Best Scratching Posts and How to Train Your Cat to Use Them

November 1, 2025

Scratching is an innate, essential behavior for all cats—it is not an act of spite, but a biological necessity. Understanding the core reasons behind this behavior is the first step toward effective training and coexistence.

Cats scratch for three primary reasons:

Claw Health: Scratching removes the dead, outer layer (sheath) of the claws, keeping them sharp and conditioned. This is essential for climbing, hunting, and defense.
Stretching and Exercise: A full-body scratch on a vertical surface allows a cat to stretch their back, legs, and shoulders, providing vital exercise.
Scent and Visual Marking: Cats have scent glands on their paws. When they scratch, they deposit their personal scent onto the surface, visually and chemically marking their territory. They often scratch in prominent, high-traffic areas (like the corner of your favorite couch) to signal their presence to themselves and other household members.

Since scratching is non-negotiable, the solution is not to stop the behavior, but to successfully redirect it to an appropriate surface. The key is providing a scratching post that is more appealing, well-placed, and satisfying than your furniture.

Choosing the Perfect Scratching Post: Material, Height, and Sturdiness

The failure of most scratching posts is not a flaw in the cat, but a flaw in the post itself. A high-quality post that meets your cat's specific preferences is the foundation of successful training.

1. Appeal of Material: Texture is Everything

Cats have distinct preferences for texture. You need to identify what material your cat is currently drawn to.

Sisal Rope/Fabric: This is the most popular and veterinarian-recommended choice. It allows cats to sink their claws in deeply and pull, providing a satisfying resistance. Sisal fabric (woven sheets) often offers a more continuous and satisfying scratch than twisted sisal rope.
Corrugated Cardboard: Many cats enjoy the shredding satisfaction of cardboard scratchers, which are often horizontal or angled. These are great for cats who prefer scratching flat on the floor or a ramp.
Carpet: If your cat is scratching your carpet, a carpet-covered post might seem logical, but it can confuse the cat. It’s better to choose sisal or cardboard, or use a carpet sample with a different texture than your flooring to minimize ambiguity.
Wood/Tree Bark: For cats with a more rustic taste, a simple, untreated log or bare pine post may be the most satisfying alternative.

2. The Critical Dimensions: Height and Sturdiness

Two physical traits must be met for a post to be accepted:

Height: A vertical post must be tall enough to allow your cat to stretch their entire body—front claws extended above their head—without crouching. For most adult cats, this means the post should be at least 28 to 36 inches (70-90 cm) high. A tall scratch allows for the full stretching and marking behavior they desire.
Sturdiness: The post must not wobble or tip over when the cat leans their full weight against it. A wobbly post is scary and unsatisfying; once a cat is spooked by a falling post, they may never use it again. Choose a post with a wide, heavy base.

3. Orientation Preference: Vertical or Horizontal

Observe how your cat scratches inappropriate items:

If they stand on their hind legs and scratch the side of the sofa or door jamb, they prefer a Vertical post.
If they claw at the carpet, a rug, or the side of a box flat on the floor, they prefer a Horizontal scratcher (usually cardboard or a mat). Provide at least one of each type in your home.

The Positive Reinforcement Training Blueprint

Training a cat to use a scratching post relies entirely on positive reinforcement. Never punish a cat for scratching the wrong thing; punishment only teaches them to be afraid of you and to scratch when you aren't looking.

Step 1: Strategic Placement is Key

The Problem Area: Immediately place the new, desirable scratching post directly in front of or right next to the item your cat is currently ruining (e.g., the corner of the sofa). This makes the correct surface an immediate, convenient alternative.
High-Traffic Zones: Place posts near sleeping areas (cats often scratch upon waking) and social areas (where they want to mark their territory). Provide at least one scratching surface per cat, plus one extra, strategically placed throughout the home.

Step 2: Making the Post Irresistible

Scent Attraction: Rub dried catnip into the material of the new post (catnip spray works well too). Alternatively, rub a towel on your cat’s cheeks or flanks to capture their scent and rub that scent onto the post.
The Lure Technique: Use a wand toy to play with your cat near the post, letting the toy dance around the scratching surface. When the cat reaches out and grabs the post with their claws—even accidentally—immediately move to Step 3.
Discouraging the Wrong Spot: Make the forbidden area unappealing. Temporarily cover the sofa corner with double-sided sticky tape (cats hate the feel) or crinkled aluminum foil. As soon as the cat starts using the post reliably, you can remove the deterrents.

Step 3: The Reward System

Immediate Positive Reinforcement: This is the most vital step. The instant you see your cat use the scratching post, reward them immediately. Say a cheerful, positive verbal cue ("Good Scratch!"), and follow up with a high-value treat, a burst of praise, or a short play session with a favorite toy.
Consistency: The reward must be delivered within 3 seconds of the correct behavior so the cat clearly understands why they are being rewarded. This quickly conditions the cat to associate the post with positive outcomes.

Conclusion

Destructive scratching is preventable, but it requires the right tools and a commitment to positive reinforcement. By choosing a sturdy, tall post with an appealing texture like sisal, placing it strategically, and consistently rewarding your cat for using it, you acknowledge their natural instincts while protecting your home. This approach respects your cat’s needs, strengthens your bond, and ultimately leads to a happier, healthier, and claw-friendly household.