FWIW, I've never had a cat like the cardboard scratcher things. Mine have all had a strong preference for the ones wrapped in rope or carpet.

Some little fluffy balls might also save your skin. My 3 year olds still play with the same one they picked the night they came home. Of course they have about 15 others to choose from because my former cat only liked one color (I know it's weird) and the balls come in packs of 3 or 4. But for some reason they truly love that beat up green thing.