Do cats actually use scratching posts?

[Muddybuddy]

I’m getting a cat and was about to buy a scratching post to stop it scratching the furniture but a friend says not to bother, as her cat never went near the scratching post she bought for it. Is she right, are they a waste of money?
Thanks

[TheQueef]

Mine do.

[OohKittens]

One of mine does, the other two use a cardboard scratcher.

[DramaAlpaca]

We had a scratching post that got used a lot. The secret, if they don't go for it naturally, is to rub catnip into it

[MashedSweetSpud]

Mine won’t. She likes cardboard scratch pads/mats though.

[LongPauseNoAnswer]

Mine do! We’ve got them strategically placed to stop them using the furniture as an alternative!

[Shesaysso]

mine do - they also like scratching pads which go on the floor and are a bit like corrugated cardboard - saves them scratching the carpet

[mintbiscuit]

Mine do. Catnip is your friend here

[toomanyspiderplants]

Yes they do.,get a tall one they like to stretch up.

[Trinacham]

I have only ever had cat trees for my 2, which is essentially a big scratching post, with levels/beds attached. And they do scratch the trunk. I would definitely have something - whether it is a scratching post, tree, barrel.. otherwise it will be your furniture!

[DelurkingAJ]

Mine do. The other thing they destroy is anything wicker

[Muddybuddy]

Thanks everyone

[Xmasbaby11]

No mine doesn't! After 18 months we're finally getting rid of ours. She never scratches any furniture either. The vet said some cats do it outside.

[Trinacham]

@MashedSweetSpud

Mine won’t. She likes cardboard scratch pads/mats though.

picky creatures. Funny how some will use this. Mine will use posts or cat trees to scratch, but did not touch the cardboard type when we tried that! Just have to see what they like.

[HardAsSnails]

Some cats like to scratch vertically and some horizontally and some both. Mine likes both so has both types. My last cat did all her scratching outdoors on the top of our fences.

[ChocolateCoffeeCake]

Yes mine do. A tip to stop them scratching furniture is to squirt them with a (small) water pistol when they do it. Only need to do it a couple of times and then the sight of the water gun will stop them from doing it. Then they soon don't even bother scratching it.

[Toilenstripes]

Get a cardboard scratching board and a sisal post. They might have a preference for one or the other. Catnip is your friend as others have said.

And please, do not squirt your cat with a water pistol! They’re not stupid and will dislike you for mistreating them.

[Plussizejumpsuit]

Mine don't. Had both since kittens now aged 10 and 11. I wonder if you actually train them to do it they will. So really discourage scratching elsewhere with making a loud bang then offering treats when post is used. I just hoped for the best. But they were my first cars so I didn't know better. I think for the price of a scratch post they're worth trying to train as they will scratch bloody all sorts otherwise.

Welcome to cta parenthood. They are wonderful!

[ZZGirl]

Mine loves his. And his scratch pads

[RandomMess]

Mine have barrels instead of posts and they love them.

Scratch them sleep on them hide in them.

Check them out on Zooplus. So much sturdier than a cat tree.

[TheGrayChapter]

We have a mixture in our house.

Mine use cardboard ones and they have a massive cat tree around 180 cm tall and 2 x smaller ones. All are used. Sometimes I spray cat nip on them. But one cat doesn’t like the stuff they others go dotty for it.

They don’t tend to scratch the furniture but have had a go on the carpet, I’ve placed door mats in the areas they like to scratch, which has stopped the damage so far, and I can throw them away once done with.

[NatalieH2220]

Mine did. She only ever used her post. Didn't scratch anything else so would definitely say they're worth having!

[BlackCatsRule88]

Mine wasn’t interested in the one I bought (just like she wasn’t interested in the toys or the bed!). She uses a particular tree in the garden.

[Fluffycloudland77]

You do need the extra tall ones & a flat cardboard pad one.

[TroysMammy]

Mine does then walks over to the sofa where I'm sitting and gives it an attention seeking scratch.

[Hokeywokey]

Mine uses the doormat.