Hey there, fellow cat parents! Natalie here from Chew Crew Pet. If you’ve ever spent forty-five minutes assembling a beautiful, multi-level cat tower only to watch your cat ignore it and go right back to shredding the corner of your brand-new velvet sofa, please know: you are not alone.
At Chew Crew Pet, we talk to pet parents every day who are frustrated that their feline friends treat their expensive scratching posts like invisible museum exhibits. We get it! It’s annoying, it’s expensive, and it’s tough on your home décor. But before you give up and accept the "shabby chic" (aka shredded) look for your furniture, let’s talk strategy.
Scratching is a fundamental, biological need for cats. They do it to stretch their muscles, shed the outer husks of their claws, and, most importantly, mark their territory with scent glands in their paws. If they aren't using the post you bought, it’s usually because the post isn't meeting one of those needs.
Here are 15 simple, tried-and-true ways to get your cat to finally fall in love with their scratching post.
1. Location, Location, Location
Think about where your cat currently scratches. Is it the side of the couch? The rug in the hallway? Cats usually scratch in "high-traffic" areas or places where they want to announce their presence. If you tuck the scratching post away in a guest bedroom or a dark corner, your cat won't use it. Place the post right next to the furniture they are currently targeting. For a deeper dive into why this matters, check out our guide on cat scratching post placement 101.
2. The "Post-Nap" Placement
Have you ever noticed that cats love a good stretch right after they wake up? Placing a scratching post near their favorite sleeping spot is a game-changer. When they roll out of bed (or off the sunny windowsill), the post will be the first thing they see. It’s the feline equivalent of a morning stretch and a cup of coffee.
3. Stability is Non-Negotiable
Imagine trying to lean into a good stretch and the wall starts wobbling. You’d probably stop, right? If a scratching post wiggles, tips, or slides across the floor, your cat will immediately feel unsafe using it. A sturdy base is the hallmark of a high-quality cat tower. If your current post is wobbly, try weighing the base down with a couple of dumbbells or securing it to a heavier piece of furniture.
4. Height Matters
A cat needs to be able to fully extend their body when they scratch. If the post is too short, they can’t get that satisfying shoulder stretch they crave. This is a common issue with "kitten-sized" posts sold in big-box stores. For adult cats, look for posts or cat trees that are at least 30 inches tall. If you’re dealing with a larger breed, you might want to read up on 7 mistakes you’re making with your cat tree for large cats.
5. Match the Texture to Their Taste
Cats can be picky about what they put their claws into. Most high-quality posts use sisal rope, which is durable and provides great resistance. However, some cats prefer the "shred-ability" of corrugated cardboard or the natural feel of real wood. If your cat is currently obsessed with your carpet, try a carpet-covered post (though be warned, this can sometimes confuse them into thinking all carpet is fair game!).
6. Go Vertical AND Horizontal
Not every cat is a "tree dweller." Some cats are "bush dwellers" who prefer to scratch horizontally. If your cat is constantly attacking your rugs, a vertical post might not be the answer. Try a horizontal scratching pad or an inclined cardboard sloper. Providing both options is the best way to see what your cat actually prefers.
7. The Power of Catnip
This is an oldie but a goodie. Rubbing high-quality catnip or spraying a bit of catnip oil onto the post can make it irresistible. The scent draws them in, and as they roll around and "knead" the post in excitement, they realize how good the texture feels on their claws.
8. Introduce Silver Vine or Valerian
Did you know that about one-third of cats don't actually respond to catnip? If your cat is a "non-responder," don't worry. Try Silver Vine or Valerian root. These are alternative natural herbs that often trigger a similar euphoric response in cats. Sprinkle a little on the base of the post and watch the magic happen.
9. Make it a Playground
Sometimes a cat just needs to be shown that the post is a "fun" zone. Use fishing-pole style toys to lure your cat toward the post. Dangle the toy at the top of the post so they have to climb or reach up to grab it. Their claws will naturally sink into the material, and they’ll realize, "Hey, this feels pretty good!" If you’re looking for more ways to keep them engaged, check out our list of 10 interactive cat toys that actually work.
10. Use Positive Reinforcement (Treats!)
Cats are surprisingly trainable when there are snacks involved. Keep a bag of their favorite treats nearby. Every time you see your cat even sniff the scratching post, give them a treat and some verbal praise. If they actually take a swipe at it, give them a "jackpot" of three or four treats. They will quickly associate the post with the "good stuff."
11. Scent Marking (The "Glove" Trick)
Since scratching is about leaving scent, you can help the process along. Take a clean, soft cloth and gently rub it around your cat’s cheeks (where their facial scent glands are). Then, rub that cloth onto the scratching post. By putting their own scent on the post, you’re making it feel like "theirs" much faster.
12. Don’t Throw Away the "Ugly" Ones
This is a common mistake! Once a scratching post looks shredded and "ugly," humans want to throw it away and buy a fresh one. But to a cat, that shredded post is perfectly broken in and smells exactly like them. If you must replace a post, keep the old one next to the new one for a few weeks to allow for a transition period. For more on this, read is your cat ignoring their scratching post?.
13. Multiple Cats = Multiple Posts
In a multi-cat household, scratching is a way of claiming space. If you only have one post, the "Alpha" cat might claim it, leaving the others to find alternative (and usually more expensive) surfaces to scratch. The general rule is one post per cat, plus one extra, distributed throughout the house.
14. Use Deterrents on the "Wrong" Spots
While you’re encouraging the post, you need to make the furniture less appealing. Use double-sided "sticky tape" designed for furniture or a citrus-scented spray on the corners of your couch. Cats hate the feeling of sticky paws and the smell of citrus. When they go to scratch the couch and find it unpleasant, they’ll look for the nearest "approved" surface: which should be your perfectly placed scratching post!
15. Patience (And Never Force It)
Whatever you do, never grab your cat's paws and force them to "scratch" the post. This is a surefire way to create a negative association with the post and with you. Cats don't learn through force; they learn through curiosity and reward. Be patient, keep the treats coming, and stay consistent.
Wrapping It Up
Getting your cat to use a scratching post isn't about "breaking" their habit; it's about redirecting their natural instincts to a better target. By combining the right placement, the right texture, and plenty of positive reinforcement, you can save your furniture and keep your kitty happy.
If you’ve tried all of the above and your cat is still a sofa-shredding machine, it might be time to upgrade to a more engaging setup. A multi-level cat tree often solves the problem by providing height, different textures, and a sense of security. Just make sure you aren't making these 7 common mistakes with your cat tree.
At Chew Crew Pet, we’re dedicated to helping you build the best life for your furry friends. Whether it’s finding the perfect cat tower or switching to an automatic cat feeder to make your mornings easier, we’ve got your back.
Happy scratching (on the post, not the couch)!