Positioning a scratching board correctly: finding the right spot

The new scratching board sits neatly in the corner, yet your cat continues to work on the carpet. Then it's worth first taking a look at the location and her preferences. Scratching is part of normal cat behaviour. A suitable option therefore takes into account where and in what posture your cat likes to scratch. With a short observation round and a careful location test you can find out what works for you.

Observe first: location, direction and surface

Watch on the next occasions without interrupting your cat. Does she stretch up along a vertical sofa edge or pull her claws over a horizontal surface? The Ohio State University describes that cats with a preference for carpets may prefer a flat option, while others prefer vertical scratching surfaces. This is an indication, not a hard rule.

Our practical note consists of three items:

• Location: for example next to the sleeping place or at the entrance to the living room.
• Direction: horizontal, angled or vertical.
• Surface: for example corrugated cardboard, sisal or the existing carpet.

Add when you observed the scratching. Some cats scratch after getting up or on frequently used routes. A hidden corner that otherwise means little to your cat is therefore not automatically the best place.

Choose a floor board to match your observations

A flat scratching board can be offered as a horizontal scratching surface. A concrete example is the the LA PLANCHE scratching board by cat-on at Fellino: the corrugated cardboard board measures according to the product information 38 × 38 × 5 cm. Check on site whether your cat has enough room on it for her scratching movement and whether the board stays lying flat while in use.

For a cat that likes to stretch up a tall post, a floor board is not automatically a substitute for that. Leave existing, well-accepted scratching options available. Different forms can complement each other.

Test the location in four steps

The following sequence is our suggestion for a clear location test:

1. Start at the familiar scratching spot: Place the board as close as possible to a spot where your cat already scratches or frequently passes. If you haven't observed such a spot, proximity to her resting place can be a starting point.
2. Clear the placement surface: Lay the board completely on a level floor. Remove items that are under an edge and check whether it wobbles or slides easily. Do not assume it has a non-slip underside.
3. Check access and movement: Your cat should be able to step up, position herself to scratch and walk away again. Do not place the board in such a narrow gap that the paw movement ends at furniture. Doors must be able to open without hitting the board or the cat.
4. Observe the first use: Does the board stay in place under the pull of the claws? If it slips or tips, correct the positioning and follow the manufacturer's instructions. Do not use it as an improvised wall surface or elevated board.

A short pressure test with the hand helps with preparation but does not replace observing actual use. A suitable location is also not one that people have to constantly step over.

Allow voluntary familiarisation

Let your cat decide for herself when to investigate the board. Do not place her on it repeatedly and do not guide her paws over the surface. Battersea recommends allowing cats to explore new scratching options in their own way. Scolding at the old scratching spot does not give them a suitable alternative.

You can then reward voluntary use with something your cat likes. This can include a small, suitable treat, which you take into account in her usual food amount. Do not interrupt her in the middle of a scratching movement. A calm ending is also fine.

Make targeted adjustments rather than constantly rearranging

Note after the first observations: "used", "only investigated" or "not noticed". Add whether the surface remained stable and was easily reachable. Try to change only one thing on the next attempt, for example the location. That way you can more easily recognise which change makes a difference.

An accepted board should not suddenly disappear far from the familiar spot. If you want to move it, proceed gradually and continue to observe. For several cats it makes sense to have scratching options distributed spatially: one cat should not be able to block access for all the others.

Short location checklist

• Scratching direction and preferred surface observed?
• Board placed near an actually used spot?
• Level surface and stable hold checked?
• Enough space to approach, scratch and walk away?
• Voluntary use waited for and observations noted?

Frequently asked questions

My cat only lies on the scratching board. Is the spot wrong?

That alone does not show it. Lying is not yet proof that she likes the surface for scratching. Continue to observe where she actually scratches and compare the direction and material there.

Does every scratching board have to be right at the window?

No. For this choice of location the observed scratching spots and accessibility are more helpful than a blanket window rule. A window spot can fit, but it is not a prerequisite.

Does the right location reliably prevent scratch marks on the sofa?

No, there is no guarantee. If usage does not occur, also check the shape, surface and stability of the offering. A different scratching model may be more suitable than another try with the same board.

Author: Fellino editorial team. Editorial status: 25.10.2026.