How To Train A Stubborn Cat To Use A Scratching Pad

Cats have an instinctual need to scratch. It's not just about sharpening claws—it helps them stretch muscles, shed old claw layers, and mark territory through scent glands in their paws. But when your cat ignores the scratching pad you’ve carefully chosen and instead targets your favorite armchair, frustration can set in quickly. The good news? Even the most resistant felines can be trained with patience, consistency, and the right approach. This guide outlines practical, humane techniques backed by animal behavior research to help redirect your cat’s natural instincts toward appropriate surfaces.

Understanding Why Cats Resist Scratching Pads

Before attempting to change your cat’s behavior, it’s essential to understand why they might avoid the scratching pad. Many owners assume their cat is being “stubborn” out of defiance, but resistance usually stems from environmental or sensory mismatch.

• Texture preference: Cats are highly sensitive to texture. A carpeted pad may feel too soft, while cardboard might seem flimsy.
• Location: If the pad is tucked away in a quiet corner, your cat may prefer high-traffic areas where scratching serves as territorial marking.
• Height and stability: Cats like to stretch fully when scratching. A low or wobbly pad won’t support this motion.
• Habit reinforcement: If furniture scratching has been tolerated in the past, that behavior is already reinforced.

“Cats aren’t defiant—they’re consistent. What works for one may not work for another. Success comes from matching the solution to the cat’s individual preferences.” — Dr. Sarah Bennett, Feline Behavior Specialist, American Association of Feline Practitioners

Step-by-Step Guide: Training a Stubborn Cat

Training a resistant cat requires more than just placing a pad and hoping for the best. Follow this structured 6-week timeline to build positive associations and gradually shift behavior.

1. Week 1: Observe and Identify Preferences
   Select three spots where your cat currently scratches. Note the material (upholstery, wood, carpet), height, and whether they scratch vertically or horizontally. This reveals what kind of surface and orientation they naturally favor.
2. Week 2: Match the Pad to the Preference
   Purchase a scratching pad that mimics the texture and orientation of their preferred spot. For vertical scratchers, choose a tall post (at least 30 inches). For horizontal scratchers, opt for corrugated cardboard or sisal mats.
3. Week 3: Strategic Placement
   Place the new pad directly in front of or beside the furniture they currently scratch. Do not remove access to the forbidden item yet—this avoids creating a vacuum in their routine.
4. Week 4: Encourage with Positive Reinforcement
   Sprinkle catnip on the pad or use silver vine powder. When your cat approaches or sniffs it, reward with treats or affection. If they make contact, immediately offer praise and a treat.
5. Week 5: Gradual Redirection
   If your cat uses the pad even once, increase rewards. If they revert to furniture, gently interrupt (with a clap or verbal cue) and guide them to the pad. Never punish—this creates fear-based avoidance.
6. Week 6: Secure the Habit and Phase Out Old Targets
   Once consistent use is established (3–5 successful sessions), begin making the furniture less appealing using double-sided tape or aluminum foil. Keep the pad accessible and continue occasional rewards.

Tip: Rotate scratching surfaces seasonally—some cats prefer cardboard in summer and sisal in winter due to temperature sensitivity.

Choosing the Right Scratching Pad: A Comparison

Not all scratching pads are created equal. Your cat’s acceptance depends heavily on design and material. Use this table to evaluate options based on common feline preferences.

Material	Best For	Pros	Cons
Corrugated Cardboard	Horizontal scratchers, kittens	Affordable, replaceable, emits satisfying sound	Wears out quickly, unstable for large cats
Sisal Rope	Vertical scratchers, adult cats	Durable, mimics tree bark, supports full stretch	Can fray over time, higher cost
Carpet Scratcher	Cats used to carpeted floors	Familiar texture, often includes toys	May encourage furniture scratching if same material
Wood or Plywood	Cats who scratch baseboards	Sturdy, long-lasting, eco-friendly	Less appealing without added scent or texture
Cardboard + Catnip Combo	Reluctant scratchers, older cats	High attraction, lightweight, engaging	Short lifespan, messy residue

Common Mistakes That Undermine Training

Even well-intentioned efforts can backfire if these pitfalls aren’t avoided.

