How To Make A Cat Scratching Post

Spoil Your Kitty with This Easy DIY Scratching Post

Cats are fascinated by what they see. Cats are well-known for their tendency to spy on their surroundings, whether it’s inspecting your housekeeping efforts or keeping an eye on the animals outside your window. What are some of the other activities that cats enjoy? Scratch. Animals’ natural urge to use their paws and claws to express their emotions, remove dead nails, and get some exercise comes from their evolutionary heritage. If you offer your cat with a spot to accomplish both of these things—scratch and perch—you’ll be their bestest best friend ever, guaranteed.

With our unique DIY cat scratching post instructions and plans, you can quickly and simply construct this scratching post with only a few materials and common equipment.

In between the platforms, there’s a scratching post made of sisal that your cat may use to her heart’s delight.

Cover your post with a piece of carpet that fits your décor, and you’ll have a scratching post that’s far superior to any cat scratching items you could purchase.

A variant with an 18-inch base and 14-inch top, for example, might be made to save room.

Simply prevent creating a tippy tower by having the top the same size as or greater than the base of the tower.

The whole list of materials is quite small.

Materials You’ll Need to Build a DIY Cat Scratching Post

Two 2-by-2-foot plywood panels, each 23-inch thick
Two 2-by-4-inch studs
50-foot coils of 33-inch sisal rope (number of coils depends on post height)
Two 4-by-4-foot pieces of carpet (jute-backed)
3″ deck screws
3″ carpet tacks
11-inch common nails
Wood glue
Cyanoacrylate adhesive, also known as a quick-drying super glue
Two 2-by-4-inch stud

Tools You’ll Need to Build a DIY Cat Scratching Post

Instruments: tape measure, saw, screwdriver or screw-driving bits, drill and bit set, countersink bit, jigsaw or coping saw (optional)
Hammer. Knife and blades for utility knife
Pencil

Beardsley and Emilio, two of Brie Passano’s cats, are scratching on a handcrafted cat scratcher near to a window.

Step-by-Step Instructions for How to Make a DIY Cat Scratching Post

Draw diagonal lines between the corners of each 4×4-foot piece of plywood on one side of the piece of plywood. Mark the lines at 212″ and 312″ from the center of the picture. Drill 1/8″ holes at the four 212″ markers on the compass. Then turn each panel over and drill countersinks into the holes on the other side. (If you don’t have a countersink bit, you may recess the screw heads using the tip of a 3/8″ drill bit.) After the platforms have been constructed, these holes will be utilized for attaching the post to the platforms.

To cut the circular top, start by drawing a circle on one piece of plywood to use as a guide for the cutting process.
Drive the nail tip into the middle of the panel and draw a circle around the panel with the rest of the nail tip.
Drawing a circle onto wood using a pencil and rope is the first step in making a cat scratcher.
Robert Wilson is credited on the left.

It’s important to remember that whether you’re building a square top or changing the size or form of your scratching post, the top should be cut at least 4 inches smaller than the base. When your cat is climbing on it, this will help to keep it from falling over and breaking its back.

Step 2: Create and Attach the Center Post

Using a pencil, draw diagonal lines between the corners of each 4×4-foot sheet of plywood on one side. The lines should be drawn at a distance of 212″ and 312″ from center. 4 212 inch markers should be marked with 18″ holes. Then turn each panel over and drill countersinks into the holes on the other side of each panel.. Countersink the screw heads with the tip of an 8-inch drill bit if you don’t have a countersink bit. After the platforms have been constructed, these holes will be utilized for attaching the post to them.

Nail one end of the string to a pencil on the other end, making sure they are no more than 12 inches apart.
To cut the circle, use a jigsaw or coping saw.
jigsawing a circle in wood to make a scratcher post for your cat, step b Robert Wilson is credited with the image on the right.
It’s important to remember that whether you’re building a square top or changing the size or shape of your scratching post, you should cut the top at least four inches smaller than the base.

Step 3: Cover the Bottom Platform with Carpet

Using carpet scraps that are twice the size of the platform, you may cover the whole bottom platform with carpet. Our 2’x2′ platform necessitates the use of a carpet piece that measures 4’x4′. No matter what size your carpet is, start by cutting a 5″5″ aperture in the middle of the scrap, with the edges parallel to the edges of the scrap and the center of the scrap. Slide the carpet down the post and secure it in place on the lowest platform using a tack gun. Fold one edge of the overhanging carpet over the edge of the platform to create a ledge.

Fix the carpet in place with carpet staples.

carpet covering the base of a scratching post for a homemade cat scratcher

Step 4: Cover the Post with Sisal

Super glue is used to seal one end of the sisal rope since it dries quickly. As soon as the rope has dried, nail the sealed end to the bottom of the post, just above where it joins the lower platform. Wrap the rope firmly around the post, pushing the coils together as you go, so that none of the wood beneath the rope can be seen in the finished product. Your cat will be able to scratch to her heart’s content on a sisal surface created in this manner. step f in making a cat scratcher affixing a rope to a wooden post If you reach the end of your roll of sisal before your post is completely covered, just seal the end, wait for it to dry, then fasten it to the post using a nail gun.

Cover the nails as much as you are able. After reaching the top of the post, cut the rope and secure the end using duct tape. Then, using a nail, secure the rope’s end to the post.

