How to Make Scratching Posts

Scratching posts are a vital tool in keeping your feline content. Your cat can scratch away to its heart's content with the post, and it will hold up against the pressure of the cat's claws far better than your carpet, couch or other material around your house might. When you either don't like the options available for retail scratching posts or can't afford the prices, make your own with some basic materials to let your cat scratch away in peace.

Things You'll Need

  • Cedar post
  • Flat surface
  • Cloth
  • Non-oiled sisal rope
  • 1/2-inch roofing nails
  • Hammer
  • Plywood
  • Four 3/4" 16d-coated sinker nails
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Instructions

    • 1

      Stand the cedar post on a flat surface, such as a floor. Wipe it off with the cloth to remove dust and other residue.

    • 2

      Wind sisal rope around the top edge of the post, and nail the rope into the post with the roofing nails and hammer.

    • 3

      Continue winding the rope all of the way around the post, ensuring the rope completely covers the cedar, until you reach the bottom. Nail the rope into the bottom edge of the post with the roofing nails and hammer.

    • 4

      Flip the post on its side carefully. Nail the bottom of the post into the plywood with the coated sinker nails and hammer.

    • 5

      Flip the post back over until it stands up straight; it is now ready for use.