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Want to build a DIY scratching post for your cat? It’s easy and inexpensive. Our free guide will show you how. Start yours today!
Making a DIY scratching post for cats is not only a relatively easy project, but it’s also a smart idea. Cats have an instinct to scratch something from time to time. Protect your furniture by providing your pet with a tempting scratching post.
So, what is needed to build your own scratching post? First, gather these tools and set up a work area:
Circular saw
Tape measure and pencil
Sandpaper and a palm sander (if available)
Hot glue gun and glue sticks
Paint brush
Screw gun
And here are the supplies you will need to have on hand:
A piece of plywood about 18 to 20 inches square (half-inch plywood is okay, but a little bit thicker is better)
A piece of 4 x 4, about 2 feet long
Natural rope, approximately ⅜-inch diameter
Four 2-inch wood screws
Paint or varnish for the base
A hot glue gun comes in useful when creating a DIY scratching post for cats
Now, let’s make your own scratching post:
- Cut the plywood base. Decide on the exact dimensions and cut your base with a circular saw.
- Cut the 4 x 4 post to length. About 2 feet will work well.
- Sand the base and post to remove any rough areas.
- Paint the base or use a varnish for a natural look.
- Attach edge-banding to the edge of the plywood if desired. This will give a more finished look to your scratching post. (Edge banding is available at most home supply stores and attaches with a hot iron.)
- Use hot glue to attach the rope to the 4 x 4. Start at the top and glue one side at a time. Wrap the rope tightly around the post so it is snug against the previous row.
- Turn the plywood upside down, centre the 4 x 4 on the bottom, and trace the post with a pencil.
- Mark the locations for the four screws that will attach the base to the post.
- Pre-drill the holes.
- Run the 2-inch screws up from the bottom of the base into the post.
Allow the glue and paint or varnish to fully cure before letting your cat go to work.
Make sure to use a “cat friendly” rope such as sisal rope. It’s 100% natural and is coarse and strong, making it perfect for a scratching post.
Your DIY scratching post should not require much maintenance other than an occasional cleaning. Some people prefer to steam clean a scratching post a few times a year. You can also use a mild detergent or disinfectant and then thoroughly rinse the post off outside.
When the rope begins to fray or unravel, it will be time to remove and replace it, as described above.
There’s no need to heat up the hot glue gun every time a piece of the rope begins to come loose. Try LePage Stik’N Seal Extreme. This versatile adhesive creates a resilient bond to almost any material and remains permanently flexible. So it’s perfect for holding up to your cat’s tugging and scratching. Stik’N Seal is easy to use and begins to set in just 5 minutes.