Step 5: Add and Cover the Top Platform

A quick-drying super glue is used to seal one end of the sisal rope. As soon as the rope has dried, attach the sealed end to the bottom of the post where it meets the bottom platform with a nail gun. Wrap the rope firmly around the post, pushing the coils together as you go, so that none of the wood beneath the rope can be seen in the end result. Your cat will be able to scratch to her heart’s content on the tight sisal surface created by this method. steps to make a cat scratcher Nailing rope to wooden post with brads and nails If you reach the end of your roll of sisal before your post is completely covered, just seal the end, wait for it to dry, then attach it to the post with a finishing nail.

Fill up the gaps between the nails to the best of your ability.” After reaching the top of the post, cut the rope and secure the end with a piece of tape.

DIY Cat Scratching Post

This inexpensive DIY Cat Scratching Post will endure for years and will provide your kitties with something other than the sofa to scratch on! If you’ve been following my blog, you’ve probably seen that I’ve been reworking a lot of my older projects that I’ve already shared with you. To an extent, that makes me really happy since it demonstrates that these are projects that have enough value to warrant their repeated production and consideration for awards. Und heute am putting up another DIY cat scratching post, similar to the one I showed back in August of 2012.

In addition, I’ve learned over the years that a post has to be taller than what I originally designed in order for cats to be able to stretch correctly while scratching.
I’m not even joking when I say that I’ve known you for YEARS.
I had no idea how long it would persist.
The rope needs to be changed, but other than that, it appears to be in excellent condition.
It cost me $40 to make the first year, and I replace the rope every 2-3 years at a cost of roughly $10-12 every year thereafter.
When it appeared that it might be necessary to order yet another batch of cardboard cat scratchers, I decided that enough was enough.

It’s time to make another DIY Cat Scratching Post!

Over the course of eight years, a great deal has happened in the lives of my cats… My tiny Marla is the lone cat that has remained in my possession. She’s had a kidney removed, has just eight teeth, requires daily medicine, and has only lately begun to go blind as a result of the procedure. She will, however, continue to scratch the living daylights out of a piece of sisal rope and even perch on top of her scratching post. That a cat that is almost blind would climb up over three feet of scratcher astonished me, but I really shouldn’t have been startled in the first place.

And that happens to be one of her favorite spots to be. Yes, certain things have changed… However, certain things remain the same:) Want to construct one of these fantastic scratchers for your little meowing rockstars? Check out the instructions below.

To make your own DIY Cat Scratching Post you will need:

The following tools are required: staple gun (I like my electric staple gun)
Hammer
Circular saw
Speed square (optional)
Utility knife
Mitre saw (or hand saw and mitre box)
Drill and small drill bit (I adore my little drill bit).

Don’t have access to a circular saw? Avoid purchasing one only for this project unless you believe you will benefit from it in the future. Saws are available for purchase at places like Home Depot and Lowe’s. Simply bring your measurements in with you and ask them to cut the wood to the appropriate size for you. My amateur woodworking experience has taught me that an Amitre saw is the best tool for the job. If you don’t have one, you may make do with a hand saw and mitre box, which are far less expensive.

The saw that comes with it is very horrible, and it almost brought me to tears:) I’d recommend reading any online reviews before purchasing one of these.

Materials:

100 Feet of 3/8′′ Sisal Rope
Rug that is slightly larger than 20′′ x 20′′
Wood Glue
44 Post Cap
8 x 2.5′′ Wood Screws
18 x 5/8′′ Wire Nails

Natural sisal rope is the only material that should be used for your DIY cat scratcher. Cotton rope may appear to be attractive, but it lacks the delightful scratch that leather provides, and it will not survive for very long. And if you want a different color rope, you may dye sisal to get the color you desire. Also included are a few money-saving suggestions… In order to keep the costs of my DIY cat scratching post to a minimum, I got a rug on discount from Target for around $4 dollars. Lowe’s had the greatest deal I could find on the wood cap that fits on top of the post, at just under $3 for the cap alone.

When it comes to wood crafts, if you don’t do many of them, you can always use a multi-purpose glue like Elmer’s or Tacky Glue instead of purchasing wood glue specifically for this project.

Lumber Needed:

The following materials: 4 × 4 untreated wood
0.75′′ thick plywood
.75′′ decorative edge (the 8′ length will leave you with a little leftover)

In my opinion, this is a fantastic project for clearing out that timber stockpile that has accumulated in the garage. My plywood appears to be a little worse for wear, but it has been serving as a table work surface for many years. Because we’re covering the plywood, it doesn’t have to be particularly attractive; it simply has to be nice and level (not warped). My father was kind enough to come over and cut the plywood for me. Thank you, Dad! Unfortunately, we always choose the wrong time of day to take good photos, and this was literally the only one that wasn’t insanely dark in the first place.

I’m stumped.

Cut list:

(a) 4′′ x 4′′ x 36′′, quantity 1
(b) 20′′ x 20′′ plywood, quantity 1

How to Put Together Your DIY Cat Scratcher:

(a) 1 sheet of 4′′ x 4′′ x 36′′ plywood; (b) 1 sheet of 20′′ x 20′′ plywood;

Creating the Base:

Cut your wood to the appropriate size. You’ll need a non-treated 4 x 4 that’s roughly 36 inches tall, as well as a piece of 3/4-inch plywood that’s 20 inches by 20 inches. Draw a line from corner to corner across your plywood board using a straight edge (I used the post itself) to make it easier to find the center of your plywood board. Place your 4×4 in the center and trace around it to find its position. Prepare your board by drilling four holes in it, starting in the location where you traced your 44.

