When a kitten moves in, your home is in serious danger of becoming one giant scratching post. Scratching is a natural, essential behavior: it keeps claws healthy, stretches muscles and lets cats leave their scent. Of course, you can buy a scratching post, but making one yourself is much more fun, and you can make it exactly the right size for your cat!
How do you make a good scratching post yourself? Let’s look at several options, from a 10-minute cardboard scratcher to a full cat tree.
How to Make a Wall-Mounted Scratching Post: Step by Step
Step 1. Don’t attach the scratching post directly to the wall. You’ll need a wooden backing board to mount it on. The width of the board is up to you, but its height should match the height of the post. For a corner scratcher, use two boards.
Step 2. For the post itself, use a wooden board, a 4×4 post or a simple wall panel, about 20 to 28 inches (50–70 cm) long. To be more precise, measure your cat from nose to the base of its tail. The post should be at least about twice that length, so your cat can stretch out fully while scratching. Most adult cats need at least 30 inches (75–80 cm).
Step 3. Get a drill and screws (borrow a drill from a neighbor if you need to), plus natural sisal rope or jute twine about 1/4 inch (5–6 mm) thick. Two rolls of rope should be enough for a standard post. Choose untreated rope: some ropes are coated with oils or chemicals that cats shouldn’t lick.
Step 4. Drill six holes through the post and the backing board, lined up with each other: two at the top, two in the middle and two at the bottom.
Step 5. Insert the screws into the holes in the post first, then wrap the rope tightly around the post, covering the screw heads. Secure the ends of the rope firmly with staples or a little hot glue, so your cat can’t pull them loose.
Step 6. Screw the wrapped post onto the backing board, and fix the board securely to the wall, ideally into a stud. Invite your cat to try out its new wall scratcher. (Serve rubbed with a little catnip!)
All done? Now read how to get your cat to use a scratching post.
DIY Cardboard Scratcher
A cardboard scratcher is even quicker to make than a wall or corner post. It’s also eco-friendly and stylish. The idea is based on the well-known fact that cats adore cardboard boxes, so they can hardly walk past a corrugated cardboard scratcher! A cardboard scratcher lasts about two months with regular use, so instead of buying replacements at the pet store, why not learn to make your own?
What you’ll need: corrugated cardboard or cardboard boxes, thick paper or card for the base, packing tape, non-toxic white craft glue (PVA), a utility knife and fabric for decoration.
Step-by-step instructions:
- Flatten the boxes and mark strips of equal width on the cardboard. You can choose any width, but the scratcher works best if it’s at least 4 inches (10 cm) high. Mark the strips so the corrugated channels run across the width of each strip.
- Cut the cardboard into strips.
- Start rolling up the strips by hand.
- Roll the first strip as tightly as possible and secure it with tape or glue. This is the core.
- Wind the other strips around the core one by one, securing each with tape or glue.
- Secure the end of the last strip especially carefully.
- Wrap the outside of the roll with decorative fabric and secure it.
- Stand the roll on the thick paper, trace around it with a pencil and cut out a base.
- Attach the base with glue or tape.
- Your DIY cardboard scratcher is ready!
You can also simply cut strips and pack them tightly, on their sides, into a shallow box or wooden frame for a flat scratching pad. As you can see in the photo, cardboard ideas aren’t limited to scratchers: cardboard beds and loungers are very practical too.
DIY Scratching Post: Make It Yourself, and Your Cat Will Love You
This classic scratching post is especially popular with cats. A good one should be about 30 to 40 inches (75–100 cm) tall. The hardest part is finding the post itself!
If you’re lucky enough to have a suitable pipe or post at home, here’s what else you’ll need:
- a heavy wooden base, at least 16 x 16 inches (40 x 40 cm), so the post doesn’t tip over;
- sisal rope or jute twine (carpet also works, but some cats then start scratching your rugs);
- a staple gun and staples;
- fabric or carpet to cover the base;
- something to fill and weigh down a hollow pipe, such as expanding foam or a heavy wooden post that fits inside it;
- long wood screws.
Step-by-step instructions:
- Cover the square wooden base with fabric or carpet, stapling it underneath.
- Fill a hollow pipe with expanding foam or a wooden post to make it sturdy and heavy.
- Wrap the post tightly with sisal rope or jute, securing the ends firmly, or cover it with carpet.
- Screw the post exactly in the middle of the base from underneath.
- Cover the top of the post with a “cap” made of fabric or a small platform.
- If you like, attach a toy on a short, sturdy cord, but check it often and replace it if it frays.
Your scratching post is ready! Test it by pushing it hard from the side: if it wobbles, make the base bigger or heavier. A wobbly post may scare your cat off for good.
DIY Cat Tree with a House
A cat tree with a house and scratching posts is the most advanced project. In fact, it’s a whole play center, so you’ll need to plan every detail at the design stage. But if you’re handy, you can do it!
Materials:
- plywood or OSB boards, about 3/8 inch and 1/2 inch thick (8 mm and 12 mm), or particleboard;
- a large piece of fabric, faux fur or carpet;
- wood screws;
- hot glue sticks;
- staples;
- one or more posts or pipes, depending on your design;
- several rolls of sisal rope or jute twine;
- metal corner brackets.
Tools: tape measure, pencil, jigsaw, drill/driver, compass, staple gun, hammer, scissors, hot glue gun, utility knife, handsaw and screwdrivers.
- Draw a plan.
- Cut the boards to size.
- Assemble the pieces and the posts, fastening everything securely with screws and brackets.
- Wrap the posts with rope, fixing the ends firmly.
- Cover the other surfaces with fabric, faux fur or carpet; you can mix materials.
- Add a toy for extra appeal.
- Don’t forget the catnip!
Make sure the finished tree is stable. A tall cat tree should be secured to the wall with an anti-tip strap or bracket, like a bookcase.
A Natural Wood Scratching Post
A scratching post made from a natural log or branch is a beautiful piece of decor. If you find a suitable piece of wood, it can make a great scratcher.
- Choose hardwood that hasn’t been treated with chemicals, varnish or paint, and avoid wood that’s toxic to cats or has sap, such as some conifers. Check it carefully for insects and fungus.
- Clean the wood and sand off any sharp splinters. Let it dry completely indoors for several weeks.
- There’s no need to wrap the whole log with rope: wrap a few sections where your cat likes to scratch, and leave the bark or bare wood elsewhere.
- Mount the log securely against the wall or on a heavy base, so it can’t fall over, and hang your cat’s toys on it.
Finally, here are the four key qualities of a good DIY scratching post:
- Stability. It shouldn’t wobble or tip over, and it must support your cat’s full weight.
- The right size. It should be tall enough for your cat to stretch out fully. Large multi-level cat trees are fun for cats, but they can take over a small apartment, so plan for your space.
- Durability. Cat “manicures” are destructive, so your scratching post needs to be strong enough to withstand them.
- An attractive look. You’ll be looking at your handiwork for a long time, so make it something you’ll enjoy seeing.
Place the scratching post where your cat spends time: near its bed, by a window or next to the furniture it likes to scratch.
