Scratch the post, not the sofa: a step-by-step lesson for cats

You'll need

• sturdy vertical scratching post with a heavy base
• quality catnip or pieces of cat food
• thick shiny plastic sheeting or double-sided tape
• small tasty cat treats

Why it matters

Scratching conditions claws, stretches the body and leaves reassuring scent marks. An appealing post protects your furniture and meets your cat's natural welfare needs.

Before you start

Find where your cat scratches the furniture. Choose a post tall enough for a full stretch, with a heavy base that will not wobble or topple.

Step by step

1. 1

   Post beside the furniture

   Place a sturdy scratching post directly next to the exact sofa corner or armchair your cat has been scratching. Make sure the post stands firm and does not wobble when touched.

   Move on when: Post is touching or directly beside the target furniture

   Tip: Cats scratch prominent landmarks, so keep the post where the habit already is.

2. 2

   Entice with catnip and treats

   Rub quality catnip onto the sisal material of the post or place a few pieces of cat food on its top and base. Let your cat investigate the scent at their own pace.

   Move on when: Cat approaches the post and sniffs or inspects the catnip and treats

   Tip: Never drag your cat's paws against the post, as forced handling can create fear.

3. 3

   Cover the damaged furniture surface

   Cover the scratched furniture corner with thick, shiny plastic sheeting or smooth double-sided tape. This creates an unappealing texture that discourages claws while leaving the nearby post fully accessible.

   Move on when: Plastic sheeting is securely fastened over the scratched furniture surface

   Tip: Removing claw traction from the sofa makes the sisal post the most satisfying option.

4. 4

   Mark and reward post scratching

   Watch your cat near the post. The moment their front claws hook and scratch the sisal weave, click your marker and deliver a high-value treat immediately.

   Move on when: Treat within two seconds of scratching the post, 5 times a session

   Tip: Immediate rewards teach your cat that digging claws into sisal earns delicious food.

5. 5

   Gradually relocate the post

   Once your cat starts using the scratching post, gradually move it to a more suitable location and remove the plastic sheeting.

   Move on when: Cat uses the post in its new location 5 consecutive days

   Tip: Move the post very slowly so your cat still sees it as their main spot.

The cue

Say

“None. The post texture and location act as the cue”

Hand signal

None

If it isn't working

Ignores the vertical post and scratches carpet

Provide a flat cardboard or horizontal sisal scratcher on the floor where they scratch.

Returns to the sofa when plastic is removed

Reapply the plastic sheeting and keep the post close to the scratched area until your cat uses it reliably again.

Post wobbles when leaned on

Weigh down the base or switch to a heavier, taller wooden post that stays completely rigid.

Mastered when

Cat uses the scratching post exclusively instead of furniture for 7 consecutive days

Video check: Film your cat approaching and using the scratching post at full body stretch without touching nearby furniture

Variations

• Place a scratching post right next to your cat's sleeping bed for morning stretches.
• Offer corrugated cardboard scratchers rubbed with catnip in multiple rooms.

Teach this first

• Clicker training for cats: how to charge the clicker →

Learn next

• Gentle play without hands: a step-by-step lesson for cats →