Training Your Cat to Use a Scratching Post Instead of Furniture

❤ By Pawfect Cat Care Editorial Team • Updated: September 28, 2025

⇒About this guide: Written by the Pawfect Cat Care editorial team and fact-checked with reputable veterinary sources. For educational purposes only—not a substitute for professional veterinary advice.

Cat stretching up and scratching a tall sisal post placed beside a sofa — Put the “yes” right beside the “no”: a sturdy post next to the couch redirects scratching kindly.

Scratching is normal, necessary cat behavior. The goal isn’t to stop scratching—it’s to give a better place to do it. With the right post, smart placement, and a positive routine, most cats shift from couch arms to a post within days. This guide gives you kind, step-by-step training that protects your furniture and keeps your cat happy.

1) Why Cats Scratch

Cats scratch to stretch muscles, shed old nail sheaths, and leave both visual and scent marks. It’s their way to say “I live here,” not to annoy you. When homes lack good scratching options, sofas, rugs, and chair legs become targets. Providing sturdy, rewarding scratch zones solves the root problem rather than punishing the symptom.

Natural maintenance: Scratching helps claws shed outer layers and stay healthy.
Communication: Scent glands in the paws make scratching a friendly “notice.”
Stress relief: The motion releases energy and feels good—especially after naps.

For background on reading feline body language during training, skim our practical overview: Redirecting Destructive Scratching. You’ll notice calmer sessions when you reward early signs of interest in the post.

2) Why Furniture Gets Targeted

Sofas have perfect texture and live in social hubs where scent signals stay fresh. The arms are stable, vertical, and tall—ideal for a full-body stretch. If the only available posts are short or wobbly, cats logically choose the couch. Your plan is to offer posts that feel and work better than furniture, placed exactly where your cat already wants to scratch.

3) Step 1: Choose the Right Post

A good post makes training almost automatic. Aim for these specs:

Height: 28–32 in (70–80 cm) for an adult’s full stretch. Big cats may prefer 34–36 in.
Stability: Heavy base or wall-mounted panel. Zero wobble.
Texture: Sisal fabric grips better than rope for many cats; corrugated cardboard works for horizontal scratchers.
Variety: Offer both vertical and horizontal options to match mood and muscle needs.
Location-ready: Choose designs that look fine in your living room—you’ll place them in visible spots.

Tip: If your cat shreds carpet edges, test a carpeted panel plus a tall sisal post. Meeting the preference reduces furniture “experiments.”

4) Step 2: Place It Where It Matters

Put the “yes” beside the “no.” Post placement beats any spray or scolding. Start where your cat currently scratches, then add a second post near sleep and play zones. Most cats wake and stretch—then scratch—within minutes after naps, so a post by the favorite bed gets used daily.

At the hot spot: Place a tall, stable post right next to the couch arm that gets hit.
Near rest areas: Put a vertical post by a favorite nap spot and a horizontal scratcher near play routes.
Visible, not hidden: Scratching is communication. Keep posts in social rooms, not in the garage.

5) Step 3: Make the Post Irresistible

We’re going to create a strong “scratch here” habit using rewards and play.

Prime with scent: Sprinkle catnip or silvervine on the post. Rub a cloth on your cat’s cheeks, then wipe it on the post to pre-mark it.
Play to the post: Drag a wand toy up the post so claws grab naturally on the way. Mark the first touch with praise and a treat.
Start a routine: Two to three 30-second sessions daily for the first week. Consistency wins.
Reward the try: Treats arrive the moment paws touch the post—even if the scratch is brief.

While you build the new habit, trim nails to keep accidental damage low. See our calm, step-by-step nail trimming guide and keep sessions short and positive.

6) Step 4: Gently Discourage Couch Scratching

We make the sofa a little less rewarding while making the post far more rewarding. Avoid punishment—fear damages trust and does not teach what to do instead.

Surface change: Use removable double-sided tape or furniture guards on hot spots. Most cats dislike the sticky feel.
Block and redirect: Slide the post directly beside the targeted area; guide your cat to it with a toy or treat.
Short-term covers: Use slipcovers while training, then gradually remove as the new habit holds.
No yelling or sprays: Calm redirection + rewards beats scolding every time.

7) Step 5: Be Consistent & Patient

Habits form fast when the right behavior is easy and pays well. Every day for a week, run two mini sessions: lure to the post, mark paw contact, treat, release. If your cat heads for the couch, cheerfully guide to the post and pay for one scratch. End sessions on a success before interest fades.

Daily micro-reps: Do 3–5 guided scratches, twice a day.
Rotate rewards: Lickable treats, tossed kibble, or a 10-second play burst.
Keep nails tidy: Trim every 2–4 weeks to reduce fabric damage during training.

