There's a very simple method to teach kitty to use a scratching post. I learned it from the cat newsgroups a long time ago, and it works like a charm. Take a long piece of yarn and drag it around until kitty starts to chase it. Then, when you've got a good game going, drag the yarn across the post. The kitty will chase the yarn onto the post and get a good hold with its claws. Once it discovers the good feel of a nice sisal rope post, it will start to use that post. Kitty will enjoy scratching that more than he will enjoy scratching your couch, chairs, or whatever. Good luck!

Can you find the kitty in the scratching tree jungle?