How to Make a Cat Scratching Post

Cat Scratching Post

A cat scratching post provides an outlet for a cat’s normal and necessary scratching behavior, while sparing your furniture and other household items. You can build your own cat scratching post for less than you would pay to buy a commercial one, and you can personalize it based on the type of materials you have available and the space where you want to place it. Whether you line the post with a piece of carpet or cover it in sisal rope, your cat will likely love her new scratching surface.

Cats need to scratch to sharpen their claws and exercise their back and legs. Scratching is also an emotional outlet for a cat, so it’s important to give your pet a means of expression without destroying your furniture. A scratching post also helps to keep your cat’s nails clean and free from disease.

To make a scratching post, you’ll need to have a sturdy base, a wooden pole or board, and some form of covering for the post. If you’re planning on using a wood post, be sure to use untreated wood so that it won’t have any chemicals that could be toxic or harmful to your cat.

How to Make a Cat Scratching Post

The best material to cover a scratching post is jute, flax hemp or sisal. These natural ropes are very hard-wearing, durable and aesthetically-pleasing. They are also very cat-friendly, and many cats prefer the feel of these materials to the rough texture of some other types of furniture coverings. If you prefer a more contemporary look, you can paint your scratching post. Be sure to use a nontoxic paint that is safe for your pet.

Alternatively, you can line the inside of an empty bookshelf with sisal. Seal one end of the sisal with a quick-drying glue, and then wrap the rope around the post to make a snug fit. Seal the other end of the rope and nail it to the bottom platform where it meets the shelf [Photo E]. You can add some additional decorative touches, like a few small ornaments or a brightly-colored bow to embellish your DIY cat scratching post.

If you have a young kitten, you can play with her on and around the new scratching post to encourage her to start using it. You can also sprinkle a little bit of catnip on the post to attract her and get her to start exploring it. Once your cat begins to use her new scratching post, it’s important to reward her for her efforts.

Begin by giving her a treat every time she places her paws on the post, then gradually work up to rewarding her when she scratches it. You can also place her favorite toys on top of the post to lure her into climbing up there. Once she is scratching her post regularly, you can slowly begin to move it away from the furniture it’s been protecting. If she starts to return to the old scratching spots, simply place a heavy blanket, tucked in well so that your cat can’t slip underneath it, over the area.