Wood glue should be applied to the bottom of the 4×4 post.

Allow for many hours of drying time after applying the adhesive. *Please keep in mind that while the glue dries, it is important to periodically verify that the post has not shifted. If required, make any necessary adjustments and give it extra time to dry.

Covering the Cat Scratching Post Base

Using a pencil, mark the center of the rug you’ll be using to cover the base, and then sketch the form of the 4 x 4 around the center. Quick Tip: I cut a little section of my 44 post and used it as a template to cut the rest of the post. Cut around the outside of the square with scissors and a utility knife, leaving approximately half an inch of the 4x4s size uncut. To cut along the drawn square’s edge, start at one of the corners and work your way up to the edge. A wiggle is all you need to give your 4×4.

If this is the case, let the glue to cure for another hour or so.
If it’s tough to slip on, make your angled cuts a little larger and try it another time.
As of right now, Gorilla glue is my favorite since it bonds like crazy (you’ll need to spritz the glue with water to make it adhere), but you can use anything is somewhat robust that you currently have on hand.
Once the glue has set, use a staple gun to secure the rug to the 4×4.
Use a utility knife with a sharp blade to gently cut away any extra carpet from the base of the carpet.
*Please keep in mind that if your rug does not cut away cleanly, you may need to allow a little extra time for the glue to dry.

Finishing Your DIY Cat Scratching Post Base

Once your glue has dried, you may proceed to finish up this foundation. To begin, turn your scratching post over and screw the base and post together via the holes you previously bored in the post and base. For this, you’ll want to use screws that are somewhat long. Mine are 8-sized screws that are 2.5-inches long, which is the smallest length that should be used in this situation. When it comes to screws, I’d recommend using 4′′ screws if you have them on hand or if you have to acquire them for this project.

Using moulding at a 90-degree angle rather than flat can help to protect the edge of your carpet, preventing it from fraying in the future…

The ornamental pieces should be cut at a 45-degree angle with a hand saw and mitre box or a mitre saw.

Create an edge by applying a small line of glue on one side of the wood and placing it on the other edge. Place the moulding on the base and fix it in place with trim or wire nails to prevent it from shifting. Continue to make your way around the perimeter until all four sides have been coated.

Adding the Rope

Using a small wire nail, secure the end of the rope to the 44, just above the rug that has been stapled in place. Wrap the rope around and up the 4×4 as tightly as possible. When you finish every 2-3 wraps, gently press the rope down with your hands to ensure that there are no gaps in the covering. Tap a tiny wire nail into the center of the rope with your hammer, making sure to maintain the rope taut the entire while. Start at the bottom of the base and work your way up, putting a nail every 2-3 wraps of the rope.

I would highly advise purchasing your rope in the 100-foot length; but, if you get two 50-foot ropes, you will need to link them together around the middle of the post.
Nail in the end of the first rope and the beginning of the second rope with their own nails, side by side.
As you make your way up, scratch at the rope every now and then to conceal the nail heads.
Finish by trimming the end and nailing it into place.
Locate the middle of the 4×4’s top and drill a hole through it to the bottom.

Let Your Cats After It!

Keep an eye on the scratcher you’re using. If something comes into view, tack it back down to ensure that the rope has a longer lifespan. Once the rope begins to crumble away or becomes completely damaged, you may replace pieces of it or the entire rope, depending on what works best for you. That’s all there is to it! A scratching post made from scratch that will survive for years and years! This is an updated version of the post. In case you missed it, here is the link to the original DIY Cat Scratching Post Tutorial from August 29, 2012: click here.

How to Make a Cat Scratching Post

Article in PDF format Article in PDF format Scratching is an inborn and unavoidable component of being a cat’s existence. Scratching is good for cleaning and sharpening claws, and it is something that cats will do regardless of whether or not the surfaces in your home are sacred. A scratching post is crucial if you want to divert your cat’s attention away from the furnishings. Make one out of particle board, a square post, and carpet or rope if you want to save money.

1 Obtain the basic wood by cutting or purchasing it. Plywood, particle board, or MDF can be used to construct the scratching post’s foundation. Purchase a piece that is 2 ft by 4 ft by 12 in (.61 m by 1.2 m by 1.27 cm) in size, or cut a piece to the appropriate dimensions with a table saw. When cutting, use extreme caution to ensure that no one is injured.

Make an effort to choose a natural, untreated wood. Avoid using wood that has been treated with chemicals since these might be hazardous to cats.

If possible, use a wood that is not treated. It is best to avoid wood that has been treated with chemicals because these can be toxic to cats.

Choose a firm carpet, such as Berber, to ensure a longer-lasting after installation.

3 Make notches for the corners of the box. Make a basis for the carpet by flipping it upside down and placing it in the centre of the carpet.

In order to have squares extending from each corner, draw a line straight out from each side of the base to the end of the carpet. A straight line 314 in (1.9 cm) from the corner of the base that meets the squares you created should be drawn as follows: Begin by cutting diagonally across the straight line
Then continue cutting along the lines you traced extending from the corners.

