How to Build a Scratching Post & Kitty Condo

Cats need to use a scratching surface regularly to keep their claws healthy and to spread their scent with the small glands on their paws. Provide a scratching post to help prevent pets from using furniture or other unsuitable surfaces for scratching. A kitty condo is a type of cat climber that gives cats an enclosed area in which to lounge or sleep. This DIY project combines these two items into a simple structure.

Things You'll Need

  • 5 plywood sheets, 24" x 36"
  • 9 carpet scraps, 24" x 36"
  • Carpet glue
  • 2 wood fence posts, 36"
  • Staple gun
  • Staples
  • 20 wood screws
  • Measuring tape
  • Twine
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Instructions

    • 1

      Lay the first sheet of plywood on a flat surface. Place the first carpet scrap on top of the plywood so all edges are flush. Glue in place. Repeat for the other four sheets of plywood. Set aside to dry.

    • 2

      Grasp one end of the twine and hold in place on the bottom of the first fence post. Staple in place. Wrap the twine tightly around the fence post, moving toward the top until the entire fence post is covered. Cut the twine and staple the end of the twine on the top of the fence post. Repeat with the second fence post.

    • 3

      Turn over the first sheet of plywood so the carpet side is facing down. Hold a second sheet of plywood vertically with the long side flush to the long side of the first sheet of plywood. The second piece of wood should have the carpet facing the outside. Use the drill to insert three wood screws through both pieces of wood to secure them together. Space the screws evenly along the side. Hold the third piece of plywood on the opposite side, with the long edge flush to the first piece of plywood and the carpet facing out. Use the drill to insert three wood screws through both pieces of wood. Do not attach the fourth side in this step.

    • 4

      Set the first fence post on a flat surface so it is standing vertically. Set the second fence post 24" away from the first so it is standing vertically. Place a piece of plywood on top of the posts and adjust their spacing. Each post should stand at one end of the plywood approximately 1/4 inch in from the edge. The plywood should have the carpet side facing the posts. Drill two wood screws into each post through the plywood and carpet to hold the pieces together. Turn over plywood and posts so the plywood is on the ground and the posts are facing up.

    • 5

      Set the three-sided plywood structure on top of the fence posts so the open side is facing up. Drill two wood screws into each post through the plywood and carpet so the structure is attached to the posts. Attach the final piece of plywood to the open top of the tunnel with three screws on each long side, spaced evenly.

    • 6

      Cover the floor and sides of the tunnel with the remaining scraps of carpet and glue in place. The top of the tunnel does not need to be covered. Allow the glue to dry overnight before letting any pets use it.