Is a leather sofa a bad idea?

[RikersBeard]

We are looking for a new sofa, and a really wanted a leather one due to 2 small children.

But I also have 2 cats. They are not particularly scratchy, but will occasionally have a go at doormat/carpet. They have access to outside with lots of trees and a scratching post.

One of them destroyed a leather bag of mine once though, seemed to really like the feel of it. And I'm worried it would only take one little go, or even a "stretch" :) to mark the leather. So would fabric be better?

[TwirlyCat]

I would go for fabric. Our cats have destroyed our leather dining room chairs. Once they start to rough up the leather it encourages them to do it all the more.

[RikersBeard]

Yes I am afraid you might be right

No wipe-clean sofa for me :(
Still, fabric is cheaper

[TheSilveryPussycat]

it's our fabric one that our cat rips. Leaves the leather one alone!

[WhatKindofFool]

My leather sofas are wrecked by the cats and so is my fabric one..... Orange boxes or stools maybe?