Scratching is an instinctive part of a cat´s behavior. Providing your cat with a scratching post or pad can help ensure that your kitty doesn´t use your favorite couch or chair instead to scratch.
Things to Consider:
Cat´s Height – You need to be sure that the post you choose is tall enough for your cat. Cats like to stretch when they scratch. If you do not buy a tall enough post, your cat may still prefer your furniture.
Stopping Bad Behavior – If your cat has already started scratching furniture, and you´re trying to get her to stop, you should place the scratching post next to the piece of furniture she´s been scratching. Don´t try to force your cat to use the post, but instead, rub the post with catnip, or put treats on top of the post.
Post´s Stability – You need to make sure the post is stable and won´t tip over. Cats are sometimes unlikely to use a post again, thinking it might tip over again.