Cat Scratching Post Instructions

Although some people think that felines and furniture are mutually exclusive, they can live happily together—as long as there's a scratching post in the house. Many types of scratching posts are available, but you can make your own.

  1. A Hanging Scratcher

    • You can make a scratcher that hangs from a doorknob pretty easily. All you need is a piece of wood about 18 inches long, a drill and some rope. Unoiled sisal rope is best.

      Measure an inch down from the top of the piece of wood and drill a hole in the center. You can paint or stain it, or leave it unfinished; the cat won't care.

      Cut a foot-long piece of rope and fold it in half. push the folded point through the hole. Tie the loose ends in a large knot. You'll hang the scratcher from this loop.

      Next, secure the end of the remaining rope to the back of the wood, with sturdy staples or nails that don't pass through the wood. Wrap the rope snugly around the wood, pausing every 3 inches to knock the loops of rope tightly together. When you reach the end, attach the rope to the back of the wood in the same way you attached the beginning.

    A Reclining Scratcher

    • If you like the idea of the scratcher above but don't want it hanging from a door, you can make a "reclining" scratcher out of it. Drill the hole in the top, as described, and drill a twin hole in the bottom. Use lag bolts (big wood screws) to attach the rope-wrapped wood to a larger piece of wood that will serve as the base.

      Make sure the base is heavy, or when your kitty gets to scratching, he/she may pull the whole affair off the floor.

    A Standing Scratcher

    • A third possibility is to make your cat a post with a base; he/she will stand on the base, sink his/.her claws into the post, and go to town.

      For this, you'll need a square piece of wood about a foot long on each side, and a couple of 2x4's about 2 feet long. Drill a hole in the center, then cover with carpet remnants or heavy fabric. Glue the 2x4's together to create a 4x4 post. Drill a hole in the bottom for a lag bolt. Staple one end of the rope to the post, and then wrap the post completely. Remember to keep it snug. When you reach the bottom, staple the rope in place.

      Use a three-and-a-half-inch lag bolt to attach the post to the base. Either countersink the bolt, or cover the bottom of the post with more carpet or fabric so the bolt doesn't damage the floor. Cover the top of the post with additional fabric or carpet so the cat can't get at the staples.