in scratch pad redirects scratching behavior
Multiple uses
- Sturdy and functional
- Built-in scratch pad redirects scratching behavior
- Multiple uses
Directions are confusing
Requires extra protective layer near the litter box
- Directions are confusing
- Requires extra protective layer near the litter box
Type of furniture: Couch
Size: 80” L x 62” W x 35” H
It’s available in 3 colors sectional and features a chaise lounge that can move to either end, making it functional for different room configurations. Users praise the sofa’s durability and comfort while noting that it is easy to assemble. It is a bit expensive, and some users experienced customer service issues with the product.
Pros
Excellent for small spaces
Easy assembly
Comfortable and durable
Cons
Expensive
Customer service concerns
- Rivet Jamie Leather Mid-Century Modern Accent Chair
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Type of furniture: Chair
Size: 32” L x 31” W x 35” H
Leather furniture and cats can be a little bit hit or miss. Leather doesn’t collect hair like other fabrics, and its slick texture doesn’t appeal to many cats as a scratching object. However, if your cat likes leather, it can quickly do some damage. If you feel like taking your chances, try this Rivet Jamie Leather Mid-century Modern Accent Chair.
Excellent for small spaces
Easy assembly
Comfortable and durable
- Excellent for small spaces
- Easy assembly
- Comfortable and durable
Expensive
Customer service concerns
- Expensive
- Customer service concerns
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Type of furniture: Chair
Size: 32” L x 31” W x 35” H
It fits in small spaces and can even be used as an office chair. Assembly is a breeze, and users mostly report that the chair is comfortable. It’s only available in two colors, and the low arms won’t suit everyone. Several users said they could comfortably curl up in the chair, even though it doesn’t take up much space in the room.
Pros
Won’t collect hair
Easy assembly
Comfortable and stylish
Cons
Some cats may still scratch it
Only two colors are available
- Vasagle Ladder Shelf
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Type of furniture: Free-standing shelf
Size: 13” L x 22” W x 54” H
First the bad news: your cat may take over one of these shelves as their new preferred nap spot. The good news is the Vasagle Ladder Shelf has three others to spare, plus it’s made of metal and engineered wood, which is highly resistant to scratching. It’s sturdy and versatile and can be used to hold anything from kitchen pots to potted plants.
Won’t collect hair
Easy assembly
Comfortable and stylish
- Won’t collect hair
- Easy assembly
- Comfortable and stylish
Some cats may still scratch it
Only two colors are available
- Some cats may still scratch it
- Only two colors are available
Type of furniture: Free-standing shelf
Size: 13” L x 22” W x 54” H
The design gives off a cool industrial vibe, while its shape allows it to fit quietly against the wall. The shelf receives overwhelmingly positive reviews from users, with many noting that it’s easy to assemble and worth the purchase price. However, some felt it was smaller than they expected. Your cat will probably try to climb the shelf, so be sure to use the safety wall anchors.
Pros
Resistant to scratching
Versatile
Cool look
Easy assembly
Cons
It may be smaller than expected
- Tempered Glass Coffee Table
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Type of furniture: Coffee table
Size: 20” L x 40” W x 14” H
This glass coffee table won’t suit everyone’s style, but it’s extremely cat-proof and keeps even small rooms looking uncomplicated. It’s made of a single piece of tempered glass, and there’s no assembly required.
Resistant to scratching
Versatile
Cool look
Easy assembly
- Resistant to scratching
- Versatile
- Cool look
- Easy assembly
It may be smaller than expected
- It may be smaller than expected
Type of furniture: Coffee table
Size: 20” L x 40” W x 14” H
According to users, it’s very scratch-resistant, even in households with cats, dogs, and kids giving it a lot of abuse. Yes, you’re almost certainly going to end up with pawprints on the table, but it’s easy to clean. Users report it is surprisingly heavy, which is good for sturdiness but less ideal if you need to move the table.
Pros
Sturdy and scratch resistant
No assembly required
Easy-to-clean
Stain and water-resistant
Cons
Heavy for its size
- Vintage Sturdy Queen-size Metal Bed Frame
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Type of furniture: Bed frame
Size: 84” L x 61” W x 45” H
This vintage, farmhouse-style sleeping space features a headboard. There’s nothing for your cat to scratch or chew on this bed frame, and it’s incredibly sturdy in case they try to use it as a jungle gym. Users report that a box spring is unnecessary with this frame.
Sturdy and scratch resistant
No assembly required
Easy-to-clean
Stain and water-resistant
- Sturdy and scratch resistant
- No assembly required
- Easy-to-clean
- Stain and water-resistant
Heavy for its size
- Heavy for its size
Type of furniture: Bed frame
Size: 84” L x 61” W x 45” H
However, there’s space for storage or a kitty hideaway under the bed. Most users felt the assembly wasn’t too difficult and the directions clear, but some customers reported issues with shipping and damage to the bed pieces upon arrival.
Pros
Scratch and chew-resistant
No box spring needed
Generally non-squeaky frame
Cons
Some shipping issues
- Rivet Aiden Tufted Velvet Sofa
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Type of furniture: Couch
Size: 36” L x 74” W x 30” H
No, not everyone wants velvet in their house because it gives off a certain vibe. Yes, the velvet will collect hair more than some other fabrics but is easy to clean off with a hair roller. Unlike many other couch cover fabrics, velvet is resistant to snagging on kitty claws, making it a relatively cat-proof furniture piece to consider.
