My cat won’t use the scratching post — what do I do?

Diagnose in four parts. First, orientation: is she scratching vertically (up the couch arm) or horizontally (on the rug)? Match that. Second, substrate: sisal rope and cardboard are most-preferred per Cornell. Carpet posts often get ignored. Third, height: the post must be tall enough for her to stretch fully on her hind legs. Most pet-store posts are too short. Fourth, location: the post needs to be where she’s already scratching, not where you wish it would be. Fix whichever of the four is wrong and most cats convert within a week.

When to call a vet: if she stops scratching altogether (not just avoiding the post), there may be a pain or claw issue worth a vet check.