How to Build Cat Scratchers

Scratching posts stop cats from damaging furniture.

Getting a cat scratcher for a feline friend is a good way to ensure your pet is entertained and keeps its claws in good condition. Without regular use claws can become long, blunted and fragile, which is uncomfortable for the cat. Cat scratchers can be easily purchased online or from any pet store, but building your own can be a lot cheaper and allow you to customize it to suit your cat.

Things You'll Need

• 30-inch wooden post
• 12-inch square wooden board
• Length of sisal rope
• Nails
• Hammer
• Sandpaper
• Scissors
• Carpet remnants or denim
• Tape measure

Instructions

1. Sand the wood down to remove any splinters or rough edges that might damage a cat's paws. The type of wood for this task is not important, but the main post should be about 4 inches in diameter.

2. Nail one end of the rope at the top of the post and wind it tightly all the way down to the bottom so there are no gaps. Put in another nail at the bottom to hold the rope in place. Sisal rope is best for this as it is a natural rope that is very durable and will not fall apart when clawed at.

3. Cut off any excess rope using scissors and keep it in case any of the rope needs replacing.

4. Cover the 12-inch board base for the post in a piece of carpet, matting or denim so the cat does not scratch at the bare wood. Secure it around the edges with nails.

5. Find the center of the flat board using a tape measure and mark where it is.

6. Turn the post upside down and place the board where the base will be and hammer in at least four nails to secure the two pieces together.

Tips & Warnings

• Reduce the size of the post if it is for a kitten; otherwise the lower parts of the rope will be overscratched and the rest untouched.

• If it is for an older cat, rub catnip into the rope to encourage it to use it.

References

• Cats International: How to Build a Scratching Post
• Daily Puppy: How to Make your own Cat Scratching Post