Protecting Suede-like furniture from cats and kids?

Question:I'm getting new furniture and I am getting rid of one that was previously covered in snot by an old allergy stricken cat. I want to know what I might be able to use to protect the furniture, and also if there is something that will deter my cats from getting on or scractching my new furniture

Answers:
i'm not so sure about furniture, but they make sprays (for shoes, but can be used for anything suade) to kinda water/spill proof it. http://www.google.com/products?q=suede+p...