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21 May How to Make Your Cat Use a Scratching Post
If your cat ignores their scratching post, the problem is usually not stubbornness. The post may be too short, unstable, made from a texture they dislike or simply positioned in the wrong place. The easiest way to encourage a cat to use a scratching post is to match the post to the way they already like to scratch and place it exactly where that behaviour currently happens.
At a glance
Start with a tall, sturdy scratching post positioned beside the furniture, carpet or wall your cat already scratches. Match the scratching angle and texture to your cat's preferences, make the area interesting with play or catnip if appropriate, and reward voluntary use. Never force your cat's paws onto the post or punish them for scratching elsewhere.
Why Won't My Cat Use Their Scratching Post?
You buy a beautiful new scratching post, place it neatly in the corner and wait for your cat to fall in love with it.
Your cat walks straight past it and returns to the sofa.
This can feel frustrating, but the cat is usually giving you useful information.
Scratching is a normal feline behaviour. Cats use scratching surfaces to maintain their claws, stretch and leave visual and scent signals within their environment.
If your cat prefers the furniture, the furniture is probably offering something the scratching post does not.
Common reasons include:
- the scratching post is too short
- it wobbles when your cat leans against it
- it is positioned somewhere uninteresting
- the texture does not appeal to your cat
- your cat prefers horizontal rather than vertical scratching
- the post is too narrow or awkward to approach
- another cat controls access to the area
- your cat already has an established scratching location elsewhere
Look at what your cat already scratches. The height, orientation, material and location of their preferred scratching area tell you what sort of scratching post they are most likely to use.
8 Ways to Get Your Cat to Use a Scratching Post
1
Put It Where They Already Scratch
Start beside the sofa, carpet, wall or other surface your cat currently chooses.
2
Choose a Stable Post
A scratching post that moves when your cat pulls against it is unlikely to compete with a heavy sofa.
3
Make Sure It Is Tall Enough
Vertical scratchers should allow your cat to stretch upwards comfortably while scratching.
4
Match Their Preferred Angle
Carpet scratchers may prefer a horizontal pad while sofa scratchers often prefer vertical surfaces.
5
Use Play to Create Interest
Play around the post with a suitable wand toy so your cat explores the area naturally.
6
Try Catnip
If your cat responds to catnip, a little on the scratching surface can make it more interesting.
7
Reward Voluntary Use
Calm praise, play or a small reward can help create a positive association with the post.
8
Give It Time
Once your cat begins using the post reliably, you can gradually move it if necessary.
1. Put the Scratching Post Where Your Cat Already Scratches
Placement is one of the biggest reasons scratching posts succeed or fail.
If your cat scratches the corner of your sofa every morning, put the scratching post directly beside that corner.
Do not immediately hide it in a hallway or spare room simply because it looks tidier there.
Your cat has already selected the sofa location for a reason.
Scratching can have a territorial and communication function, so location matters as much as the scratching material itself.
Other useful positions include:
- near a favourite sleeping area
- near entrances or frequently used routes
- in the living room or another socially important area
- near the specific carpet or wall currently being scratched
- in areas where your cat naturally stretches after waking
Once your cat uses the post consistently, you can try moving it gradually towards a more convenient location.
2. Make Sure the Scratching Post Does Not Wobble
Stability is crucial.
Imagine digging your claws into something and pulling downwards, only for the entire object to rock towards you.
A cat may decide very quickly that the scratching post is unreliable.
Meanwhile, your sofa weighs considerably more and barely moves.
A good scratching post should have a sufficiently wide, heavy base or another secure method of support.
Quick stability test
Before expecting your cat to use the post, push and pull it firmly with your hand. If it moves significantly under your weight, it may also feel unstable when your cat scratches vigorously against it.
3. Choose a Post Tall Enough for Your Cat
Vertical scratching is often combined with a full-body stretch.
Your cat may reach upwards, extend their front legs and pull down through the scratching material.
A tiny post may prevent an adult cat from performing that movement comfortably.
For a cat that prefers vertical scratching, choose a post that allows them to stretch upwards without immediately reaching the top.
This becomes particularly important with long or large cats.
If you have a Maine Coon, Ragdoll or another substantial breed, a large cat tree or substantial scratching post may offer more appropriate dimensions and stability.
4. Choose the Right Scratching Material
Cats can have surprisingly strong preferences about scratching textures.
Sisal is one of the most common materials used on scratching posts because it provides a coarse, durable surface that many cats can grip effectively.
