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Yes, you can repair cat scratches on leather furniture. A quick fix that won’t repair roughness is a leather recoloring balm that helps scratches blend in. Otherwise, use the following process.

1. Clean the area and trim loose fibers.

2. Rub leather binding glue all over the affected area.

3. Sand the area down with fine-grit sandpaper and clean off any residue.

4. Fill holes, scratches, and gouges with leather putty from a leather repair kit.

5. Sand the area down again and clean off any residue.

6. Apply leather colorant in several layers.

7. Seal the color in with a leather sealant and finish.

Wood putty is made with a plastic adhesive, while wood filler is made from sawdust or wood products. The primary difference is their application: wood filler is used to repair the interior portions of wood, whereas wood putty is best for exterior sections because it contains chemicals that could damage the inside of the wood. If a crack or hole goes into the middle of the lumber, wood filler is the correct product for the job.

When deciding whether to repair, reupholster, or replace old furniture, consider its age, quality, level of wear, and overall value, including sentimental attachment. In many cases, it is more affordable to reupholster or repair furniture than to replace it, especially for antique, vintage, or discontinued pieces.

Older furniture is often made from durable hardwoods like oak and maple, giving it a longer lifespan than newer furniture, which frequently uses lower-quality materials such as plywood or medium-density fiberboard (MDF). Because of this, repairing or reupholstering a well-made older piece is often a worthwhile investment.

To determine the best course of action from a financial perspective, compare quotes from local furniture repair services with the price of a new, similar piece. Reupholstery may not be cost-effective for furniture that was originally inexpensive (e.g., under $300). For high-quality or sentimental items, however, it is an excellent way to preserve the piece and extend its life. If you're unsure, a furniture reupholstery specialist can help you evaluate the piece and make an informed decision.

It’s possible to repair damaged leather as long as the damage is not too severe. Professional leather repair specialists can fill, smooth, and refinish damage like scratches, cracks, and other damage by color matching the rest of the leather. Leather repair pros can evaluate the damage and recommend a plan for repair or replacement. If the leather is on furniture or another item that’s difficult or impossible to replace, repair is the best option, even if the repair does not match perfectly.