How to Get Cat to Scratch Post | Training That Works

Scratching is instinct for cats—it stretches their muscles, marks territory, and keeps claws healthy. Fighting it never works; channeling it does.

Why Your Cat Ignores the Scratching Post

Most cats don’t avoid a post out of stubbornness—they skip it because the post is in the wrong spot, feels unstable, or carries no reward. The three most common mistakes are hiding the post in a corner, buying one too short or wobbly, and using a single post in a multi-cat home.

Cats scratch for practical reasons, so the post must solve a real problem. If the furniture they shred is where they stretch after a nap, the post needs to be right beside that napping spot, not tucked three rooms away. Position the post where the cat already spends time, especially in front of the furniture they currently scratch.

Choosing a Scratching Post Cats Actually Use

Cats prefer posts that are sturdy enough to support a full stretch and tall enough to satisfy the motion.

Material matters more than most owners realize. Sisal, carpet, cardboard, and rope all feel different under a cat’s claws, and individual cats have strong preferences. If your cat ignores sisal, try cardboard or carpet instead of concluding they won’t use any post.

Watch how your cat scratches to pick the right style. Cats that stretch up on the arm of a sofa need a vertical post. Cats that scrape across the floor need a horizontal cardboard or carpet scratcher. Some cats prefer both.

Step-by-Step Training: How to Get Cat to Scratch Post

Training works fastest when you make the post impossible to miss and rewarding to touch. Follow this sequence, and adjust only the pace.

• Place the post strategically. Put it where the cat already scratches or sleeps, in a high-traffic area. A post hidden in a corner will sit untouched.
• Make it attractive. Rub catnip into the scratching surface or sprinkle some around the base. Dangling a toy near the post also draws attention.
• Play near the post. Tease a toy up and down the scratching surface so the cat’s paws contact it during play. Reward any interaction at first—even sniffing—then reward the scratch itself.
• Reward immediately. Hand over a treat or praise within three seconds of the scratch. That timing is what builds the association between the post and something good.
• Redirect, never punish. If the cat claws furniture, gently move them to the post and reward the correct choice. Never scold, spray water, or force paws onto the post—that creates fear and a negative association.
• Use deterrents on furniture. While training, cover problem surfaces with double-sided tape or aluminum foil to make the wrong spot less appealing and the post more attractive by comparison.

If your cat still won’t scratch, check the post’s stability. A wobbly post feels unsafe, so a cat will avoid it. Add a second post in another room—cats in multi-cat households often need several scratching spots to claim as their own. And for outdoor or semi-feral cats, sturdier, larger posts hold up better under heavier use; our tested roundup of the best feral cat scratch posts covers the toughest options.

FAQ

How long does it take to train a cat to use a scratching post?

Kittens learn fastest, but adult cats learn too with patience.

What if my cat only scratches the carpet, not the post?

Pick a horizontal scratcher made of cardboard or carpet and lay it flat on the floor where your cat scratches. Rub catnip into the surface and reward any paw contact.

Should I punish my cat for scratching furniture?

No. Punishment—scolding, spraying, or physical force—builds fear and anxiety, which makes scratching worse. Cats don’t connect punishment to the act hours later; they connect it to you. Redirect your cat to the post, reward the right choice, and use temporary deterrents like double-sided tape on furniture.