Other cats may prefer:
- cardboard
- wood
- carpet-like materials
- sisal fabric
- sisal rope
Again, look at the surface your cat currently chooses.
If your cat exclusively scratches flat cardboard boxes, buying an enormous vertical rope post may not immediately satisfy the same preference.
You can browse different styles in our cat scratching post collection .
5. Work Out Whether Your Cat Is a Vertical or Horizontal Scratcher
One of the most useful clues is the direction in which your cat already scratches.
Vertical Scratching
Cats that scratch sofa arms, chair legs, wallpaper or door frames often prefer a tall vertical surface.
Horizontal Scratching
Cats that scratch carpets, rugs or stair treads may prefer a flat scratching pad or board.
Angled Scratching
Some cats prefer a sloping scratcher that sits somewhere between vertical and horizontal.
Some cats happily use several types.
There is no requirement to provide only one scratching surface in the house.
6. Use Play to Introduce the Scratching Post
You do not need to physically show your cat how to scratch.
Instead, make the area around the post interesting.
A wand toy can be moved around the base and sides of the post so your cat naturally approaches, climbs or places their paws against it during play.
If the scratching post is incorporated into a larger cat tree , play can also encourage your cat to explore the platforms and climbing areas.
Always supervise interactive toys containing string, feathers or similar components and put them away when play is finished if they are not designed for unsupervised use.
7. Can Catnip Encourage a Cat to Use a Scratching Post?
For some cats, yes.
A little dried catnip or a suitable catnip product applied to the scratching area may encourage investigation.
However, not every cat responds strongly to catnip, so a lack of interest does not mean anything is wrong.
Catnip should be an optional encouragement rather than an attempt to compensate for a post that is unstable, too short or badly positioned.
8. Reward Your Cat for Using the Post
If your cat voluntarily scratches the new post, that is the behaviour you want to reinforce.
Depending on what your cat enjoys, you might offer:
- calm praise
- a short play session
- gentle attention
- a small food reward taken from their normal daily allowance
The reward should follow the appropriate behaviour rather than the unwanted scratching.
You do not need to reward every scratch forever. The aim is to help the correct surface become familiar and worthwhile.
Where Is the Best Place to Put a Scratching Post?
There is no single perfect location for every cat.
The best position is determined partly by why and where your individual cat scratches.
| Your Cat Scratches... | Try Putting the Post... |
|---|---|
| The sofa | Immediately beside the scratched sofa arm or corner. |
| After waking | Near their favourite sleeping location. |
| Near doors | Close to that entrance or route, provided it does not obstruct access. |
| The carpet | Place a horizontal scratching mat over or beside the preferred area. |
| In the living room | Keep an appropriate scratching surface within the same socially important room. |
| Several different places | Provide several scratching options rather than expecting one post to cover the whole home. |
How Do You Move a Cat From Scratching Furniture to a Scratching Post?
The easiest strategy is usually to make the new scratching surface convenient while temporarily making the old location less appealing.
- Put the new post directly beside the scratched area. Do not ask your cat to travel to another room to perform a behaviour they currently carry out beside the sofa.
- Match the orientation. Use a vertical scratcher for vertical furniture scratching and a horizontal scratcher for carpets.
- Protect the furniture temporarily. A suitable furniture protector or smooth covering can make the existing surface less satisfying while the new habit develops.
- Encourage interest around the post. Use play or catnip if your cat responds to it.
- Reward appropriate scratching. Reinforce the behaviour you want rather than creating excitement around the furniture.
- Move the post gradually. If you eventually want it somewhere else, move it in small stages once your cat is using it reliably.
For a deeper explanation of the behaviour itself, read our guide to why cats scratch furniture and how to redirect it .
Should You Buy a Scratching Post or a Cat Tree?
Both can provide appropriate scratching surfaces.
Which one makes more sense depends on what else your cat needs.
| Scratching Post | Cat Tree | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary purpose | Scratching | Scratching, climbing and resting |
| Floor space | Usually smaller | Varies considerably |
| Climbing | Limited | Usually included |
| Sleeping areas | Usually none | Often includes platforms, beds or hammocks |
| Best suited to | A cat that mainly needs an appropriate scratching surface | A cat that also enjoys height, climbing and elevated resting areas |
A cat tree can be particularly useful when the scratching behaviour is combined with climbing furniture or a strong preference for elevated resting areas.
How Many Scratching Posts Do You Need?
One small scratching post in one room is not necessarily enough.
Cats may scratch for different reasons and in different parts of their territory.
In a multi-cat household, several scratching locations can be especially useful because cats should not have to compete for access to one important resource.
