How to Wrap Rope Around a Post for a Cat Tree

Cats don't just scratch to keep their claws sharp. Their paws have scent glands that leave distinctive odors when they scratch, letting other cats know where their territories are. The destructive piece of scratching, whether that's ripping bark of a tree or ruining your couch's upholstery, gives a visual cue to other cats as well. Redirecting your cat's need to scratch to an appropriate location can save your furniture. Rope-covered cat trees give your cat the tool she needs to meet her instinctual needs without destroying your house.

Things You'll Need

  • Sisal rope
  • Hammer
  • Nails
  • Utility knife
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Instructions

    • 1

      Grab one end of the sisal rope and nail it to the bottom of the cat tree, covering the line where the post meets the base. Use two nails about 1 inch apart, and hammer them in tightly to ensure your cat can't catch her claws under the nails. The size of the nail varies based on the width of the rope, but 1-inch wood nails work for most ropes with a diameter of 1/2 inch to 1 inch -- the nails compress the rope slightly for a tighter hold.

    • 2

      Wrap the rope tightly up the post, pushing it down with your fingers with every row so that the rows butt against each other with no post showing through. Tamp down the rows with a hammer every fifth or sixth row for a tighter fit.

    • 3

      Secure the rope in place at the top of the post when you've finished winding the sisal along the entire cat tree. Nail it in place with two nails, the same way you started the rope. Cut off the excess with a utility knife.