How to Make a Cat Scatching Post
A cat scratches for two primary reasons. The first reason is to announce to other cats where it is. The scratches indicate its location and habits. The second reason is to sharpen its claws. When a cat scratches indoors, the scratching can destroy furniture or carpeting. Your could purchase a scratching post for your cat, but these are expensive. You can make your own and save money.
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Things You'll Need
- Utility knife
- Cardboard mailing tube
- Paintbrush
- All-purpose glue
- Carpet scrap
- Binder clips
- Twine
- Christmas tree stand
Instructions
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1
Use a utility knife to cut a piece of carpeting 30 inches long and 9.5 inches wide.
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2
Coat a cardboard mailing tube, 30 inches long and 3 inches in diameter, with all-purpose glue. If necessary, use a clean paintbrush to paint the glue onto the tube. Or put lines of glue on the tube, then use a cardboard scrap to smear the glue all around the tube.
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3
Place the cut piece of carpet from Step 1 onto the glue-covered tube. Wrap it around, right side in, bringing the two edges together. This will expose the backing of the carpet and the plush side of the carpet will be facing in.
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4
Place a line of glue along the seam of the carpet. Tie three 12-inch lengths of twine around the tube to hold the carpet in place while the glue dries. You can also use binder clips at the top and bottom of the tube to hold the edges in place. Leave the glue to dry overnight.
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5
Insert the carpet-covered tube into a Christmas tree stand. Tighten the screws on the stand to hold the tube in place.
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Tips & Warnings
Declawed cats scratch for the same reasons as cats with claws. Even though declawed cats do not destroy furniture by scatching, a post will satisfy their natural desire to scratch.
The texture back side of carpet is the right texture to create a scratching post, and carpet scraps are inexpensive.
If your cat is unsure about the new scratching post, apply catnip to the structure to entice it.
Another option is to wrap the tube with sisal rope instead of carpeting.
References
- Photo Credit cat back scratch image by Sirena Designs from Fotolia.com