Rather than putting every scratching post side by side, spread them around the areas where the cats actually spend time.
A useful principle is to provide each cat with access to their own scratching opportunity in different locations, particularly where tension exists between cats.
What If My Kitten Won't Use a Scratching Post?
Kittens are still learning how to interact with their environment, so this is a good time to establish appropriate scratching habits.
Put the scratching surface somewhere the kitten naturally spends time and allow them to discover it through exploration and play.
Make sure it is stable enough that an enthusiastic kitten cannot easily pull it over.
You do not need to grab the kitten's paws and drag them down the post.
Instead, reward spontaneous interaction and provide appropriate scratching surfaces from the beginning.
What About Older Cats?
Older cats still need opportunities to scratch, but mobility changes can affect how they prefer to do it.
A cat that once enjoyed reaching high on a vertical post may begin to prefer a lower, angled or horizontal scratching surface.
If your older cat suddenly stops scratching, stretching, jumping or climbing normally, consider whether discomfort or reduced mobility could be involved and speak to your vet.
What Should You NOT Do?
Don't Spray Your Cat With Water
Frightening your cat does not teach them what scratching surface they should use and can negatively affect trust.
Don't Shout or Make Frightening Noises
Punishment can increase stress without providing an appropriate outlet for normal scratching behaviour.
Don't Force Their Paws Onto the Post
Physically moving your cat's paws against the post can make the experience unpleasant and discourage future use.
Don't Hide the Post Away
A scratching post in a room your cat rarely visits is unlikely to compete with furniture in their favourite living area.
Don't Remove Every Old Scratching Surface Immediately
Give your cat time to establish the new scratching habit before moving the new post away from the original location.
Don't Assume One Design Suits Every Cat
Experiment with different heights, materials and scratching angles if your first option is ignored.
Can Scratching Be a Sign of Stress?
Scratching itself is normal, but a sudden increase in scratching or new scratching locations can sometimes accompany stress or territorial insecurity.
Pay particular attention if scratching suddenly appears around:
- doors
- windows
- cat flaps
- areas where cats regularly encounter one another
- locations where unfamiliar outdoor cats can be seen
Consider whether anything has recently changed in the home, such as a new cat, new pet, visitors, building work or changes in routine.
If your cat appears anxious or you notice other significant behavioural changes, speak to your vet. A suitably qualified feline behaviour professional may also be appropriate once medical causes have been considered.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get my cat interested in a scratching post?
Position the post where your cat already scratches, make sure it is tall and stable, and use play or a little catnip if your cat responds to it. Reward your cat when they use the scratching surface voluntarily.
Why does my cat scratch the sofa but not the scratching post?
The sofa may be taller, heavier, more stable, better positioned or made from a texture your cat prefers. Try matching those qualities with a more suitable scratching post placed directly beside the sofa.
Where should I put my cat's scratching post?
Start beside the area your cat already scratches. Other useful locations include near sleeping areas, commonly used routes and rooms where your cat spends a lot of time.
How tall should a cat scratching post be?
A vertical post should be tall enough for your cat to stretch upwards comfortably while scratching. Larger cats generally need taller, more substantial posts.
Should I put catnip on a scratching post?
You can try a small amount if your cat responds positively to catnip. Some cats are very interested in it while others show little or no response.
Can I move the scratching post once my cat uses it?
Yes. Once your cat is using it consistently, move it gradually rather than suddenly relocating it to a completely different part of the house.
Why does my cat scratch the carpet?
Your cat may prefer horizontal scratching. Try a sturdy flat scratching pad or cardboard scratcher positioned directly over or beside the preferred carpet area.
Should I punish my cat for not using the scratching post?
No. Scratching is normal feline behaviour. Punishment can increase stress and does not teach your cat which surface they should use instead.
How many scratching posts should I have?
There is no single number that suits every home. Provide scratching opportunities in the locations your cat naturally uses, and offer several options in larger or multi-cat homes so cats do not have to compete for one resource.
The Bottom Line
If your cat will not use their scratching post, do not assume they are being difficult.
Look at what they are already telling you through their behaviour.
A cat scratching vertically against a solid sofa needs a tall, stable vertical alternative. A cat scratching the carpet may want something horizontal. And a cat scratching in the centre of family life probably will not be impressed by a post hidden in an empty room.
Match the scratching surface to your cat's preferences, put it where they already want to scratch and make using it a positive experience.
In most cases, changing the environment is far more effective than trying to stop a natural feline behaviour.