Scratchers and scratching posts cats actually use

Why cats scratch

Scratching is a normal part of being a cat, not a bad habit. It does several jobs at once.^[1],[4]

• Claw care. Scratching conditions the claws and pulls off the worn outer sheath.^[1],[5],[3]
• Marking. Glands in the paws leave scent, and the scratch marks are a visual sign too. It's how a cat says "this is mine."^[5],[3],[1]
• A good stretch. Scratching works the muscles of the front legs and spine.^[4],[1]
• Play. Cats scratch during play, too.^[2]

Because it meets real needs, the goal isn't to stop scratching. It's to give your cat a better place to do it.^[4],[5]

What makes a scratcher get used

• Tall enough for a full stretch. An upright post should be at least as tall as your cat standing on their hind legs with front legs stretched up.^[3],[5],[4]
• Solid, with no wobble. Cats want a post that won't shift or topple when they pull on it. Scratchers that are too light and move around don't give enough resistance, and cats may not use them.^[2],[3],[4]
• A surface claws can hook into. Many cats like a loosely woven material they can catch and tear. Sisal and other rope-like coverings suit cats who like it rough. Corrugated cardboard, bark, and loop-weave carpet also work.^[3],[5],[4]
• Match what they already scratch. If your cat goes for the carpet, a carpet-covered post or a flat scratcher may win them over. If they go for the side of the sofa, try an upright post.^[5]
• Upright, flat, or angled. Some cats scratch stretched up high, some on the floor, some on a slant. Watch which way your cat scratches and offer that kind, or try both.^[5],[2],[4]
• Kittens and older cats. They may prefer softer surfaces, such as a large angled or flat cardboard scratcher.^[4]

Where to put it

A great post in the wrong corner will sit unused. Put scratchers where your cat already wants to scratch.^[5],[2]

• Near where they sleep. Cats often scratch right after they wake up, so put at least one scratcher close to their favorite sleeping spot.^[4],[3]
• Right next to the couch. Set a post beside the furniture your cat is scratching. Once they use it, you can move it gradually to where you'd rather have it.^[5],[2]
• In the rooms they use. Put scratchers in prominent spots, not tucked away. Some cats need several, in different places.^[3]
• More than one cat? Aim for one scratcher per cat, plus one extra, in different spots around the home.^[4]

Moving your cat off the furniture

• Make the furniture less fun. Cover the spots your cat scratches with double-sided sticky tape, plastic, foil, or a thick blanket while they learn to use the post.^{[3],[2],[4],[5]}
• Make the post more fun. Play a chase game with a wand toy around the base of the post, and try a little catnip or a toy placed on it.^[4],[2]
• Reward it. When your cat uses the post, give a treat, a stroke, or praise.^[5],[3]
• A calming spray can help. A synthetic feline pheromone can make a cat feel secure, which may reduce scratching done for territorial reasons.^[4]
• Trim the nails. Keeping nails trimmed cuts down on damage. Soft plastic nail covers are another option for some owners.^[5],[3],[2]
• No punishment. Don't punish your cat for scratching. Physical punishment can make cats fearful or aggressive toward you.^[4],[3]

If your cat suddenly starts scratching all over the house, especially around doors and windows, they may be feeling insecure. Look at what might have changed at home.^[4]

Why declawing isn't the answer

The American Veterinary Medical Association strongly discourages declawing that isn't medically necessary, and notes it can lead to chronic pain, behavior problems, and disability. The ASPCA is strongly opposed to declawing and says it should never be used to fix a behavior.^[1],[2]

Start instead with the basics above: a scratcher your cat likes, in the right spot, and regularly trimmed nails.^[5],[2]

Keeping a scratcher safe