Scratching Post Placement Calculator
Calculate how many scratching posts you need and where to place them
Why Cats Scratch (And How to Redirect It)
The Biology of Scratching
Scratching is not bad behavior - it's essential cat biology. Cats scratch for multiple reasons: (1) Sharpening claws by shedding the outer nail sheath, revealing the sharp claw underneath. (2) Marking territory - scent glands in paw pads leave pheromones on scratched surfaces, saying "this is my territory." (3) Stretching muscles - the full-body extension when scratching exercises back, shoulder, and leg muscles. (4) Stress relief - repetitive scratching releases endorphins.
You cannot stop a cat from scratching - it's as fundamental as grooming or using a litter box. Punishment doesn't work because you're fighting instinct. The solution is redirection: provide appropriate scratching surfaces that are MORE appealing than your furniture.
Strategic Placement: Location Matters More Than Quantity
Where you place scratching posts is more important than how many you have. The #1 placement rule: put posts near where your cat already scratches. If your cat destroys the couch arm, place a tall sisal post right next to it. Make the post MORE attractive: sprinkle catnip on it, rub it with silvervine, place treats on top. When your cat uses the post instead of the couch, reward with treats and praise immediately.
Cats scratch after waking up (stretching ritual), so place posts near their favorite sleeping spots. They also scratch in high-traffic areas to mark territory - living room, hallway entrances. In multi-cat homes, place posts in multiple rooms to prevent resource guarding (dominant cat blocking access to a single post).
Post Requirements: Why Your Cat Ignores Cheap Posts
Most store-bought scratching posts are too short, unstable, and covered in carpet. These are designed to look good to humans, not function for cats. Here's what cats actually need: Height minimum 30 inches (cats need to fully stretch vertically). Stability - heavy base or wall-mounted (wobbling posts scare cats, they won't use them). Sisal rope covering (rough texture, durable) - NOT carpet (cats can't tell difference between scratching post carpet and your sofa).
Variety matters too. Some cats prefer vertical scratching (tall posts), others horizontal (flat cardboard scratchers). Many cats need both. Observe where your cat scratches - vertical surfaces like door frames suggest vertical preference; horizontal surfaces like carpet suggest horizontal preference.
Training Tips: Positive Reinforcement Only
Never punish a cat for scratching furniture - it doesn't work and damages your bond. Cats don't understand punishment; they just learn to fear you or scratch when you're not watching. Instead, use positive reinforcement: Catch your cat using the scratching post and immediately reward with favorite treats, praise, and play.
Make furniture less appealing temporarily: Cover scratch-prone areas with double-sided sticky tape (cats hate sticky texture) or aluminum foil (hate the sound/feel). Use Feliway spray on furniture (calming pheromones reduce territorial marking urge). Trim your cat's nails regularly - blunt nails cause less damage.
Budget-Friendly DIY Scratching Posts
You don't need expensive cat furniture. DIY alternatives work great: Cardboard scratchers ($5-10) - cats LOVE corrugated cardboard texture. Brands like Scratch Lounge last months. Horizontal, perfect for cats that scratch carpets. Sisal doormat ($15) - mount on wall or place on floor. Rough texture, extremely durable. DIY sisal post - wrap 4x4 lumber with sisal rope from hardware store. Cost: $20-30 for 3-foot post that lasts years.
Cat tree combo units ($50-150) provide scratching posts + perches + hiding spots in one footprint - great value for small spaces. Look for floor-to-ceiling models that bolt to ceiling (most stable).