Stay clear of vertical scratching posts that are not tall enough. The post should be tall enough for your cat to stretch up high. Otherwise she might not use it.
Choose scratchers that are attractive to cats, such as those made out of sisal or corrugated cardboard. Carpeted scratching posts may be O.K. if they are multi-level and provide your cat with the ability to climb on it. Otherwise, cats generally prefer sisal or cardboard. Make sure the post is sturdy, not wobbly or it might be rejected by the cat.
Cats like to scratch and stretch after they wake up. Place scratchers near where your pet sleeps and where the cat hangs out.
Rub high quality cat nip on the scratching post to attract your cat to it.
When your cat scratches on furniture, put her in front of her scratcher. Petting her in front of it to make her feel relaxed might make her want to stretch and scratch. Some cats will mimic you if you demonstrate with your hands where to scratch, though don’t try to make her scratch by moving her paws. Playing with her in front of the scratching post is also a good idea.
If your cat is favoring the couch or carpet, cover the area until she is regularly using the appropriate place. For the couch your can buy double sided sticky tape which cats hate, or use aluminum foil to cover the area. Berber throw rugs provide an appropriate scratching place for cats that like to scratch on the carpet. Just place the throw rug over her favorite scratching area.
To minimize damage to your furniture and yourself you might want to trim your cats nails once a month. Blunt nails are less sharp and do less damage.
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