Are you a cat owner? You’ve probably walked into a room only to have your cat scratching your couch, rug, or even your walls. Frustrating, right?
Don’t get angry yet—scratching is a natural behavior in cats. The trick isn’t keeping them from scratching—it’s learning how to train your cat to use a scratching post instead of your furniture.
Here’s a guide on why cats scratch, how to choose the best scratching post, and step-by-step instructions on how to train them to use it (instead of your furniture!).
Why Do Cats Scratch?
Scratching isn’t a habit—it’s an instinct. Here’s why your cat needs to scratch:
1. Marking Their Territory
Cats have scent glands in their paws and use scratching to mark their territory. If your cat’s scratching your couch, they’re not trying to destroy it—they’re declaring, “This is mine!”
2. Keeping Their Claws Healthy
Scratching sheds dead layers from a cat’s claws, keeping them sharp and clean. Without a suitable place to scratch, your cat will seek out an alternative—whether it’s your furniture or a scratching post!
3. Stretching & Stress Release
Scratching lets cats stretch their muscles and relieve stress. It’s the feline version of a morning stretch.
💡 Tip: If your cat scratches as soon as they wake up, place a scratching post near their sleeping spot!
How to Choose the Ideal Scratching Post
All scratching posts are not equal! Some cats love vertical posts, others love horizontal scratchers. Here’s how to pick the best for your cat:
1. Material Matters: Sisal vs. Carpet vs. Cardboard
✔️ Sisal fabric – Durable and provides a nice scratch (best choice).
✔️ Carpeted posts – Gentle on paws and soft, but can cause rugs to be scratched.
✔️ Cardboard scratchers – Inexpensive option but wears out quickly.
2. Height & Stability
✔️ Ensure the post is tall enough for a stretch.
✔️ A wobbly post will scare your cat, so choose a post with a solid base.
3. Vertical vs. Flat Scratchers
Some cats prefer vertical and others prefer horizontal scratchers. Try them out and let your cat decide what they prefer.
💡 Tip: If your cat scratches on furniture legs and on doors, they prefer vertical scratchers.
Step-by-Step Training: How to Train Your Cat to Use a Scratching Post
Now you have the perfect scratching post, it’s time to train your cat to use it.
1. Place the Scratching Post in the Perfect Place
📍 Don’t hide it in a corner! Your cat won’t use it if it’s out of sight.
📍 Place the post near their scratching hotspots (near your couch, for example).
📍 If your cat scratches on wakening from a nap, place a scratching post near their bed.
💡 Tip: If your cat scratches in a specific spot, place a scratching post in the very spot to redirect their habit.
2. Make the Scratching Post Indispensable
Some cats require a bit of encouragement! Here’s how to make the post irresistible:
✔️ Sprinkle catnip or silvervine on the post.
✔️ Use dangling toys to entice them.
✔️ Reward them with praise and/or treats when they use the post.
💡 Tip: If your cat ignores the post, gently place their paws on it to show them how it works.
3. Reward and Reinforce Good Behavior
Reward your cat each time they use the scratching post:
✔️ Treat them with praise and gentle petting.
✔️ Use clicker training (click + reward) to reward the behavior.
✔️ Place their favorite toys nearby to associate them with the post.
💡 Tip: Cats prefer rewards over punishment, so don’t yell at them for scratching furniture.
4. Deter Furniture Scratching (Without Frightening Your Cat!)
If your cat keeps scratching where they shouldn’t, try the following tips:
🚫 Put double-sided sticky tape on furniture—cats hate the feel.
🚫 Put aluminum foil or plastic over the scratched area temporarily.
🚫 Put the scratching post near where they’re scratching to redirect them.
💡 Tip: Be patient—your cat may take a few weeks to get the hang of it.
Frequently Made Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
❌ 1. Choosing the Wrong Scratching Post
If your cat isn’t using the post, try a different material or level. Cats have preferences too!
❌ 2. Placing the Scratching Post in the Wrong Location
📍 If the post isn’t visible in a busy place, your cat won’t use it. Put it in a visible place!
❌ 3. Yelling at Your Cat for Scratching Furniture
Yelling and spraying water won’t work—it just frightens your cat.
✔️ Instead, redirect their behavior and reward them when they use the right spot.
Additional Tips for Successful Scratch Training
✔️ Use multiple scratching posts if you have multiple cats.
✔️ Change scratching posts every now and then to add some variety.
✔️ Trim your cat’s nails regularly to cut down on damage.
✔️ Play with your cat near the scratching post so they use it naturally.
💡 Tip: Cats love variety—try out different scratching posts to see what they love!
FAQs
Q: Why won’t my cat use the scratching post?
✔️ Perhaps the material is incorrect—try sisal, carpet, or cardboard.
✔️ It might be too short or wobbly—make sure it’s stable.
✔️ Move it to a better place (where they have already scratched).
Q: How long does it take to train a cat to use a scratching post?
Most cats learn in a few days to a few weeks—it’s all dependent on their habits.
Q: Can I stop my cat from scratching altogether?
No—scratching is natural and a requirement for cats. The aim is redirection, not elimination.
Also Read - How to Stop Your Cat from Waking You Up at Night?
Final Thoughts
Your cat isn’t scratching your couch to annoy you—it’s an urge!
But with the right scratching post and some easy tips on how to train them, you can save your couch and your cat can be happy.
🐾 Place scratching posts in the right locations.
🐾 Use catnip, toys, and rewards to entice them.
🐾 Be patient—every cat learns at their own rate!
Eventually, your cat will use their scratching post instead of your couch—and you’ll be happy too!
💬 Does your cat have a favorite scratching post? Tell us in the comments! 🐱👇
