5 Tips to Introduce Your Cat to a New Lounger Sofa (and Actually Use It!)

So you’ve finally found the perfect rattan cat lounger — stylish, breathable, and a beautiful match for your home decor. You unpack it with excitement, place it in the sunniest spot of the room…

…and your cat ignores it completely.

Don’t worry — you’re not alone.

Cats are creatures of habit. New furniture, even one made just for them, can take a little getting used to. But with a few smart moves, you can turn that pretty rattan sofa into your cat’s favorite place to nap, groom, and rule the house.

Here’s how:

🧴 1. Make It Smell Like Home
Cats rely heavily on scent to feel secure. A brand-new lounger smells… well, new — and unfamiliar.

What to do:

Rub the sofa with a soft cloth that carries your cat’s scent (e.g., used blanket or your shirt).

Sprinkle a little catnip if your cat responds to it positively.

You can also transfer scent by gently wiping your cat’s cheeks with a cloth and rubbing it onto the lounger.

Familiar scents = safe space.

🍗 2. Use Treats & Positive Reinforcement
Turn the lounger into a reward zone.

Try this:

Place a few of your cat’s favorite treats or kibble on the lounger.

Use praise and gentle petting every time your cat interacts with it, even if they just sniff it.

You can even make it part of a play session — toss a toy onto the sofa and let them “hunt” it.

Cats go where the good things happen.

🪟 3. Place It in a Cat-Approved Spot
Your rattan lounger may look great in a quiet corner, but cats prefer strategic locations. Think sunlight, visibility, and airflow.

Top placement tips:

Near a window for birdwatching

Beside your working space so they feel included

On a cozy rug or elevated platform to boost comfort

Bonus if it's in a spot they already frequent!

🧺 4. Make It Familiar With Soft Layers
While rattan is naturally beautiful and breathable, some cats prefer extra softness.

Easy upgrades:

Add a washable linen or cotton pad

Use their favorite throw or blanket on top

Try different textures until they settle in

Transition comfort matters — especially for older or picky cats.

🐾 5. Be Patient, But Consistent
Some cats jump into new things (literally). Others need time.

What helps:

Keep the lounger in the same spot for a few days

Don’t force your cat into it — let them explore at their own pace

Celebrate small wins — even a single nap is a sign of progress!

The more they see the lounger as part of their world, the more they’ll use it.

🛋️ Why the Rattan Cat Sofa Is Still Worth It
Even if it takes a few days (or weeks), most cats eventually do embrace their new throne — especially when it’s breathable, elevated, and tucked into their favorite corner.

Plus, let’s be honest: even when it’s empty, your rattan lounger is still a gorgeous piece of pet-friendly decor.

🛍️ Want to Find the Perfect Starter Sofa for Your Cat?
Explore our handcrafted rattan loungers, designed to blend comfort, design, and feline approval.
👉
[Shop Our Cat Sofa Collection]