We adopted a cat named Miso about three weeks ago. She’s around two years old and came from a shelter that told us she’d been surrendered after her previous owner moved. She’s been settling in well. She’s affectionate, eats great, and has claimed the top of our bookshelf as her territory.

The weird part is the scratching post. I bought a tall sisal one and set it up near the couch, and she wants nothing to do with it. I don’t mean she’s indifferent. She actively avoids it. She’ll take a wide route around it and sometimes freezes if she walks past it and it wobbles even a little. The other day I tried to gently encourage her by dragging a wand toy across the base, and she bolted under the bed and stayed there for an hour.

Meanwhile, she’s been scratching the side of the couch, which is how I know she wants to scratch. She just won’t do it on anything I’ve bought for that purpose. I tried a cardboard scratcher too, and she sniffed it once and walked away.

I’ve been wondering if something happened to her in her past. Maybe she was punished for scratching, or maybe a tall post fell on her at some point? I’ve also read that some cats just have strong texture or stability preferences, but her reaction seems more fearful than picky.

Has anyone dealt with this in a rescue? Is fear of scratching posts a real thing, and what usually causes it? And is there a gentle way to help her get comfortable without making things worse?

Thanks in advance. She’s a sweet girl and I just want her to feel safe in her new home. 🐱