Need more ways to reduce stress while you train? See our stress-reduction checklist for quick wins that make learning easier.

8) Advanced Tips for Stubborn Scratchers

Match preferences: If your cat targets horizontal surfaces, add a wide cardboard lounger; if the sofa arm wins, add a taller post with sisal fabric.
Cat tree bonus: A tall tree with sisal posts combines climbing + scratching in one place.
Pre-marking: Lightly scratch the post yourself or rub with cheek-scented cloth to make it “theirs.”
Environment check: Add play bursts and window perches. Bored cats invent their own jobs, like couch remodeling.
Skip declawing: It’s painful and not a training solution; provide better outlets instead.

For enrichment ideas that soak up extra energy, browse our quick list of grooming & comfort routines and healthy-cat daily cues to watch during training.

9) DIY Scratching Post Ideas

DIY can be affordable and effective if you keep two rules: no wobble, and textures your cat loves.

Wood base + sisal fabric: Wrap a sturdy beam tightly with sisal fabric; staple edges on the back where claws won’t hit.
Cardboard stack: Cut, glue, and compress sheets into a thick horizontal lounger.
Wall panel: Mount a carpet or sisal panel securely at shoulder height; angle slightly for comfort.

10) Celebrate & Maintain the Habit

Scratching is self-rewarding, so once your cat bonds with a post, the habit tends to stick. Still, small maintenance steps keep success rolling.

Cheer every good scratch: Offer praise or a quick treat when you catch the right choice.
Refresh worn posts: Rotate or recover surfaces before they feel slick.
Observe routines: If your cat changes sleep spots, move a post to the new route.

If a setback appears—new sofa, house guests, or a move—revisit Step 3 for a week to rebuild momentum. Training is a conversation you pick up again when life changes.

11) FAQ

How long does training take?

Many cats “get it” within a few days of consistent redirection and rewards. Others need a couple of weeks—stay kind and steady.

What material works best?

Sisal fabric is a top pick for vertical posts because claws sink and release cleanly. If your cat loves carpet or cardboard, offer one of those as a secondary option so furniture isn’t the only satisfying choice.

Do deterrent sprays work?

They can help short-term, but only alongside a great post and rewards. Avoid harsh chemicals or anything that causes distress.

Where should I put posts in a small apartment?

Choose one tall post by the main sofa and a horizontal scratcher near your cat’s favorite window or bed. You can tuck a slim wall-mounted panel behind a door that stays open.

What if my cat ignores every post?

Audit height, stability, and texture first. Then switch placement to the active scratch zone and run three 30-second play-to-post sessions daily for five days. If there’s still no interest, try a taller sisal-fabric post and increase rewards.

12) 7-Day Kickstart Plan (1–3 minutes/day)

Day 1: Place a tall post by the sofa hot spot and a horizontal scratcher by a nap zone. Prime both with catnip or silvervine. Do two 30-second play-to-post sessions.
Day 2: Repeat two sessions. Mark paw contact with “yes,” then treat. Add a short tossed-treat game around the post.
Day 3: Introduce a cue—say scratch as paws touch the post. Fade the toy and reward spontaneous scratches.
Day 4: Add light sofa protection (tape/guard). Keep posts in the same spots. Three micro-reps after the evening nap.
Day 5: Move the post 10–20 cm farther from the couch if success is high. Keep one post near a nap spot.
Day 6: Rotate rewards (lickable, kibble chase, play). Praise calmly; end while your cat still wants more.
Day 7: Remove one sofa cover/guard to test habit strength. If mistakes pop up, go back a step for two days.

13) Troubleshooting Quick Fixes

My cat scratches only when I’m not around

Leave a motion toy near the post on a timer at peak scratch times (after breakfast, sunset). Pre-mark with scent and pay heavily when you catch a good choice.

The post wobbles and scares my cat

Upgrade the base or wedge the post between wall and sofa for stability. Try a wall-mounted panel for zero wobble.

Two cats compete for one post

Provide at least two posts in different zones and a wide horizontal scratcher. Reward both cats separately so each gets paid.

We just moved—scratching exploded

Stress resets habits. Cluster posts in the new living hub and run the Day 1–3 routine for one week. Add play windows and predictable feeding times.

14) Safety Do’s & Don’ts

Do: Keep posts stable and tall; reward often.
Do: Trim nails every 2–4 weeks to reduce fabric damage.
Don’t: Punish scratching—show the right place and pay for it.
Don’t: Use harsh chemicals on furniture or posts.

References

Educational only — full disclaimer.