Why Do Cats Scratch Posts? What Helps

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Why do cats scratch posts? Cats scratch posts because scratching is normal feline behavior, and a post gives them a place to do it. The ASPCA says cats scratch during play, when they stretch, and to mark their territory, and that cats need to sharpen their claws regularly. A scratching post lets them meet those needs without damaging furniture, drapes or carpet. This guide explains the main reasons cats scratch, what the sources say about choosing and placing a post, and what the sources do not settle.

Quick answer

• Scratching is normal feline behavior, not a sign of bad manners.
• Cats scratch to stretch, to play, to mark territory and to remove worn outer layers of their claws.
• Scratching also has a scent component, so a post that already smells like the cat is more likely to be used again.
• Offer more than one post in different materials and shapes, and put them where your cat already wants to scratch.

Claw care and stretching

The ASPCA explains that because cats’ claws need regular sharpening, cats scratch on things to remove frayed, worn outer claws and expose newer, sharper claws. The same ASPCA page says cats scratch during play and when stretching. A post only supports the stretching part of the behavior if it is tall enough. The ASPCA advises looking for “sturdy posts tall enough for your cat to get in a full stretch.”

The Edmonton Humane Society’s cat enrichment guidance lists scratching as essential for claw health and for stretching muscles. It also notes that scratching lets cats communicate through scent glands in their paws. Its advice is direct: “Ensure that your cat has access to several scratching posts even if they are declawed.”

Scent marking and communication

Scratching is not only about claws. The ASPCA says cats scratch to mark territory, and it adds that scratching can also work as a threatening signal to other cats. Cornell Feline Health Center’s destructive-behavior guidance makes a related point: scratching has a scent-marking component, which is why cats tend to scratch again in places where their scent is already present.

This is why old posts matter. The ASPCA says cats prefer shredded and torn objects because they can really get their claws into the material, and that a used post still appeals to a cat because it smells and looks familiar. In other words, a worn post is often doing its job well.

Why a cat may choose the sofa or drapes

Cornell’s guidance says cats that scratch a favorite sofa or expensive drapes are usually not trying to destroy the home. They are meeting a need, and the fix is to give that need an acceptable outlet. For more on furniture scratching, see why cats scratch furniture. Cornell also says that matching a cat’s preference for scratching orientation, meaning horizontal versus vertical, and for the substrate, such as wood versus fabric, is important when choosing a post.

A practical way to read this is to watch what the cat does. A cat that climbs and scratches upright surfaces may want a tall vertical post. A cat that scratches carpet or rugs may prefer a flat or horizontal pad. This is general guidance based on the source’s emphasis on preference, not a rule the sources state for every cat.

Steps for finding the right post

Step 1: Watch where and how your cat scratches

Note the surfaces your cat chooses, the direction of its scratching and the times of day when it scratches most. Cornell suggests identifying scratching preferences first, because the right post depends on whether the cat wants to scratch vertically or horizontally and on the surface it likes.

Step 2: Offer a few different types

For a wider look at scratcher types, see best cat scratchers. The ASPCA advises offering a variety of scratchers to find out what a cat prefers. It notes that scratchers come flat, upright or angled, and in surfaces such as cardboard, carpet, rope-wrapped material and wood. Edmonton’s guidance says to place a variety of posts made from different materials around the home.

Step 3: Check stability and height

For upright scratchers, the ASPCA says the post should not wobble or tip over when the cat scratches on it, because the cat may avoid an unstable post. Cornell makes the same point, saying a post should be sturdy enough that it does not topple when the cat stands on its hind legs with its front legs outstretched. For height, Edmonton advises a vertical post at least six inches taller than the cat, so the cat can get a big stretch.

Step 4: Place posts where the cat already scratches

The ASPCA says to place at least one scratcher close to where the cat likes to sleep, because cats like to scratch when they wake up. Edmonton recommends putting posts near doors, windows and the cat’s bed, especially in areas where the cat already likes to scratch. Cornell recommends placing a new post beside the area the cat already uses, then moving it gradually to a spot you prefer.

Step 5: Make the furniture less attractive

The ASPCA suggests discouraging scratching on furniture by making those surfaces less attractive. Its examples include covering speakers, placing double-sided sticky tape on furniture, putting upside-down vinyl carpet runners with the nubby side up on furniture or carpets, and trying furniture protectors. Cornell says the only guaranteed way to stop scratching on a given object is to restrict access, and that when that is impractical, covering items with blankets, plastic or double-sided tape may deter scratching.

