Treat My Cat
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In this guide
Scratching isn't bad behavior. Cats scratch to keep their claws in shape, to stretch, and to leave scent and visual marks that say "this is home". You can't stop a cat scratching, but you can choose where it happens. The trick is a post your cat prefers to your furniture, and that comes down to a few simple things: height, sturdiness, material and location.
What to look for
Tall enough for a full stretch. Your cat should be able to stretch out fully on its back legs and still not reach the top. For most adult cats that means at least 30 inches (75 cm). Many store-bought posts are far too short, which is the most common reason cats ignore them.
Rock solid. If a post wobbles or tips when your cat pulls on it, your cat won't trust it. Look for a wide, heavy base, or a post that fixes to a wall. Give it a firm shake in the store.
The right material. Most cats love sisal rope or sisal fabric, which shreds satisfyingly. Corrugated cardboard is a cheap, popular alternative. Carpet-covered posts are less ideal, because they teach cats that carpet is for scratching.
The right direction. Some cats scratch upward (vertical), and some prefer to scratch along the floor (horizontal). Watch what your cat scratches now. If it's the side of the couch, go vertical. If it's the rug, try a flat or angled cardboard scratcher.
Types of scratcher
| Type | Best for | Good to know | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tall sisal post | Most cats, vertical scratchers | Choose 30 inches or taller with a heavy base. | Tall sisal posts |
| Cat tree with scratching posts | Climbers, multi-cat homes, indoor cats | Adds height, hiding spots and perches as well as scratching. Check it's stable. | Cat trees |
| Flat or angled cardboard scratcher | Horizontal scratchers, older cats | Cheap, and many cats love them. Replace them when they're worn down. | Cardboard scratchers |
| Wall- or door-mounted scratcher | Small homes | Saves floor space and can't tip over. | Wall scratchers |
| Scratching mat or couch-corner guard | Protecting a favorite spot | Put it right where your cat already scratches. | Mats and guards |
Most homes do best with more than one scratcher: at least one in each main room your cat uses, and one for every cat in multi-cat homes.
Where to put it
Location matters as much as the post itself.
- Next to where your cat already scratches. If they scratch the arm of the couch, put the post right in front of it.
- Near where they sleep. Cats love a good stretch and scratch when they wake up.
- In a main room, not hidden away. Scratching is partly about marking territory, so a post in a back room does little.
- By doors and entrances, where cats like to mark "this is my space".
Once your cat is using the post reliably, you can move it gradually, a few inches a day, to where you'd prefer it.
How to get your cat to use it
- Make it rewarding. Drag a wand toy up and around the post, rub a little catnip or silver vine on it, and give a treat when your cat scratches it.
- Make the furniture less appealing for a while. Cover favorite spots with a throw or double-sided sticky tape until the new habit sticks.
- Never punish scratching, and never force your cat's paws onto the post. Both make cats anxious and less likely to use it.
- Be patient. It can take a few weeks for a new habit to form.
Regular nail trims also reduce damage. If you're unsure how, ask your vet or vet nurse to show you.
Don't declaw
Declawing is the surgical removal of the last bone of each toe. It can cause long-term pain, litter box problems and biting, and it's opposed by the American Association of Feline Practitioners and banned in a growing number of US states and cities. A good scratching post, regular nail trims and patience solve almost every scratching problem.
If your cat is suddenly scratching much more or much less than usual, or seems sore in its paws, see your vet. Pain, stress and arthritis can all change scratching habits.
Common questions
Why does my cat ignore its scratching post?
Usually because it's too short, too wobbly, covered in the wrong material, or in the wrong place. A tall, heavy sisal post placed right next to the furniture your cat is scratching fixes most cases.
Is a cat tree better than a scratching post?
A cat tree does more: scratching, climbing, perching and hiding. It's especially good for indoor cats and multi-cat homes. But a well-chosen, tall sisal post is enough for scratching alone, and it takes up less space.
How often should I replace a scratching post?
When the surface is worn smooth or the post starts to wobble. Shredded sisal is a sign the post is popular, not that it's finished. Many posts let you replace just the sisal or the cardboard insert.
How do I stop my kitten scratching furniture?
Start early. Give kittens a scratcher in every room they use, reward them every time they use one, and redirect them gently from furniture to a post. Habits formed in the first few months tend to last.
The short version
Choose a tall, heavy sisal post (30 inches or more), put it right where your cat already scratches, and make it fun with play and treats. Have more than one. Never punish scratching, and don't declaw. For more ways to keep an indoor cat busy, see our guide to the best toys for indoor cats.
Sources
This guide is based on published guidance from:
Written from published veterinary guidance. How we write our guides.