How to Choose a Scratching Post Your Cat Will Actually Use
Scratching is as natural to cats as breathing. It stretches the muscles, sheds worn claw sheaths, leaves visual and scent marks and feels good. A cat without a good scratching surface will find its own, usually the arm of your sofa. Choosing the right post, and putting it in the right place, saves your furniture and keeps your cat happy.
Why cats scratch
- Claw care. Scratching removes old outer claw layers.
- Stretching. It works the back, shoulders and legs.
- Marking. Glands in the paws leave scent, and the scratches are visible signs.
- Stress relief and play. Cats often scratch after waking or when excited.
See why do cats scratch furniture.
Features of a good post
Height. Tall enough for the cat to stretch to full length. Many adult cats need a post thirty inches or taller, and large breeds more. See largest cat breeds.
Stability. A wobbly post teaches the cat not to trust it. Look for a heavy, wide base, or a post that anchors to a wall or door.
Material. Cats often prefer sisal rope or sisal fabric, which they can dig their claws into. Others like cardboard, wood, carpet or bark. Avoid very soft carpet loops that catch claws. If your cat scratches your carpet, offer a carpet-covered post, but be aware that this may encourage carpet scratching elsewhere. Observe what your cat already uses.
Orientation. Some cats scratch vertically, others horizontally, and some at an angle. Offer a variety.
Texture and wear. Replace worn posts, since a tattered surface can be less attractive, though some cats like a worn one.
Types of scratchers
- Tall posts. For vertical scratching and stretching.
- Horizontal pads and cardboard scratchers. Cheap, with good appeal to many cats.
- Angled ramps. A compromise between the two.
- Wall-mounted scratchers. Space saving.
- Door hangers. Useful for cats that scratch doors.
- Cat trees. Combine climbing and scratching. See how to choose a cat tree.
Where to put them
Place scratchers where your cat likes to scratch, such as next to the sofa it targets, near the bed, and at entrances, since cats scratch to mark. Put one near where the cat sleeps, because cats like to stretch after waking. Several posts around the house work better than a single one. Do not hide them in a corner.
Training a cat to use a post
- Place the post in front of the targeted furniture.
- Encourage with a wand toy that moves up the post, or rub it with catnip or silvervine. See is catnip safe for cats.
- Reward with praise and treats when the cat scratches.
- Cover the old target with double-sided tape or a plastic sheet, to make it less appealing, and gradually move it away as the post becomes preferred.
- Never punish or drag the cat to the post. Fear makes things worse.
Protecting furniture
Trim your cat's nails regularly. See how to trim cat nails. Soft nail caps are an option for some cats. Use furniture covers, or choose fabrics that are hard to scratch. Spray bottles and loud noises are not advised because they stress cats.
Why declawing is not the answer
Declawing removes the end bone of each toe, and can cause pain, behavior problems and nerve damage. It is banned in many places, and most vets and animal welfare groups oppose it. See declawing cats: what vets say.
When scratching signals a problem
Excessive scratching of the skin, rather than furniture, may mean allergies or parasites. See fleas on cats and cat skin allergies. A cat that suddenly scratches more at doors may be stressed. See cat separation anxiety.
Kittens
Start early, offering a post as soon as a kitten explores. See kitten supplies checklist.
Reading your cat's preferences
Watch what your cat already scratches. If it goes for the carpet edge, it likes horizontal surfaces with some grip. If it targets the sofa arm, it probably wants a tall vertical option with a firm texture. If it uses the bed legs, try wood or a log. Buy one or two cheap options of different types and see which wins before investing in a large tree. Cats also like to scratch right after waking, so a post near the bed is a good choice.
Care and replacement
Check posts for loose parts, torn fabric and wobbling. Replace cardboard pads when they flatten. Vacuum fur and dust, and re-wrap sisal when it is shredded. Keep the old post in place when you add a new one, so that your cat can transfer gradually.
Multi-cat homes
Provide several posts so cats do not compete. See aggression between cats.
When to see a vet
See a vet if claws are overgrown, split or infected, or if scratching is out of character. Use the US vet directory to find a clinic.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my cat ignore the scratching post?
It may be unstable, too short, covered in the wrong material or in the wrong place.
What height should a scratching post be?
Tall enough for the cat to stretch fully, usually thirty inches or more for adults.
Which material do cats like best?
Sisal is a favorite, but some cats prefer cardboard, carpet or wood.
Should I declaw my cat to protect furniture?
No. Declawing is a painful amputation, and scratching can be managed with posts, trimming and training.
Sources and further reading
We link to recognised organizations so you can check the basics for yourself. We have no commercial relationship with any site listed here.
- ASPCA cat careEveryday care, behavior and safety basics for cats.
- American Veterinary Medical Association: pet owner resourcesPolicy-level guidance from the national veterinary association.
- Fear Free PetsLow-stress handling and care for dogs and cats.
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