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The scratch map

Short answerEffective post placement starts with knowing where your cat actually scratches. Log each episode or fresh mark you find for a week or two, and the map shows you which spots dominate - that's where the posts go. A log can help you spot the pattern; it can't tell you whether a medical or stress issue is involved, so sudden changes or scratching that worries you are questions for your vet. Entries stay on this device, and you can print the log for reference.

How to use it

Add an entry whenever you catch scratching in the act or find a fresh mark: pick the spot and the surface type, and add a short note if there's context (after a nap, when guests arrived, near the window). Fresh marks count - you don't have to witness the scratch. After a handful of entries, the summary shows your cat's top spot.

Log a scratching spot

Add an entry each time you catch scratching - or find fresh marks. Entries stay on this device only.

No entries yet. Add your first one below.

When it happened Where it happened Surface Note (optional)

Reading the map

Mostly the sofa or chairs? Put a sturdy sisal post directly beside the scratched arm and protect the spot - see furniture protection. Mostly door and window frames? Your cat may be marking high-traffic thresholds; a tall post right there usually wins. Mostly horizontal carpet? Add flat cardboard scratchers at those exact spots, per the placement guide. A map where scratching spreads to more and more spots, especially with other changes like hiding or appetite shifts, is worth a vet conversation - stress can drive increased marking.

Questions about your cat's scratching?PawLine gives research-based answers tailored to your cat's breed, age, history and the situations you're seeing at home.Ask PawLine