How to Make a Hanging Cat Scratching Post

Cat toys and scratching posts can be become quite expensive if you purchase them from a pet supply store. One item that a cat definitely needs to have available is a scratching post. A scratching post helps your cat stretch its body and get exercise. There are simple ways to make your own with just a few tools and materials. An added bonus is that you can create a hanging scratching post that will not take up any room in your house or get in the way.

Things You'll Need

• 6-by-18-inch wooden board
• 1/4-inch sisal rope (40 feet, non-oiled)
• Electric drill
• Super glue
• Hammer and small nails (1/2 inch)

Instructions

1. Decide what type of wood you want the board to be. Make sure it does not splinter easily and is not thicker than 1/2 inch. Plywood and particle board work well for this project. Use the electric drill to create a 1/2-inch hole in each corner of the board, about 1 inch from the edge. The rope will pass through these holes as you are wrapping it.

2. Stain or paint the board if you desire.

3. Insert one end of the sisal rope (a good choice for this project because it is small and tightly coiled and has a rough texture) up through the top left hole in the wood. Bring this end of the rope over to the top right hole in the wood, and insert it down through the hole. Tie a knot in the right end behind the hole to keep the rope from moving. Pull about 14 inches of rope up through the left hole, creating a loop that will act as a handle to hang on a doorknob when the scratching post is finished.

4. Tie a knot below the left hole to complete the handle.

5. Hold the remaining hanging rope tightly about an inch past the knot. With the other hand, apply a thick line of super glue across the top of the board, a few inches down from the holes. Wrap the rope tightly once around the entire board, pressing it into the super glue.

6. Flip the board over and apply a thick line of super glue below the first rope coil. Wrap the rope around again, laying the second coil over the line of superglue. Repeat this process, with superglue first on the front, then the back, until the entire board is wrapped in thick, tight coils of rope that are securely glued to the board. Make sure to maintain tension in the rope throughout the entire process.

7. Loop the end of the rope through one of the holes in the bottom of the board. Pull it tight and loop it through the opposite hole. Use a hammer to nail the rope to the board with two to three small nails. This will ensure that it is completely secure and will help it stay tight.

8. Let the scratching post dry completely. Hang it from a doorknob and keep an eye on it to make sure your handiwork doesn't start to unravel. If this happens, repeat the process to try and make the hanging cat scratching post tighter.

Tips & Warnings

• Tuck catnip into the rope to energize your cat while she plays and scratches.

• Be careful working with super glue. Be careful working with power tools, and wear gloves if necessary.