Watch your cat scratch to estimate the height they need. Many cats stand on their hind legs and extend their front paws upward, so a short post may interrupt a satisfying full-body stretch. Choose a post that gives your cat room to reach naturally from the floor. If your cat is still growing, allow for their adult size rather than selecting only for their kitten proportions.
Height does not help if the post is unstable. A cat pulling down on a tall post can make it wobble, which may put them off using it. Look for a broad, heavy base or a design intended to be secured safely. Test the post with gentle pressure after assembly, and place it on a flat surface. If it shifts during use, improve its stability before encouraging more scratching.
Consider offering different angles, too. Some cats prefer a vertical post, while others scratch horizontal or slanted surfaces. A tall post beside a flat cardboard scratcher gives your cat a choice and may serve different scratching moods. Keep the post near a place where your cat already stretches or scratches. When the surface becomes loose, frayed, or difficult to grip, repair or replace it so the post remains comfortable and rewarding to use.