To establish good scratching habits in kittens and newly acquired adult cats:

• Put out several scratching posts in 2 or 3 areas most used by the cat, such as near the sleeping place, and the places the cat most likes to rest and to play. The scratching post should be tall enough or long enough so the cat can stretch completely to scratch. 
• You can make your own scratching objects rather than purchasing them, but be sure the scratching surface is fabric that is easy for the cat to shred.
• Don’t put the cat’s paws on the post and force it to scratch. Kittens are born knowing how to scratch and restraining the cat to drag its paws over the post may be very unpleasant and actually cause the cat to avoid the post.
• Do encourage scratching on the post by playing with dangle-toys on or near the post, scenting the post with catnip, using praise and food rewards when the cat scratches the post or even scratching the post yourself to stimulate the cat to scratch. 
• Take the cat or coax the cat over to the post after its nap, cats often like to stretch and scratch after a nap. 
• One inexpensive post alternative is the scratching platform. This is available at pet stores for very little cost. They are boxes with corrugated cardboard. The cardboard has been scented with catnip to make it appealing. Cats love to scratch on these.

For older cats or kittens who don't use a scratching post:

• Make the damaged scratching area unavailable or cover it with lightweight plastic so that it feels different and less appealing. Cats hate aluminum foil also and it makes a great training tool. Cover the area with plastic or foil to "train" the cat not to scratch there. 
• Also, there is a product called sticky paws that you can put on furniture. The product is similar to double sided tape; cats don’t like it and won’t scratch the area where the sticky paws are.
• Put the scratching post next to the damaged area and be sure it is covered with a material that is acceptable to the cat. Some cats prefer to rake loose-woven fabric, while others like to "pick" at knubby textures. Both carpet and rope are appealing to most cats. 
• Because cats like to scratch in prominent areas of their home, you may need to leave the post in the area where the cat prefers to scratch. Your cat may not scratch a post located in the back corner of the basement. 
• If your cat persists in scratching off-limits objects, keep a spray bottle with water handy. When she goes to scratch on the item, say "NO" in a firm voice and spray her with a stream of water. Most cats will quickly learn that they are not allowed to scratch in certain places. Most cats really don’t like water and will avoid being sprayed. It is best to not let the cat see you spray her, that way she will not associate the spray with you.