How to Make a Cat Scratcher

Prevent your cat from ruining furniture, carpets and curtains with a homemade cat scratcher. Cats naturally sharpen and trim their nails by scratching, and a scratching post directs them to an appropriate location. Sprinkle catnip on your finished post to get the scratching party started.

Things You'll Need

  • 20 feet of heavy twine.
  • Plywood, 12- by 12-inch square
  • Glue or strong adhesive
  • Heavy cardboard tube
  • Catnip, optional
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Instructions

    • 1

      Attach the cardboard tube to the center of the piece of plywood using glue or adhesive. Use a heavy cardboard tube, such as the kind in the center of commercial rolls of aluminum foil.

    • 2

      Coat the outside of the cardboard tube with glue.

    • 3

      Starting at the bottom of the tube, tightly wrap the twine around it. Do not overlap the twine and do not leave any bare spots. Add more glue, if necessary.

    • 4

      Allow the glue to dry for at least 24 hours before introducing your cat to the scratcher.