Measuring for a cat cover means recording the couch’s outer width, depth, and height, then comparing those numbers to the cover’s size chart — the most common mistake is measuring only cushion-to-cushion instead of edge-to-edge.
Cat owners know the struggle: a cover that slips, bunches, or leaves the couch’s corners exposed is worse than no cover at all. The fix is measuring correctly the first time. A flexible tape measure, three numbers, and ten minutes are all you need — no engineering degree required.
What You Actually Need To Measure
Clear the couch of all cushions, throws, pillows, and any loose items. You’re measuring the furniture’s outer shape, not the gaps between cushions. Write down each dimension as you go.
- Width: Measure from the left outer edge to the right outer edge at the widest point. This includes the arms if the couch has them. Pull the tape straight — don’t follow the curve of an armrest; one guide specifically warns against that mistake.
- Depth: Measure from the front-most point to the back-most point at the deepest spot. For most couches, that’s from the front edge of the seat cushion to the backrest. Include any recliner footrest if the couch has one.
- Height: Measure from the floor straight up to the top of the backrest or the highest arm — whichever the cover you’re looking at needs to cover.
That’s the baseline. Some cat covers — especially fitted protectors with separate flaps — also require arm width, arm depth, backrest height, seat width, and seat depth. Touch of Class’s pet-cover guide, for example, asks for diagonal arm measurements and compares them to the protector’s flap dimensions. Check the product page’s measuring instructions before you order.
Once you have your measurements, shop tested cat couch covers that match your couch’s dimensions and hold up to daily scratching and shedding.
Which Couch Parts Need Separate Measuring?
The answer depends on the cover brand. Some sell by overall width and depth; others require seat-width measurements. Wayfair’s slipcover guide asks for overall dimensions plus cushion width, cushion depth, and dust ruffle length. Coverstore’s sofa measuring guide uses full outer measurements. Touch of Class’s pet-cover guide wants flap-specific dimensions for arms and back.
When in doubt, measure both the full outer dimensions AND the seat width (distance between the arms) and seat depth (front edge of cushion to backrest). That covers every sizing scheme. For sectionals, measure each segment separately and compare each to the seller’s chart.
Common Measuring Mistakes That Wreck The Fit
- Measuring cushion-to-cushion only — If the brand’s chart is based on full outer dimensions, you’ll understate the needed size and order a cover that doesn’t reach the arms.
- Following the armrest curve — Pull the tape straight from outermost edge to outermost edge. Following a curved arm makes the width number smaller than reality.
- Ignoring the cushion thickness — A deep cushion changes how the cover’s bottom edge sits. Measure from the floor to the top of the cushion, not just the backrest height.
- Skipping the recliner check — If the couch has recliners, measure in the fully reclined position when the product guide asks for recliner length. A cover measured in the upright position may not fit when the footrest is out.
- Adding breathing room where it’s not called for — Some outdoor-cover brands recommend adding two inches to each dimension as a buffer, but that’s not universal. Only add space if the product page specifically says to.
How To Match Your Numbers To A Cat Cover
Once you have the measurements, go to the product page and find the size chart. Compare each number you recorded to the dimensions listed for each size option. If your couch’s width is 72 inches and the chart shows “Medium: up to 70 inches” and “Large: up to 80 inches,” choose Large. A too-small cover is hard to install and won’t stay in place; a too-large cover bunches and shifts, which defeats the purpose of protecting the couch from claws and fur.
If the cover is sized by seat width only, measure inside arm to inside arm and pick the closest listed size. For sectionals, verify that the cover you’re buying covers the specific section — some protectors are designed for sofas only and won’t fit a chaise or corner piece.
FAQs
Do I need to remove cushion covers before measuring?
You don’t need to remove cushion covers — just clear away loose items like pillows and throws so you can reach the couch’s outer edges cleanly. The goal is the furniture’s true outer shape, not the cushion-to-cushion gaps.
What if my couch has curved arms or an unusual shape?
Measure at the widest and deepest points in a straight line rather than following the curve. The cover needs to span the outermost edges to fit properly, and a curved recess will make the cover pull tight if you measure the indented line instead.
Can one cat cover work for both a sofa and loveseat?
Rarely — most covers are sized for a specific furniture type. A sofa cover will be too wide for a loveseat, and a loveseat cover will pull away from the arms on a full sofa. Measure each piece separately and buy the size that matches each one’s dimensions.
References & Sources
- Coverstore. “How to Measure a Sofa / Loveseat.” Full outer-dimension measuring method for furniture covers.
- Touch of Class. “How to Measure for Furniture Covers.” Pet-cover flap and arm-measuring instructions.
- Wayfair. “How to Measure for a Slipcover.” Slipcover sizing including cushions, recliners, and dust ruffles.