Step 6: Trim nails on a regular schedule

The ASPCA recommends trimming nails every week, cutting only one or two nails at a time, and pairing each trim with a treat or play. It also notes that plastic caps can be attached to claws. The ASPCA says these caps last four to six weeks, and the cat will still scratch but will not cause damage. Cornell advises replacing caps every six to twelve weeks, and it warns against cutting into the quick, the pink tissue inside the nail.

Step 7: Do not punish the cat for scratching

Cornell explains that punishment usually does not work, because cats do not link the punishment to the scratching. Cornell says a cat punished only when the owner is present may simply learn to scratch when the owner is away. The ASPCA also warns against physically forcing a cat onto a post. Its words: “Do not hold your cat by the scratching post and force them to drag their claws on it.” Its warning is that this can frighten the cat and teach it to avoid the post entirely.

Step 8: Keep the old post

Some owners throw out a post once it looks worn. The ASPCA says not to: “Do not throw away a favorite scratching post when it becomes unsightly.” Its reasoning is that cats prefer shredded and torn objects and that the familiar smell keeps the post attractive. Replacing a post with a brand-new one can make the cat go back to the sofa.

Signs a cat may need a different approach

The sources do not give a full list of warning signs. General guidance: if a cat suddenly starts scratching much more than usual, or stops scratching altogether, check with a veterinarian, because changes in behavior can have medical causes. Scratching patterns can also change with age, and a cat with arthritis or other stiffness may avoid a tall post. Ask a vet if you are unsure.

How we chose

We chose sources from institutions: the ASPCA, the Cornell Feline Health Center and the Edmonton Humane Society. Sourced claims in this guide come only from those pages. Retail and blog pages were not used for sourced claims, and anything that is general guidance is labeled as such.

What we could not verify

The sources we saved do not give a timeline for how long a cat takes to adopt a new post, so we cannot say how long the training will take. They also do not specify a single height or material that fits every cat, which is why the advice here is to offer variety. We did not find a source that compares specific post designs. The effect of catnip or treats varies from cat to cat, and the ASPCA and Cornell pages do not measure how much it helps.

FAQ

Is it normal for a cat to scratch furniture?

Scratching is normal feline behavior, according to the ASPCA. The problem is usually that the cat has no other place to scratch that meets its needs, so the practical fix is to offer better options and make the furniture less appealing.

Why does my cat ignore its scratching post?

The sources point to a few likely reasons: the post may be unstable, too short for a full stretch, made of a material the cat does not like, or placed away from where the cat wants to scratch. General guidance: move the post closer to the place the cat already uses, and try a different material or orientation.

Should I declaw a cat that scratches furniture?

Cornell describes declawing as an elective surgical procedure that is highly controversial. It explains that declawing is an amputation of the bones at the tips of the paws, and that it does not stop the urge to scratch. Cornell says consulting a veterinarian is recommended and that declawing should only be considered as a last resort. Ask a vet before making that decision.

How tall should a scratching post be?

Edmonton advises a vertical post at least six inches taller than the cat, so the cat can get a full stretch. The ASPCA says to look for posts tall enough for a full stretch. Both sources emphasize stability as well as height.

Do cats need more than one scratching post?

Edmonton says cats should have access to several posts, including in homes where the cat is declawed. Cornell advises a post near each place the cat scratches if it scratches in several locations. The sources do not state an exact number for every home.

What if my cat scratches a wall or carpet instead of the post?

Cornell notes that cats that scratch carpets may prefer a carpet-covered post, and that a cat that scratches a sofa or drapes may want a post that matches the surface. General guidance: place a post directly in front of the spot the cat already uses, and make the wall or carpet less attractive with a temporary barrier.

Bottom line

Cats scratch posts because scratching is normal behavior that serves claw care, stretching, play and scent marking. The sources agree that the best approach is to redirect the behavior rather than stop it. Offer several sturdy posts in different materials and shapes, make them tall enough for a full stretch, place them where the cat already scratches, and keep worn posts in use. For nail health or any sudden change in scratching habits, ask a veterinarian.

Sources

• ASPCA, Scratching Behavior in Cats: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/scratching-behavior-cats (opened 2026-10-27)
• Cornell Feline Health Center, Destructive Behavior (PDF): https://www.vet.cornell.edu/sites/default/files/Destructive%20Behavior%202021%20Accessible.pdf (opened 2026-10-27)
• Edmonton Humane Society, Cat Enrichment Resources (PDF): https://edmontonhumanesociety.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2024-cat-enrichment-EHS-Resources.pdf (opened 2026-10-27)