How to get your cat to use the scratching post (and not the sofa)

You bought a beautiful scratching post, assembled it with high hopes, and your cat has decided they prefer the arm of the sofa. You're far from the only one. Before you give up, it helps to understand why cats scratch.

Why cats scratch

Scratching isn't a whim. It keeps their claws in good condition, lets them stretch their whole body and leaves their mark, both visual and scent, on their territory. So the aim isn't to stop them scratching, but to get them doing it where it suits you.

Location, location, location

The most common mistake is tucking the post away in a corner where it's out of the way. To your cat, that corner is worthless: they want to mark the important areas of the home.

• Put it next to the piece of furniture they're attacking now, at least to begin with.
• Put another near where they sleep: lots of cats scratch as soon as they wake up.
• If your home is large or you have several cats, more than one post is better.
• Make sure it's stable: if it wobbles, they won't trust it again.

The right scratcher

Watch how your cat scratches. If they go for the back of the sofa vertically, they'll need a tall post they can stretch out fully on. If they prefer the rug, try a horizontal or angled scratcher. Textured materials, such as sisal rope or cardboard, tend to be a big hit.

Make it tempting

Play with a wand around the post so they sink their claws into it, rub on a little catnip if they like it, and reward them with a stroke or a treat when they use it. Meanwhile, make the sofa less appealing by covering it with a throw or a cover.

Never scold or frighten them when they scratch where they shouldn't: you'll only make them afraid of you. Calmly take them to the post and reward the good behaviour. Stick with it and, in a few weeks, the sofa will lose much of its appeal.

And don't resort to declawing: it's a painful, unnecessary mutilation. If the claws worry you, ask your vet to show you how to trim them properly.

At Petuki you'll find vertical and horizontal scratchers and cat trees for cats of all sizes and tastes.