4Install carpet to cover the base. Make use of a 12 inch (1.3 cm) crown stapler to secure the carpet to the bottom of the base on one side, inserting staples every 2 in (5 cm) using the stapler. Pull the carpet taut and staple it to the bottom of the opposing side, using staples every 2 in. on the opposite side (5 cm). Then repeat the process on the other two sides, making careful to staple all the way to the edge to ensure that your corners are flush.

1 Select the appropriate post. Purchase a piece of wood that measures 4 in by 4 in (10 cm by 10 cm) from your local hardware shop. Another option is to join two pieces of wood measuring 2 by 4 inches (5 by 10 inches), making that they are adequately spaced and that no nails are visible, which might cause injury to your cat.

For reasons of safety, avoid using pressure-treated wood once again.

2 Attach the post to the base using a screwdriver. Place the base upside down on top of the post, with the carpeted side facing away from the post. Place the post in the center of the base and screw it in with 2 in (5 cm) wood screws to secure it. Then, flip the base over so that it is on the ground and the post is on top
This is the final step.

It is up to you how long you want the post to be
Just make sure it is long enough for your cat to spread out on. If you’re not sure how long to create it, measure your cat from the tip of his nose to the end of his tail and add a few inches or centimeters.

3 Cover the top of the post with your hand. To make a nice post topper, pick up a 4 in by 4 in (10 cm by 10 cm)beveled wood square from your local hardware shop. Wood glue should be used for attaching the topper to the post.

Alternatively, you may cover the top with carpet and staple it in place with carpet staples. Instead of stapling the top of the post, place two staples on either side of it.

4Cut the post carpet to the appropriate size. If it is to wrap around the post, it must be at least 20 inches (51 centimeters) wide and the precise height of the post must be known. Make use of an X-acto knife and a ruler to verify that your line is tidy and straight
5 Wrap the pole with carpet to protect it. Begin at a corner and staple the carpet in place every 1 in (2.5 cm) vertically, working your way outward from there. Place staples every 1 in (2.5 cm) along the vertical seam of the carpet, ensuring that it is completely encircled by the post. 6 Trim away any excess fabric and make sure the seam is smooth so that your cat’s claws don’t get tangled in the cloth. Rope can be used as a substitute to carpeting. If you choose not to use carpet, you can wrap the post with sisal rope as an alternative. Use non-toxic adhesive to secure the rope to the post and prevent it from unraveling.

Wrap the rope over the bottom of the post and secure it with staples if necessary. Make sure your rows are nice, straight, and extremely close together as you coil the rope all the way up to the top of the post
Then stop. If the glue doesn’t seem to be keeping the rope together well enough, use staples to secure it.

7Flatten the hardware as much as possible. To flatten the staples, hammer them down with a chisel. A flush staple is not always produced by a staple gun, and you want to be sure that your cat’s claws do not become entangled or pulled out as a result of a staple poking out of the post.

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Scrap items may be found just about anywhere! Inquire with neighbors or acquaintances to see if they happen to have any of the items you want
Depending on how boisterous or hefty your cat is, you may need to use a heavier or bigger piece of wood for the foundation of your construction in order to give your project a bit more support.

Things You’ll Need

It’s impossible to avoid finding scrap materials! Inquire with neighbors or friends to see if they happen to have any of the items you require. Depending on how boisterous or hefty your cat is, you may need to use a heavier or larger piece of wood for the foundation of the building in order to give it a bit more support.

About This Article

Summary of the ArticleX To avoid using chemicals that might be detrimental to cats when building a cat scratching post, use natural, untreated wood when crafting the scratcher. Prepare the foundation by measuring 2 feet by 4 feet by 1/2 inch and cutting it. Flip the base upside down on top of the post after it has been covered with a firm carpet, such as Berber. The post should be long enough for your cat to be able to stretch out comfortably while on it. Once the post and base have been aligned, screw the post into the base using the screwdriver.

Finally, check that all seams are smooth and that all nails are flush to ensure that your cat is comfortable and protected from damage.

Continue reading the article to find out more from our Veterinary Doctor co-author, such as how to conceal seams on the base and post of the table. Did you find this overview to be helpful? The writers of this page have together authored a page that has been read 514,048 times.

Did this article help you?

Your hyperactive cat does not claw at your couch solely for the purpose of causing you irritation. Kittens require an outlet for their scratching activity, and purchasing a scratching post from a pet store will not set you back a lot of money. You can simply make a DIY cat scratching post from of stuff you already have in your home with a little effort. Most pet parents discover the hard way that their cat has a hereditary itch that has to be scratched. And, if given the chance, she’ll rip your drapes, rugs, or even your couch to tears in order to accomplish her goal.

1. Cat Scratching Book Board

Among the reasons cats scratch are to shed the outer covering of her claws (which you may discover lying around the home), stretch her body, and leave her fragrance to remind you who the true boss is in the house. If she has a good cause, you may gratify her with simply two common products and a basic understanding of sewing techniques. What You’ll Need to Get Started

The following items are required: a large hardback coffee-table-sized book
A large, cotton bath towel
Heavy-duty thread
A sewing needle

If you don’t already have an old hardback book that you’re prepared to let your cat paw through, a second-hand store will offer lots of options. Even while world atlases have a flawlessly smooth surface, any form of hardback book will suffice. It’s important to choose a plush material with few loose threads so that your cat’s claws don’t get tangled in it when you’re bathing him/her. What to Do and How to Do It Fold the towel in half to twice the amount of material available. Lay it out flat on the floor, and then center the book in the centre of the table.

