Why does my cat prefer scratching my recliner instead of her scratching post?

Question

I got my cat this perfectly good scratching post. Yet she'd rather destroy my recliner.

Answer 1

She gets attention for it, so why stop? Try getting a spray bottle or squirt gun, and when you see her scratching on the chair, blast her. DON'T yell at her or draw attention to yourself, because they see that as attention... or she'll just know to stop doing it when you're around. Likewise praise or reward her when she actually uses the scratching post. Nothing motivates a cat like food or worshipping :)

Answer 2

If you had a recliner or a post which would you rather sit in and scratch?
Cats do whatever they want, they probably have not read the label on the scratching post. Maybe the Cat does not know the post is for cats?

Answer 3

This is because your recliner smells like him, for example would you rather to use your bed which you know perfectly or a new bed that you have never try... I bet you would choose your bed.
So, try this, first cover your recliner with towel that has been washed with a powerful lavender soap, so nothing on that recliner would smell like him.
Also, put something like a towel or anything your cat has slept on near the scratching post, this would tell him he is safe using that scratching post.
And finally, spread some catnip in the scratching post... he wouldn't resist

Answer 4

Cats leave their scent when they scratch. You can try to use an enzyme cleaner that's safe for upholstery to eliminate the odor. You can try covering the scratched part of the recliner with duct tape and two sided tape.

Take her to the scratching post and rub her against it and move her paws toward it. Use cat nip on the post to help attract her to it.

When she uses the scratching post, give her a little taste treat. She will quickly get the idea that the post = treats.

Good luck.

Answer 5

put double sticky tape where she likes to scratch they don't like the feel of it on their paws. if that doesn't work there is a product called soft claws I believe and they are plastic caps that go over the cats claws so it won't ruin your furnature. try putting a scratch post by the recliner reward her for when she uses the scratch post and spray her with a water bottle when she uses the recliner.

good luck.

Answer 6

Cats scratch what they want no matter how many scratching posts and kitty condos you buy them. Catnip only makes them hang out at the post for a short time, kitty will be back to mattress, couch, chair or whatever he wants.

Answer 7

Might I suggest purchasing this for her.
http://www.petsmart.com/global/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524441778415&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302033745&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=2534374302023690&bmUID=1152485869128&itemNo=2&In=Cat&N=2033745&Ne=2
It's called a Blitz TurboScratcher Cat Toy.
This cat toy offers a wide range of feline fun in one self-contained unit. The corrugated cardboard scratching surface is irresistible to most cats. Sprinkle a packet of catnip (included) into the hollows of the cardboard to make it even more appealing.
Surrounding the scratching surface is a track with a ball that scoots out of reach just when your cat is convinced she's captured it. She'll spend hours scratching and playing with this cat toy while getting great exercise and mental stimulation. Overall size of toy measures 15" in diameter. (I LOVE MINE!)

or try

Rubbing some catnip on the post and base, she might be more drawn to the scratching post then. Also, my owner put wide plastic tape on the corner of her chair, I surely hate that! Needless to say I stopped scratching the chair.

Answer 8

Simple, really - you value your recliner much more than the scratching post.
Allow kitty to witness you coveting the scratching post once or twice.

Answer 9

I agree with Joe B. I wish he would've answered my question on declawing before I deleted it. Would've given him 10 pts!

Anyway, I do truly believe that indoor only cats are happier without front claws and hormones. I live in a condo complex. They have two doors to go through before they can get outside and they do have back claws and teeth on the off chance that they do find their way outside. My one cat was 5 when he got declawed. The other two were done at about 4 months.

Answer 10

It is a sign of marking territory. If you want the cat to stop I recommend rubbing catnip(a plant cats like) on the scratching post or tying little sacks of cat nip on the post. you can find this at any pet store or from your vet.