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

Mine does, we have 2, either end of the house. Our cat has ripped them apart
Both need re-twining, she loves them lol

Really mixed experiences! I guess it’s worth getting one then and I’ll try and encourage the cat to use it. Fingers crossed

Ours didn't but then we got a much larger, more solid one and now they use it all the time.

Mine did more so when she was a kitten. She has a small cat tree too that has scratching posts on it. She's not scratched furniture for a while, she did used to attack the side of the couch in play when she was a kitten.
She does still have the need to scratch though as she always scratches the coir style door mats outside the front door when she comes back in.

The range does a cheap scratch post for £5.99. I think I got ours from home bargains for something similar. So not too expensive if it doesn't get used.

In terms of other cheap cat entertainment,
I got a pop up tunnel from home bargains in the pet section, I think for 3 or 4 pounds. Its a good length one and my cat loves it.

Yes, big breed so he's got a massive grey one and loves it. But he now also seems to think anything else massive and grey - like our sofa - is his post too

Sometimes

They prefer the carpet or arm or the sofa though 🤬

Mine do, and have never scratched up walls or furniture (except the bed base at my DM's house when she cat sat!)

I'd say it's worth getting one and see how you go

Ours alternates between the scratch post and the cheap ikea rug. Tip: the cheap ikea rug lasts longer than the scratch post.

Mine doesn't, I just buy squares of carpet for £1 and leave them round the house in her favourite scratching places. It's really saved my carpet

Mine never has

Have bought scratching posts and rugs

Why when he can scratch the lovely velvet armchair

Yes. They also scratch all the sofas and have scratched/destroyed the new carpet I've just had put in on the stairs

ChampagneCat has only been with us 10 weeks but has assiduously ignored her scratching post. She has however taken to scratching a cardboard box that had pictures stacked in it while we decorated.

I'm secretly thrilled and if I need to keep a cardboard box upstairs forever in order to save my furniture then so be it

Ours uses hers downstairs but equally enjoys annoying us by attacking the stairs carpet

@fuzzymoon

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.

This for sure! One of my cats absolutely refuses to use any scratching post that is slightly unstable, and isn't tall enough for his reach.

Cardboard scratchers were not popular in my house. They got pissed on in protest.

Mine do and they don't scratch the furniture.

Big boy more so than small boy but they both use them

Nope - we have one and our little Britt has totally destroyed a very expensive sofa.