How to Make a Scratching Post & Kitty Condo

A variety of scratching posts and cat condos are commercially available, but their prices make them difficult to obtain. Make kitty condos, cat trees and scratching posts from home using basic materials and tools to save money and increase the possibility for customization.

Things You'll Need

  • 4-by-4-inch posts
  • 2-by-4-inch posts
  • Plywood
  • Wood screws
  • Scrap carpet
  • Sisal rope
  • Staple gun
  • Staples
  • Hammer
  • Drill
  • Measuring tape
  • Saw
  • Wood glue
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Instructions

    • 1

      Design the kitty condo and scratching post that you want to create. The most basic design will use square and rectangular platforms and 2-by-4 or 4-by-4 boards as posts.

    • 2

      Cut plywood into squares and rectangles to suit your pattern design. You can create other shapes as well, though they will provide a greater challenge when covering with rope or carpeting.

    • 3

      Cover each plywood platform with carpeting. Secure the carpet to the bottom of each platform with staples.

    • 4

      Wrap each 2-by-4 or 4-by-4 post with sisal rope from top to bottom. Secure the rope at the beginning and end with staples. Add staples throughout the length of the post to keep the rope in place and elongate the lifespan of the scratching posts.

    • 5

      Secure the platforms to the tops of the posts with wood glue. Once set, drill several screws down through each platform into the posts. Make sure screws are hidden in carpet and do not jut out where they can injure the cat.

    • 6

      Cut a base from plywood. A larger base will offer better stability. Attach the posts and platforms to the base with screws.