Take care not to have any creases on the front side; you want a flat, robust scratching surface on the front side.

Set this board flat on the floor rather than leaning it against something; the hefty weight of the book may cause the board to topple and surprise your cat if it is leaning against something.

2. Crazy Cool Carpet Scratching Board

As an alternative to a book scratching board, you may construct a carpet scratching board using a few simple materials (no books are harmed in the making of this item). What You’ll Need to Get Started

Board with a flat surface (scrap wood or an old book shelf can be used for this)
Upholstery tacks in small, standard sizes
Small area rug or carpet remnant
Hammer You can pick up a pack of them for a reasonable price at your neighborhood hardware shop.

Board with a flat surface (scrap wood or an old book shelf might be used in this situation); Upholstery tacks in small, conventional sizes for a small area rug or carpet remnant; Hammer; A pack of them may be purchased for a reasonable price at your local hardware shop.

3. Cat Scratching Cardboard Stack

If you’re looking for a DIY cat scratching post that takes less than 10 minutes to put together, this is the project for you. What You’ll Need to Get Started

Any size or form of cardboard box is acceptable. Any color of packing tape will do
Cutlery: box cutters

Because of this item, you won’t have to be concerned about cutting an absolutely flawless straight edge. If the surface is a little jagged, you’ll obtain more scratching surface. What to Do and How to Do It Fold the box so that it is level on the ground. Remove the four sides of the box using the box cutter so that you have four portions of cardboard to work with. Cut each cardboard part into strips that are two inches broad and 15 to 30 inches long, depending on the length of the cardboard section.

Build a flat surface by stacking strips on top of one another and allowing the rough, cut edges to meet.

Place it on the floor and allow your cat to play with it. Another advantage is that it is free. Using the entire box is not required, so even if you just complete two portions, you will have an outstanding DIY cat scratching toy as a result of your labor.

4. Bookshelf Cat Scratching Hideout

This design, which combines two things that cats enjoy doing: scratching fabric and being in confined places, is ideal if you’re in need of a cat scratching post but don’t have the space for a traditional one. What You’ll Need to Get Started

A bookcase’s bottom shelf is a good example. Make certain that the furniture is securely fastened to the wall in order to prevent it from collapsing or toppling over. Carpet material that has been trimmed to fit the measurements of the shelf
Double-sided tape that is rather heavy

If you’re ready to make this location a permanent home for your cat, hot glue or upholstery tacks are alternative possibilities for adhering the cat to the wall. How to Make ItEmpty the bookshelves to its bare minimum. Measure each carpet piece to ensure that it will fit each wall of the shelf independently (top, bottom, back, and two sides). Tack, hot glue, or another type of adhesive should be used to hold the carpet remains in place. You might want to try lining the outside of the shelf as well, at least as high as your furry companion can extend when he or she is stretched.

5. Staircase Spindle Cat Scratching Rail

It is possible to take the DIY cat scratching post to a whole new level by providing your furry family member with several scratching possibilities while simultaneously diverting her from ripping up the carpet on the stairwell. It is a win-win situation for both of you. What You’ll Need to Get Started

Spindles on the stairwell’s landing
Upholstery cloth, carpet remnant, or a small area rug are all good options. Heavy-duty stapler and staples, or a needle and heavy-duty thread are required.

The spindles on the stairwell are decorative. A little area rug, a scrap of upholstery cloth, or a carpet remnant; a heavy-duty stapler and staples, or a needle and heavy-duty thread, as appropriate;

Contributor Bio

Christine O’Brien is a writer and actress. Christine O’Brien is a writer, mother, and cat mom to two Russian Blue mixes, who she adopted from a local shelter. She also blogs on parenting, in addition to her pet obsession. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter, where she goes by the handle @brovelliobrien.

10 DIY cat scratching post ideas that are simply stylish

(Image courtesy of Getty Images.) ) If you want to satisfy your cat’s scratching tendencies, consider making a cat scratching post from scratch. It is possible to create the precise appearance and feel you desire for your cat’s post at home, while also saving money in the process. Get creative in your own house. When even the nicest scratching post isn’t quite enough for your feline companion, only the most creative solutions will do. The practice of concealing unsightlycat litter boxes, homes, and cat beds and changing them into something so beautiful that they blend effortlessly into the household is becoming increasingly popular among pet owners.

It’s possible that making these DIY cat scratching posts is less difficult than you think.

1. DIY cat scratching post vase

(Image courtesy of @deardarlaihateyourguts / TikTok) (Deardarlai Hate Your Guts) Do you have an old vase hanging around that you might use? With the help of this helpful guide from TikTok user Darla James, you can transform it into something that is both stylish and functional. This list of materials will let you construct your own scratching post vase at home. A rusted vase Glue gun with hot glue a sisal rope of 200 feet in length Gloves for protection Directions Fill the bottom of the vase with a little amount of hot glue and smooth it out.

2. Wrap the sisal rope around the vase, placing little hot glue dots all over and up the sides as you go. After reaching the height at which you want to stop, cut the rope and tuck the end piece in with a little dot of hot glue to hold it in place until you are finished.

