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

Yes, I've had 4 cats in my lifetime and all of them liked scratching posts.

Mine didn't. She wasn't even into catnip, must not have had the addict gene. She gave it a go then went back to scratching the leather sofa.

Over the 20 years I've had cats, only one (out of 5) has shown any interest in a scratching post...but I guess that's still 20%!

Cardboard tray scratcher worked wonders for us and they're cheap

We have two 7 year old cats who have never scratched anything except their scratching posts. We have a new kitten who seems to want to scratch everything we own - sofa, bed post, table legs, chair backs, carpet... and the scratching post!

Mine does. She's 18 months old and wore out her first one and she's on her second. She would scratch, play etc on it.

My indoor cat definitely uses her scratching post as the rope is coming off (she’s 7 and we’ve only had the one, so it’s lasted a long time). She also really likes the cardboard ones so we’ve a few of those around the place that get replaced often. Also a wicker laundry basket, but to be honest as she’s never touched the furniture or carpet, I’m happy to sacrifice that.

My two are pretty good at using them. We have a few options for them- upright cat trees with both hessian and carpet and the cardboard ones that lay flat. Have a few options available and do lots of positive reinforcement.

We have had 6 cats over the years. Not one of them has ever used a scratching post.

Yes the more the better!

We have about 3/4 I think. The best one I got was one shaped as a large cat, it’s flat but angled by a little stand. The fact it’s angled makes it easier for him to scratch it. He scratched the furniture really badly before.

Mine is an indoor cat though.

I've had 6 cats over the years. 4 never so much as looked at a scratching post but the latest pair go at theirs with great enthusiasm. I've replaced the rope a couple of times.

Yes. Also the back of the sofa and the curtains (from experience).

Mine all do

Mine do. We have a cat tree that has 4 different scratching posts on it. We also have a jute rug (which doesn't look bad scratched). They scratch both and never go for the furniture or proper carpet.

I've been known to demonstrate to my cat 🤣 it works though!!

My neighbours cat prefers to use the back of my sofa, the little cunt.

Just buy a strong based one. Sounds obvious but many smaller ones tip over easily or wobble which puts the cat off from using it.

My kitten has 2. Never uses it! Trying to encourage as he's using the rug and the sofa which is fine but we're replacing this week so he needs to get used to it! Got mine from home bargains. £5 for a tall one with a ball and £25 for a big levelled one!

one of mine loves her post - had to replace it recently due to it wearing out. Doesn't keep her from scratching the sofas though - variety is clearly the spice of life.

My previous cat used to use a cardboard one. If he was caught scratching the furniture, I would take him to his scratch mat. If he used his scratch mat, he was patted and praised. It did work mostly. Also the water pistol does work but I would do it in such a way that he didn't see me doing it. Therefore scratch the chair, get sprayed but "not" by me.

Mine use theirs daily. I have two.

Yes, but only if they have a decent height one - lots of the ones in shops are rubbish.

Mine never did. They preferred to destroy door frames.