Scratch and chew-resistant
No box spring needed
Generally non-squeaky frame
- Scratch and chew-resistant
- No box spring needed
- Generally non-squeaky frame
Some shipping issues
- Some shipping issues
Type of furniture: Couch
Size: 36” L x 74” W x 30” H
This loveseat is available in four colors (or leather if you are so inclined.) It’s sleek and comfortable and fits neatly into small spaces. According to users, it is easy to assemble. Some customers questioned the long-term durability of the loveseat, while others reported poor customer service experiences.
Pros
Won’t snag claws
Good for small spaces
Easy assembly
Cons
Questions about long-term durability
- Metal Accent Tables, Set of Two
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Type of furniture: Small table
Size: 17” L x 20” H
These geometric accent tables can serve as end pieces or nightstands, while their iron construction means your cat can’t damage them. They’re water resistant and fit neatly into a retro or mid-century-themed design scheme. There’s no assembly required for the tables, which are also surprisingly lightweight.
Won’t snag claws
Good for small spaces
Easy assembly
- Won’t snag claws
- Good for small spaces
- Easy assembly
Questions about long-term durability
- Questions about long-term durability
Type of furniture: Small table
Size: 17” L x 20” H
Since they’re only available in gold, some may dislike the tables’ appearance. Users liked that the tables don’t take up much room, but several were disappointed that the furniture arrived damaged. Others felt the tables were not as well-made as they expected, given the price. Your cat may enjoy sitting on the tables, so be careful about placing anything breakable on them.
Pros
Interesting look
Versatile
Lightweight
Cons
Some arrived damaged
Not as well-made for the price
- Computer Desk with Storage Shelves
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Type of furniture: Desk
Size: 24” L x 47” W x 46” H
If your cat is your constant companion when you work from home, consider this desk, with plenty of space for your kitty to curl up nearby while you work. It’s made of metal and particle board and provides minimal scratching surfaces while allowing you plenty of room to work. The attached shelving is convenient, especially when placed against a wall to make the design take up less visual space.
Interesting look
Versatile
Lightweight
- Interesting look
- Versatile
- Lightweight
Some arrived damaged
Not as well-made for the price
- Some arrived damaged
- Not as well-made for the price
Type of furniture: Desk
Size: 24” L x 47” W x 46” H
You can attach the shelf on either side, allowing you to customize it for your room. The desk has over 10,000 user reviews, which are primarily favorable. Users loved how easy it is to assemble, as well as the sturdiness and overall appearance. One user mentioned that the desk is a little bit tall for petite people.
Pros
Minimal scratching surface
Interchangeable shelving
Easy to assemble
Highly rated
Cons
It may be tall for shorter users
Points to Consider
If you have cats and are shopping for furniture, there are a few basic guidelines to keep in mind, no matter what piece you’re hunting for.
Minimal scratching surface
Interchangeable shelving
Easy to assemble
Highly rated
- Minimal scratching surface
- Interchangeable shelving
- Easy to assemble
- Highly rated
It may be tall for shorter users
- It may be tall for shorter users
Materials
Metal is the obvious choice for cat-proof furniture, but certain types of faux or engineered wood also tend to hold up to scratching. Glass or tempered glass is often scratch-resistant, but double-check reviews before purchasing.
Obviously, you won’t be buying a metal sofa or loveseat. For soft materials, look for options that won’t snag your cat’s nails and unravel. Keep in mind some cats will ignore leather and velvet while others may try to shred it. Sometimes, you may have to try trial and error or consider other options to protect your furniture.
Personal Style
Yes, you may wind up buying something the same color as your cat’s fur, but there’s no point in making a purchase you don’t like to look at. Take your home design style and personal aesthetic into consideration as you shop. Do you love farmhouse chic or mid-century modern? Look for pieces in your favorite style made of cat-resistant materials.
Price
Within every furniture category, you’ll find a wide price variation. While the saying, “you get what you pay for,” does often apply, you may find it worthwhile to consider a lower-priced option if your cat is potentially going to damage the item. Replacement is easy to stomach at lower price points.
Other Options to Protect Furniture
If you purchase a not-entirely cat-proof piece of furniture, like a couch, consider putting scratch guards like these in your basket. Another option for protecting your furniture is placing it in a room off-limits to your kitty. Provide your cat with appropriate scratch items, including furniture of their own, to encourage them to sharpen their claws elsewhere.
Your cat may take to their scratching post right away, but you may need to take some time to train them to use it. Try placing the scratch pad close to the couch or other location your cat is scratching inappropriately. Reward your cat with treats when you spot them using it.
Conclusion
Our best overall pick for cat-proof furniture, the Mellow Metal Bed Frame, is durable, stylish, and made of the strongest cat-proof material. Our best value pick, the Yusing Litter Box Enclosure and Storage, offers something for both you and your cat, including a built-in scratch pad. We hope our reviews of the top 10 cat-proof furniture pieces provided you a vision of what to look for as you design your own space to be stylish, cat-friendly, and safe.
Featured Image Credit: Melissa Sue, Shutterstock