2. Natural DIY cat scratching post

If you don’t care for the way cat scratching material looks, why not go back to the drawing board with this innovative natural DIY cat scratching post instead? This stunningly designed post, created by CatVisors, will make a huge impact in any room of the house. For the purpose of creating your own natural cat scratching post, you’ll need the following materials: A circuit board or chipboard (as the base) A wooden stump with its bark still attached. A drill/screwdriver, or a hammer and nails, depending on your preference (to fasten the stump to the base) Directions 1.

3. Baby Yoda DIY cat scratching post

For those of you who don’t like for the appearance of cat scratching material, why not get back to the fundamentals with this creative natural DIY cat scratching post? This stunningly designed post, created by CatVisors, will make a significant visual impact in any home. It will take the following materials to construct your own natural cat scratching post: A board/chipboard is a piece of equipment that contains electronic components (as the base) A wooden stump that has retained its bark. Hammer and nails, or a drill/screwdriver combination (to fasten the stump to the base) Directions The following steps will be taken to fasten the base of the future scratching post to the stump: 1.

4. Cardboard box DIY cat scratching post

(Image courtesy of @jeriann0945 on TikTok.) Do you have a cat who enjoys sitting in cardboard boxes? Perhaps it might be transformed into a useful cat scratcher? The concept was presented on TikTok by [email protected], who created a channel dedicated to it. Several components are required to construct your own cardboard box DIY cat scratching post, including: Boxes made of cardboard (3 large or 5 medium) The use of duct or masking tape A box cutter and a straight edge are required. a piece of fabric (optional) Directions 1.

When you reach the end of the length of cardboard, duct tape it to another strip of cardboard to secure it.

Adding fabric to the scratch pad is optional, however you may do it by cutting a piece the same size as the scratch pad and attaching it to the cardboard.

5. Cactus DIY cat scratching post

The Create and Craft Blog provided the image used here. Put your cat scratching post on style with this very fashionable Cactus DIY cat scratching post designed by Penelope Quinn for Create and Craft magazine. If you want to construct your own cactus DIY cat scratching post, you’ll need the following supplies. 50cm x 50cm plywood with a depth of around 2.5cm 50cm x 50cm artificial grass Christmas baubles made of two halves of plastic Spray paint in the color green 54 metres of sisal rope in its natural state 2 packets of green food coloring Glue sticks are a type of adhesive.

Sand or concrete are also acceptable options.
80mm toilet flange with a spout Bend at a 43-degree angle of 80mm.
Begin by coloring your sisal rope with the dye and allowing it to soak for 24 hours.
Center the flange onto the board and make a pencil mark on the board where the screws will be placed.
Create a hole in your artificial grass so that it fits snuggly over the flange.
Place your first connector onto the flange; if it doesn’t fit perfectly snug, use lots of glue to secure it in place.
Insert one of the 8cm pipe pieces that you previously cut into the connection with a light hammering motion.

Continue in this manner, inserting a pipe between each connector, until you have four connectors piled on top of each other, held together by five pieces of 8cm pipe.

Fill it with sand or concrete to help keep it stable during transport.

Attach a 95-degree junction, followed by an 8-inch pipe, then a 45-degree bend to complete the installation.

Connect the second 95-degree junction to the first.

10.

It is not necessary to have a flawless finish.

Using your colored sisal rope, begin wrapping it around the base of the cactus and working your way up.

13. Fill up the gaps between the larger pieces of rope by measuring and gluing smaller pieces of rope in place. 14. Finish it off with a few flowers and pom poms, and you’re done — all that’s left is to set it out for your furry friend to enjoy!

6. Rainbow cat scratching post

(Photo courtesy of shrimpsaladcircus.com.) This idea from Shrimp Salad Circus is fantastic – it’s an inventive design that’s excellent for people who don’t have a lot of room. To make your own, you’ll need the following supplies:

Base made of wood: 2 x 8 board cut to 22 inches in length
0.5-inch wood or MDF for the rainbow
One hundred-foot bundle of The following materials: 25-inch sisal rope
Four metal L brackets
Ten screws 0.75 inches long
Pencil or chalk
Sandpaper
Hot glue gun
Scroll saw or Dremel with wood cutting adapter
Drill.

1. Sand the hardwood foundation to remove any rough edges and smooth up the surface. 2. Using a pencil or chalk, trace the cloud template onto the foundation, stopping about half an inch from either end of the pattern. 3. Using chalk paint, paint the clouds a bright white and set them aside to dry. 4. Trace the rainbow template twice onto a piece of wood that is 0.5 inch thick. 5. Using a saw or a Dremel tool, cut out the two rainbows on the paper. 6. Join the two rainbows together with a screwdriver.

Attach a bracket to each side of the frame, for a total of four brackets.

Refer to the template to determine where the brackets should be attached.

7. Carpet scratch post

(Photo courtesy of Popular Science.) The process of creating this basic yet creative idea is as simple as putting a piece of carpet around a piece of wood. Okay, so there’s a little more to this design from Popular Science than meets the eye, but it’s so royal that you’d never guess it’s made entirely of home carpet and other materials. To make your own visually appealing yet long-lasting design, you’ll need the following materials:

Hammer, staple gun, or glue gun, scissors, or box cutter, wooden post, wooden base, and two 3-inch wood screws. Carpet, padding, and other materials.

