My cat has destroyed my LazyBoy couch that was covered in that highly textured upholstery that you see so much. I am currently recovering the back and sides only in a suede like upholstery fabric that is tightly woven. My husband has a leather recliner and the cat doesn't like the slick texture of the leather. He much prefers that coarse upholstery to sharpen his claws. So my advice is leather is better than upholstery that has texture!!