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Entry 988Filed under Breeding

Cat Scratching Post Training: 8 Ways to Encourage Your Cat to Use It

Help your cat choose the scratching post by matching its orientation and texture, placing it near familiar targets and rewarding voluntary use promptly.
3-minute read By Animalso Team
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To get your cat to use a scratching post, choose a stable scratcher that suits its preferred height, angle and texture, place it near a spot the cat already scratches, and reward voluntary interest right away. Scratching is normal feline behavior, so the goal is to redirect it—not stop it. Avoid forcing your cat’s paws onto the post or punishing unwanted scratching.

Why cats scratch—and why redirection works

Scratching helps cats maintain claw health, deposit scent and leave visual marks. Because it is a normal behavior, a cat that scratches the sofa is not being spiteful; the practical solution is to make an acceptable surface more appealing and accessible.

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The Feline Veterinary Medical Association explains the behavior in its Setting Up the Environment for Success guidance. The recommendations below focus on matching the scratcher to your cat and rewarding choices you want repeated.

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Eight ways to encourage your cat to use a scratching post

1. Choose a stable post that allows a full stretch

For a vertical post, stability and height matter: ASPCA guidance recommends a sturdy post at least three feet tall, while FelineVMA guidance says it should be taller than your cat’s body length so the cat can stretch fully. These are practical starting points, not a guarantee every cat will use a particular post. Check that it does not wobble when your cat leans on it.

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MECOOL Cat Scratching Post Premium Basics Kitten Scratcher Sisal Scratch Posts with Hanging Ball 22in for Kittens or Smaller Cats (22 inches for Kitten, Beige)
  • Premium Quality Materials - This product is made of 100% natural sisal hemp.The base and top is a weighted MDF covering the carpet.Nature High Quality Sisal Safe Plush Long Lasting Usage Stable basement, never tip over easily.
  • Protect your furniture - Grab sticks and plush toys combine to attract cats to play and grab, natural sisal is suitable for cats to grab, effectively preventing cats from grabbing furniture
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  • 22"Tall Cat Scratching Post -11.8 x 11.8 x 22 Inches,design for kitties or smaller cats.
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2. Match the scratcher’s orientation to your cat

Some cats prefer vertical surfaces, others scratch horizontally, and some favor an angled surface. If your cat targets carpet, try a horizontal scratcher or pad rather than assuming it will switch to an upright post. You can observe the direction your cat already scratches and offer a similar angle.

3. Try different scratching materials

Sisal is common, but it is not a universal favorite. Cats may prefer cardboard, carpet, wood or rope. If one texture is ignored, offer a different substrate and watch which one your cat chooses. When selecting a scratcher, consider material alongside its stability, height and orientation.

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EHEYCIGA Cardboard Cat Scratcher for Indoor Cats, 26.8 Inch, Brown
  • HIGH QUALITY MATERIALS: The surface of the cat scratching board is made of non-toxic and high-density corrugated paper, which is durable enough to withstand cat scratching.
  • INNOVATIVE DESIGN: Our cat scratcher for indoor cats features an L-shaped design. Please place it against wall and sofa to protect your furniture. The L-shaped cat scratcher provides more scratching area for cats to scratch in a variety of positions.
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4. Put a scratcher beside the furniture or spot being targeted

Place a post or pad directly beside the couch leg, door or other place your cat already scratches. During the transition, protect the target with a furniture protector or throw blanket while making the acceptable surface easy to reach. FelineVMA’s 2026 toolkit advises against using double-sided sticky tape as a deterrent in this training context.

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5. Add a scratcher near a favorite sleeping spot

Cats often stretch and scratch after waking. A scratcher beside a favored bed or resting place gives your cat a convenient surface at a moment when scratching may come naturally.

6. Use a toy or catnip only if your cat likes it

A toy or catnip may make a scratcher more interesting to some cats. Treat these as optional lures: if your cat ignores them or seems uninterested, there is no need to keep using them.

Rank #3
Amazon Basics Sturdy Cat Scratching Post for Indoor Cats & Kittens, Classic Single Post with Sisal Rope, Jute Fiber, Wood Base, Large (35.4"H), Brown
  • Scratching post provides a place for cats to sharpen their claws and keep nails healthy
  • Includes a single pillar scratching post in neutral colors with a replaceable dangle toy
  • Natural jute fiber provides an optimal scratching surface
  • Sturdy wood base helps prevent the post from tipping
  • Ideal for redirecting cats away from scratching household carpet or furniture; spot clean as needed

7. Reward voluntary interest immediately

Reward small steps, not just a full scratching session. If your cat approaches, investigates, touches or scratches the post, offer something it enjoys—such as a treat, play, attention, petting or grooming. FelineVMA materials recommend delivering the reward within three seconds so it is clearly connected to the behavior.

8. Keep training calm and watch for changes

Do not hold your cat and press its paws onto the post, yell or punish it for scratching elsewhere. Force and punishment can create fear and interfere with learning. If your cat’s preferences change, reconsider the scratcher’s location, texture or orientation; life stage and chronic conditions can also affect scratching behavior.

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Rank #4
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Amazon Basics Cat Scratching Post for Indoor Cats & Kittens, Medium (31.5"H), Cat Furniture with Dangling Ball Toy, Grey
  • Scratching post provides a place for cats to sharpen their claws and keep nails healthy
  • Includes a single pillar scratching post with a replaceable dangle toy
  • Natural jute fiber offers an optimal scratching surface
  • Sturdy base helps prevent the post from tipping
  • Ideal for redirecting cats away from scratching household carpet or furniture; spot clean as needed
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When scratching changes call for veterinary advice

Contact a veterinarian if scratching behavior changes suddenly or comes with signs of pain, fear or distress. ASPCA guidance also recommends veterinary examination for abnormal skin changes or persistent excessive scratching, licking or biting. Health problems can affect behavior and make a training change harder to interpret.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1
Bestseller No. 3
Amazon Basics Sturdy Cat Scratching Post for Indoor Cats & Kittens, Classic Single Post with Sisal Rope, Jute Fiber, Wood Base, Large (35.4'H), Brown
Amazon Basics Sturdy Cat Scratching Post for Indoor Cats & Kittens, Classic Single Post with Sisal Rope, Jute Fiber, Wood Base, Large (35.4"H), Brown
Scratching post provides a place for cats to sharpen their claws and keep nails healthy; Includes a single pillar scratching post in neutral colors with a replaceable dangle toy
$37.76
SaleBestseller No. 4
Amazon Basics Cat Scratching Post for Indoor Cats & Kittens, Medium (31.5'H), Cat Furniture with Dangling Ball Toy, Grey
Amazon Basics Cat Scratching Post for Indoor Cats & Kittens, Medium (31.5"H), Cat Furniture with Dangling Ball Toy, Grey
Scratching post provides a place for cats to sharpen their claws and keep nails healthy; Includes a single pillar scratching post with a replaceable dangle toy
$18.89
Bestseller No. 5
SmartCat Pioneer Pet Ultimate Scratching Post (Beige)
SmartCat Pioneer Pet Ultimate Scratching Post (Beige)
32″ height allows cats to stretch fully and tone muscles; Sturdy 16″ by 16″ base eliminates tipping and wobbling
$69.99
Best Value
SmartCat Pioneer Pet Ultimate Scratching Post (Beige)
  • 32″ height allows cats to stretch fully and tone muscles
  • Sturdy 16″ by 16″ base eliminates tipping and wobbling
  • Fibrous and durable woven sisal naturally inspires scratching
  • Superior to carpeted posts that may snag nail
  • Assembles with two included screws

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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