Detailed instructions:1. Locate the middle of the bottom of the post and mark two locations where the screws will be installed. 2. Repeat the process for the base, ensuring that they are 2 inches apart. 3. Drill holes in the post and the base of the post. 4. Begin attaching the carpet to the post using staples. Place the carpet approximately halfway down one side of the post, then staple it up and down along the border of the carpet to hold it in place. The carpet should be tight and attached with staples after you have rolled the post to wrap it around it.

8. Cat-shaped scratcher

(Photo courtesy of Salty Canary.) With this innovative scratcher in the shape of a cat, you can get creative. Everything about it is lovely: the design is practical while still being visually appealing.

It will not take up a lot of room. Furthermore, it is rather simple to produce. It comes courtesy of Salty Canary, who created it in the hopes that her cat would prefer it to the new velvet sofa she had purchased. Here’s how to construct a cat scratcher in the shape of a cat:

Cardboard, an exacto knife, a ruler, a marker, duct tape, scissors, and epoxy are required
Optional: pink paint.

1. Cut your cardboard into 3-5″ strips – the smaller the strip, the lower the strip will be to the ground. 2. Attach the strips together with tape. Roll the strip into a tight circle and secure it with tape at the ends. To ensure that the finished product is pleasing to the eye, keep one side of the rolled cardboard circular flat. Repeat step 4 until you’ve achieved the desired diameter. This is the head of the cat! 5. Create ears by folding a piece of cardboard in half, then a smaller piece, and then a smaller piece, and so on until you have many layers of cardboard.

9. PVC pipe cat scratcher

A cat scratcher made of PVC pipes, provided by Mother Daughters Projects DIY, is a time-consuming project that requires much planning and execution to do well. While this will undoubtedly be a more time-consuming effort than the ordinary DIY, we anticipate that it will be one of the more durable scratching posts you could build for your cat. You will need the following ingredients to prepare it:

Three-inch PVC pipe, three-inch PVC cap, fifty-foot three-eighths-inch rope, a wood round, a gluing gun, a measuring tool, gloves, a variable-speed scroll saw, PVC bits, a compact drill/impact combo kit, felt, and a wood block

1. Place a circle of wood on a piece of felt and measure a cut line; then cut along that line. 2. Glue the felt on the wood circle using wood glue. 3. Place the PVC pipe on top of a wood block and trace the inside of the PVC pipe onto the wood block with a pencil. Using a scroll saw or a jigsaw, cut out the circle you want. The PVC pipe will be held in place by this. 4. Using two screws, attach the wood circle to the felt-covered circle on the table. 5. Pre-drill holes in the PVC pipe, position the pipe above the wood circle that has been affixed to the felt base, and screw the PVC pipe into place.

Wrap the rope around the PVC pipe, cementing it in place as you go along.

10. Cat scratching book board

The photo above is courtesy of Christine O’Brien of Hill’s Pet. This DIY cat scratcher, courtesy of pet food brand Hill’s, could well be the most straightforward one yet. You only use a few common home objects and you can quickly construct a scratcher for your cats in a matter of minutes.. Here’s how to go about it, as well as what you’ll need:

The following items are required: a large hardback coffee-table-sized book
A large, cotton bath towel
Heavy-duty thread
A sewing needle

Take the towel and fold it in half to double its size. Then flatten the towel out onto the ground. To wrap a present, fold over a towel and place the book in the center of the towel. 3. Pull the towel taut and stitch the seams together using a sewing machine. Ashleigh works as the Digital Editor at PetsRadar.com. With more than 8 years of experience in print and digital media, she has served as the editorial director on a range of projects, with a particular interest in animal-related subjects.

DIY Cat Scratching Post: Stretch & Claw the Natural Way

Cats scratch on trees in the wild to extend their bodies and keep their claws in good condition. If you don’t have a comparable outlet in your house, you can discover your cat mimicking this behavior on your furniture or curtains if you don’t have one. From scratchers wrapped in sisal to scratchers made of corrugated cardboard, there is a scratcher for every taste and budget on the market today. Scratching posts, on the other hand, may be entertaining to create and can be tailored to complement your décor.

Initially conceived as a weekend pastime for these two ex-home builders, their hobby has blossomed into a second business building gorgeous indoor tree homes for cats. Here’s their take on a traditional scratching post made of wood.

How to Make a DIY Cat Scratching Post

Utilize a tree log with the bark intact is preferable than using a hardwood such as oak, maple, or redwood. The log should have a diameter of at least 2 inches and a length of around 3 feet. We’re recycling a walnut branch that was brought down by a storm earlier this year. For the base, I used scrap wood: We utilize 34-inch plywood that is at least 16 inches in square dimension. Just make sure it’s non-toxic and unfinished before you start using it. It is recommended that the carpet square or remnant be at least 16 inches square.

Pencil
Staple gun or strong double-sided tape
Two (2) 3-inch wood screws
Straight edge
Electric drill/screwdriver with bits and driver heads
Two (2) 3-inch wood screws. Saw
sSandpaper
Protection for the eyes and ears
Use of sisal cord rope from a home improvement store is optional. Sisal is available in a number of different widths. The greater the width of the rope, the longer it will endure. You’ll need roughly 50 feet of rope for this project.

