Have you tried an actual couch cover? We ended up having to buy one at Bed Bath and Beyond (well that's where we found one that would work for our couch). Ours is not leather and most definitely not new. I inherited our couch when my grandparents (mom's parents) both passed away. Our issue was more the cats catching their claws on the material (it's a looser material). The cover has helped tremendously for us. On the other hand this couch is at least 30 years old, possibly older.