Cats seem to like any furniture, but they especially love bright colors and fabrics that have some tooth to them. Velvet, brocade, embroidery, and damask fabrics are a definite NO as cats can sink their claws into these like a knife into butter. Additionally, cats will naturally gravitate toward fabrics that are susceptible to scratching and hooking-those are just so much more fun to a cat!
Instead, opt for upholstery fabrics that are solid, resist penetration by claws, and are not so "sink in soft" that your cat will want to come over and hibernate there (while kneading the threads out of your sofa as they purr away).