• Using punishment: Hissing, spraying water, or yelling creates fear and damages trust. The cat may stop scratching in your presence but will seek hidden spots or become anxious.
• Placing the pad in isolation: Cats scratch in social zones. A pad in the basement won’t compete with the living room sofa.
• Switching materials too often: Constant changes confuse cats. Stick with one type until adoption is consistent.
• Ignoring nail trimming: Overgrown nails make scratching uncomfortable, reducing motivation to use any pad.
• One-size-fits-all thinking: A 10-pound Siamese has different needs than a 16-pound Maine Coon. Size and breed influence scratching force and height preference.

Tip: Test multiple small scratchers before investing in a large post. Some cats respond better to horizontal lounging scratchers placed near napping areas.

Real-Life Example: Turning Around a Resistant Rescue Cat

Milo, a 3-year-old domestic shorthair adopted from a shelter, had developed a habit of shredding the corners of couches. His owner, Lisa, tried several scratching posts—none worked. After consulting a behaviorist, she discovered Milo was a horizontal scratcher who preferred soft textures.

The turning point came when she placed a flat cardboard scratcher directly in front of the damaged couch leg and sprinkled it with silver vine. Within two days, Milo began using it. She then gradually shifted the pad six inches every few days toward a dedicated cat zone, replacing it with a new one each week to maintain novelty. By week five, Milo used the scratcher consistently—even after the couch was repaired and re-covered.

This case highlights a key principle: meet the cat where they are, don’t expect them to adapt instantly to human expectations.

Essential Checklist for Success

Use this checklist to ensure no step is missed in your training process:

• ✅ Observe your cat’s current scratching habits (surface, location, frequency)
• ✅ Choose a scratching pad that matches their preferred texture and orientation
• ✅ Place the pad in a high-use area, close to existing scratching sites
• ✅ Apply cat-safe attractants like catnip or silver vine
• ✅ Reward every interaction with treats, praise, or play
• ✅ Discourage furniture scratching with humane deterrents (double-sided tape, aluminum foil)
• ✅ Trim nails every 2–3 weeks to reduce damage and improve comfort
• ✅ Replace worn pads promptly—frayed surfaces lose appeal
• ✅ Be patient—behavior change takes 4–8 weeks for stubborn cases

Frequently Asked Questions

Why won’t my cat use the scratching post I bought?

Most likely, the post doesn’t match your cat’s physical or textural preferences. Common issues include incorrect height, unstable base, wrong material, or poor placement. Try relocating it near their favorite furniture and adding catnip.

Can I train an older cat to use a scratching pad?

Yes. While kittens learn faster, adult and senior cats can adapt with consistent reinforcement. Older cats may prefer lower-height or horizontal scratchers due to joint stiffness. Patience and comfort are key.

Is it okay to have multiple scratching pads?

Not only is it okay—it’s recommended. Cats often scratch after waking, before sleeping, or when marking territory. Having 2–3 pads in different rooms supports natural behavior and reduces conflict in multi-cat households.

Final Thoughts: Patience and Persistence Pay Off

Training a stubborn cat isn’t about dominance—it’s about communication. When you align your methods with your cat’s instincts, the results follow. The scratching pad isn’t just a piece of pet gear; it’s a bridge between your home’s comfort and your cat’s well-being. Success doesn’t require perfection, just consistency. Celebrate small wins: a sniff, a paw touch, a brief scratch. Each is a step toward harmony.

Remember, every cat is an individual. What works for one may need adjustment for another. Stay observant, stay calm, and let your cat guide the pace. With time, the sound of claws on fabric will shift from frustration to satisfaction—both yours and theirs.

💬 Have a stubborn scratcher at home? Share your story or tip in the comments—your experience could help another cat owner find their breakthrough!