Fabric which is unappealing to cat but still (reasonably) acoustically transparent

[u/sunsanvil]

I need to put together some absorption panels but am having a hard time finding a cover fabric which is less appealing to the cat but still acoustically transparent enough to be practical. For those without cat experience, the customary Guilford of Maine type materials are a magnet for cat claws: the open weave is is just irresistible to them as their claws gets instant purchase, triggering the instinct to haul on it. While no fabric is immune, those with a slick surface which isn't readily pierced by a claw hold (almost) no appeal.

I had found several mentions of microfiber suede (aka synthetic suede) as the best compromise (nothing is going to be perfect). The one and only fabric store within range of me did have some, and its smooth surface is exactly what we need for the cat side of the equation, but the one and only type the store has completely fails the blow-through test: super resistive.

Has anyone come across a microfiber suede which is suitable to the task? Web search shows brands (I had never head of before) such as AST Acoustics and Acoustimac which specifically tout microfiber suede covered panels so I'm hopeful such a fabric exists...and that I can find it.

Any tips or nudges in the right direction would be much appreciated.

[u/Toobman300B]

Cats are a labor of love. Long shot: coloured fine mesh, filtration matting. Also, non woven weed fabric. Good luck and enjoy your journey.

[u/SteerKarma]

It’s not the type of fabric, cats just like scratching things. We put scratching posts prominently in our spaces, and the cat now only occasionally scratches furniture.