How to teach a cat to use a scratching post? A practical guide

Not every cat immediately understands that a new scratching post has been placed there especially for them. Some cats start using it within minutes, others inspect it carefully first, while some may continue choosing the sofa or an armchair for several days. This does not mean that the cat “does not like scratching posts”. Usually, the key is to choose the right structure, place it correctly and encourage the cat in the right way.

Scratching is a natural feline behaviour, so the aim should not be to stop a cat from scratching. Instead, we should provide an attractive place where this behaviour can be expressed safely. A well-designed cat tree can provide a place for scratching, stretching, climbing, observing the surroundings, playing and resting.

Why do cats scratch?

Cats do not scratch furniture to annoy their owners. Scratching performs several natural functions. It helps remove the worn outer layers of the claws, allows the cat to stretch the muscles of the back and limbs, and is also a way of marking its environment. When scratching, a cat leaves both visible marks and scent signals.

For this reason, scratching should not be suppressed through punishment. It is much more effective to provide a surface that is more comfortable and attractive than a sofa, carpet or door frame.

Start with the right scratching structure

If a cat consistently ignores its scratching post, the problem is not always the cat's behaviour. Sometimes the structure itself simply does not meet the animal's needs.

First of all, it should be stable. If it moves or wobbles when the cat puts its weight against it, the animal may quickly lose confidence in it. The length of the scratching surface is also important. Many cats like to stretch their front legs and entire body fully while scratching.

The material matters too. Sisal rope is one of the surfaces commonly accepted by cats, although some animals also enjoy sisal mats or horizontal scratching surfaces. If you want to learn more about the construction and durability of a good scratching structure, read our guide on how to recognise a truly good cat tree.

Place it where your cat actually needs it

One of the most common mistakes is placing a scratching post where it suits the owner but where the cat has little reason to spend time. Even an excellent cat tree placed in an isolated room may lose to the corner of a sofa located in the centre of family life.

A good location is an area where the cat already scratches, frequently walks past or likes to rest. Many cats scratch shortly after waking up, which is why a scratching surface near a favourite sleeping place can work particularly well.

If your cat scratches one particular corner of the sofa, place the scratching post directly beside it at first. Once the cat starts using the new surface regularly, you can gradually move it if necessary.

Encourage your cat – do not force it

Do not take your cat's paws and rub them against the scratching surface. Many cats dislike being physically forced to perform a behaviour, and this can create a negative association with the new scratching post.

Instead, use natural curiosity and play. Move a wand toy around the base, posts and platforms so that the cat voluntarily approaches, climbs and touches the scratching surface with its claws. Sometimes the first accidental scratch is enough for the cat to discover what the surface is for.

Can catnip help?

Catnip can be useful, but not every cat responds to it. If your cat enjoys the scent, a small amount around the scratching area may increase interest. It should, however, be treated as an optional aid rather than the main training method.

A favourite toy or a small treat placed on a platform can work in a similar way. The aim is to create a positive association with the new place.

Reward the behaviour you want

Positive reinforcement works best when the reward follows the desired behaviour immediately. When your cat voluntarily approaches the scratching post, climbs on it or starts scratching, calmly praise the cat, offer a short play session or give a small treat.

Food does not have to be the reward for every cat. Some cats value play, gentle attention or interaction with their owner much more.

What if the cat continues scratching furniture?

Avoid shouting at the cat or spraying it with water. This may only teach the animal not to scratch the furniture while you are present, while the underlying need to scratch remains unchanged.

Instead, place an appropriate scratching surface directly beside the chosen piece of furniture and temporarily make the old scratching spot less attractive. Reward the cat whenever it chooses the scratching post.

If the cat continues to ignore it, check:

• whether the structure is stable enough,
• whether the scratching surface is long enough,
• whether it is positioned in the right place,
• whether your cat prefers vertical, horizontal or angled scratching,
• whether the material suits the cat's preferences.

Kittens and adult cats

Kittens usually explore new objects readily and can quickly include a scratching post in their daily play. From the beginning, place it in an area where the kitten is active and use play to encourage climbing and scratching.

Adult cats can also change their habits successfully, although more patience may be required. If a cat has scratched the same armchair for several years, it is unrealistic to expect the behaviour to disappear immediately after a new scratching post is introduced.

In a multi-cat home, one scratching place may not be enough

Different cats may have different preferences. One may enjoy a tall vertical post, another may prefer a mat, while a third may want to scratch after waking up in a completely different part of the home.

A large cat tree with several posts and levels provides more options, but in larger homes it is often worth providing scratching surfaces in several important locations.

How to teach a cat to use a scratching post step by step

1. Choose a stable structure with a scratching surface suited to the size and scratching style of your cat.
2. Place it where the cat actually spends time or already tries to scratch.
3. Use play and curiosity to attract the cat instead of forcing interaction.
4. Reward voluntary use of the scratching surface.
5. Observe your cat and adjust the location or type of scratching surface when necessary.

A good scratching structure makes learning easier

Teaching a cat to use a scratching post usually does not require complicated techniques. The most important thing is to make the new scratching place stable, comfortable, accessible and attractive enough to satisfy the cat's natural needs.

If you are still choosing a suitable model, explore our range of cat trees and compare different sizes, designs and mounting systems. A structure that matches the cat's size and habits makes directing natural scratching behaviour much easier.