ok! and now the experimentation begins! i bought a sisal rope door hanger thingie and screwed it into the side of the cabinet clive eats on (a utility cabinet). i bought one of those cardboard thingies (but not the one at the angle. hmmm. and i bought a low end carpet post (because it was four dollars) and attached it to a much bigger and heavier base ( a big square hunk of particle board i was saving for just the right project.)
i sprayed cat nip on the post and the sisal and the cardboard thingie has it inside. i introduced him to all three. he seems most interested in rubbing against the sisal right now.
then, i covered the corner of the chair he likes with foil (attached with carpet runner tape, the stuff that makes rugs not slip).... and sprayed some perfume on it (the pet place was out of the citrus stuff and i wasnt up for a long drive to the pet smart).

thanks again for all your suggestions!