If your cat is scratching the sofa, the problem usually isn't the cat. Scratching is a normal, healthy behaviour: cats scratch to stretch their bodies, maintain their claws and leave scent marks that make a space feel like theirs. The goal isn't to stop scratching but to give it a better target.
Here's what to look for when choosing a scratching post, and how to get your cat to use it.
1. Tall enough for your cat's full stretch
Watch your cat scratch the furniture and you'll usually see a full-body stretch, front paws reaching as high as they can go. A post that's too short won't satisfy that. The right height depends on your cat: kittens and small cats need less, while large or long-bodied cats need more. A simple check is to see how high your cat reaches when stretching up a door frame or sofa arm, and choose a post at least that tall. For many adult cats, a post of around 28 inches (71 cm) is a good starting point.
2. Stable, with a heavy base
A post that wobbles or tips over once can put a cat off it for good. Look for a wide, heavy base that stays put when your cat pulls on it with full weight. If you can rock it with one hand, it's probably too light.
3. A surface cats like to shred
Cats prefer materials they can dig their claws into and pull. Natural rope wraps (such as sisal or fique) are popular because they give a satisfying grip and hold up to heavy use. Carpet-covered surfaces work for some cats, too.
4. Vertical or horizontal?
Some cats scratch upward on door frames and sofa arms; others scratch flat on rugs and stairs. Notice where your cat scratches now and match it. Many households do best with one of each.
5. Put it where the scratching happens
Placement matters as much as the post itself. Put the new post right next to the spot your cat is already scratching, or near where they sleep, since cats often stretch and scratch after waking. Once they're using it reliably, you can move it gradually to a spot you prefer.
6. Make it inviting
- Rub a little catnip on the post, or use a catnip spray.
- Drag a wand toy up the post so your cat's claws catch the rope.
- Praise or reward your cat when they use it.
- Make the old spot less appealing by temporarily covering it with a throw.
Never punish a cat for scratching. It's a natural need, and redirecting it works far better than scolding.
Our picks, made in Canada
We stock scratchers from Noba Animal Co., a Canadian company that designs and makes its products in Canada.
- Noba Classic 28" Scratching Post: 28 in (71 cm) tall on a 16 × 16 in (41 × 41 cm) base. Canadian particle board with durable fique rope and a soft faux-fur-covered base. Available in Natural and Grey.
- Noba Hammock Scratchable Cat House: a hideaway with a scratchable floor and a scratchable hammock on top, for cats that like to scratch horizontally and nap in the same spot. Made of Canadian wood; 20 × 14 × 16 in (51 × 35 × 41 cm). Available in Black or Grey.
- Noba Mist Catnip Spray: a 46 ml spray of natural catnip oil extract. A few spritzes on a new post can help attract your cat to it.
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