Our new cat seems to like scratching at a section of wallpaper at the bottom of the stairs, but only does it during the night, so there's no way to catch her and tell her off.

So far I've read that tin foil works, although that will be difficult to keep on a section of our wall, and certain diluted oils like citronella, peppermint, and lavender.

Have any cat owners tried these or other products? She does have a scratching post but doesn't seem keen on using it. She also uses the sofa and chair arms which we are trying to tell her no, but I don't want to be too harsh as she's still very new to our home.

Double-sided tape worked for us, when our old cat wouldn't stop scratching a particular spot. If you can make a panel of it and attach the panel to the area (double-sided tape on a piece of A4 paper, then attach the whole thing to the wall) it shouldn't further damage the wallpaper. Then position the scratching post near the area. Once your cat realises she hates the feel of the sticky tap on her paws, she may turn to the post for her scratching.

I suppose you could try the tape on your soft furnishings, as well - it only needs to be there (in her favourite scratching areas) until the habit's broken.

Have you tried catnip on the scratching post?

I'll try the tape thing if the scented oil thing doesn't work.

And yes I tried catnip on the scratching post.