What fabrics are best for upholstered furniture in a house full of cats?

My lovable but mischievous cats persist in clawing the upholstered chair and sofa in my living room, in spite of having several scratching posts and pads available. The chair has a special attraction for them which is apparently irresistible, as the cats will make quick, furtive claws at it right in front of me, look at me and then run off before I can say or do anything to deter them. The chair has great sentimental value for me and is very comfy and attractive (when not shredded). I try to keep it covered, but the little rascals make their way under the cover to scratch the chair’s edges. Anyway, I would like to re-upholster this chair instead of covering it. I am hoping to get suggestions for fabrics that are less irresistible to cats and less subject to ripping from their claws. Please do not suggest declawing the cats or getting rid of the chair. Let’s just talk fabrics or gentle but effective deterrents to scratching, okay?