How to Make It

If possible, you’ll want the scratcher to be at least as long as your cat’s entire body from the tip of his or her nose to the tip of his or her tail, but not longer. Her legs can receive a decent stretch because the structure will be tall enough. Ours measured 34 inches in length, with a few inches of additional room. When cutting the log at both ends, make a beautiful straight cut to ensure that the log is supported by the base
This will ensure that the log is straight and solid on the base. Optional: One end of your sisal rope should be stapled vertically to the bottom of the log. Begin wrapping the rope around the log as tightly as you possibly can until you reach around 6 inches from the top of the log. Vertically staple the end of the rope and clip away any excess rope. Remember to staple vertically to avoid your cat’s claws becoming entangled in the staples. Make your plywood foundation the required size by cutting it to the necessary length and width. For this scratcher, we’re going to utilize an 18-inch square carpet tile. Sandpaper is useful for smoothing off any rough edges. A line should be drawn on the plywood from corner to corner using a straight edge and pencil. Repeat the process starting from the opposite corners. Their paths will eventually come together in the center. Following that, mark two screw places on the log that correspond to the diameter of the log. Considering that our wood was 5 inches in thickness, we spaced our holes 3 inches apart in order to allow some space between them and the log’s outside border. Pilot holes should be drilled in the areas you’ve indicated for the screws. Using the double-sided tape, cut several lengths and run them around the outer border of the plywood foundation. Extend the lengths from the corners inwards toward the center a little more. For carpet remnants, you’ll want to wrap them around the base like you would a canvas and use the staple gun to secure them to the base’s underside, much like you would a canvas stretcher. Either choice is fine. This also provides you with the freedom to replace the carpet as it becomes worn or if you choose to modify the appearance of the room. Remove the backing from the double-sided tape and use it to attach your carpet square to the base of the table. As much as possible, try to make sure that the edge of the carpet square is flat with the edge of your plywood foundation. Begin by driving the two wood screws through the pilot holes in the base so that they just peek through the carpet on the opposite side, starting at the bottom. Make a mark on the log and continue driving the screws in until the log is securely fastened on the top of the base. The scratcher is completely operational. In order to protect the flooring in your house, consider installing gripper furniture pads on the bottom of your furniture.

In the beginning, your cat may be apprehensive about the introduction of this new element into your home. Keep your cat’s attention by rewarding him or her for good behavior to ensure that he or she learns how to engage with you. Check our ourPet Expertisepage for more ideas on how to make your cat’s day more interesting by playing games with him.

12 DIY Cat Scratchers That Aren’t Eye Sores

We’ve become accustomed to the reality that most pet furniture is an eyesore: it’s unsightly, it doesn’t match your décor, and it doesn’t appear to be functional. However, we still require some to reward our dogs, so I chose to present some visually pleasing pieces that will not detract from the overall design of your home. These are fantastic DIY scratchers that aren’t unattractive and are trendy, so you can wear them everywhere and at any time. They are also simple to make, so you won’t have to put in much time or effort.

Your cat’s interest will be ensured!

Sisal Rope

Color blocking is a smart approach to add a strong accent to your room or style, and doing so with this method will make it even more edgy and modern. Construct a stylish color block cat scratcher post out of sisal rope, and it will be a welcome addition to your home or office. Sisal rope is a favorite of most cats, and it’s a terrific scratching post for them. It will go with a variety of design types, your cat will enjoy scratching the natural sisal rope, and it is quite simple to make. Enjoy!

The sculpture is wrapped in sisal rope and has a huge cactus that stands out beautifully!
Cactus may be made in any number to build a whole cacti forest for your kitties.
A stencil, black and copper paint, and a stencil are required to get this elegant effect, and the post is left unpainted, but you could paint it with copper as well.
Everything about this sculpture is about minimalism and clean design: it’s just a piece of wood wrapped in sisal rope; there are no brilliant colors, elaborate designs, or complicated forms.
Leave it unfinished in order to produce a pure, simple appearance.
Then you’ll enjoy this project as much as I do!
Always remember that if you use fresh flowers rather than dried herbs in the vase, you will need to fill it with water, and if your cat drops the vase, water will leak out.

Here’s another component that may be used for several purposes and is also an IKEA hack!

The concept is to assemble a bedside table, cover it with sisal rope, add upholstery on top, and then add a kitten toy — in this case a pompom one – to complete the look.

Your cat will be pleased, as well.

Creating this item will not take much time, as it is rather straightforward, and it will complement many different interiors.

The scratcher below is a variation on the minimalist scratcher that I’ve previously published, but it’s been given a more modern and colorful look by using paint on the sisal rope.

I strongly advise you to use as natural a paint as possible because your cat will bite it and it should not be hurt afterwards.

Cardboard

Boxes of cardboard are another extremely popular material for scratchers, as it is really comfortable for scratching and many cats find it to be highly appealing; in addition, cardboard reminds them of their early days, when were frequently spent in a cardboard box. Construct a fashionable modern scratcher out of cardboard and a wooden frame – it’s a simple solution that doesn’t cost much money and can be adjusted frequently to suit the mood of the user. Provide enough space for your cat to sleep on it as well; many cats enjoy it as well!

Make it large enough for your cat to use as an additional bed – cats adore cardboard, and many of them will sleep on a cardboard bed after scratching it, so keep this possibility in mind when you design your cat’s new home.

Basically, it’s a cardboard cutout in the shape of a cat’s head.

And, one again, I strongly advise you to make the scratcher large enough for your cat to lie down on; your cat may even want to sleep on it.

It’s a bold and simple idea that anybody can pull off.