Introduce a scratcher in a place your cat already likes to spend time. Choose a stable design with a texture and orientation that match the cat’s known preferences. If your cat scratches the side of a sofa, a tall post nearby may be a better first option than a small flat pad. A familiar blanket or nearby resting spot can make the new item feel less out of place.
Let your cat investigate without pushing their paws onto the surface. Forced contact can make a cautious cat avoid the scratcher. Instead, play gently near it, or reward a voluntary sniff, paw touch, or scratch with a calm treat or praise. Keep the interaction brief and positive. If your cat is uninterested, leave the scratcher accessible and try again later rather than repeatedly calling them over.
Check whether the scratcher moves or feels uncomfortable during use. Add stability, adjust its position, or try another texture if your cat continues to choose a different surface. Place the new item near the unwanted scratching area while your cat learns the alternative, and protect vulnerable furniture in the meantime. Patience matters: a scratcher becomes useful through positive, repeated opportunities, not through punishment or pressure.