To clean and sharpen their claws, pets will tear at all things in the house that are suitable for this purpose. A scratching post is an indispensable device that saves furniture, carpets and wallpaper on the walls. Of course, it’s easier for the owner to come to a pet store and buy a finished product. But it’s cheaper, although more difficult, to make the original cat “scratch” yourself.

What is a cat scratching post?

Free-living cats use trees to groom their claws. Pets have to scratch walls, furniture and door frames. The owner immediately understands whether he needs a claw hammer (in English - a scratcher). This device helps cats clean their claws of horny scales that flake off and cause itching. In addition, scratches indicate that the territory belongs to the cat living here.

Daniel Yoder, an American from Seattle, invented and made the first scratching post for sale. In 1932, he brought a black and white cat into his home. Unfortunately, history is silent about what it was called. At the same time, Yoder opened a company and began selling products for cats living indoors. And three years later, he officially registered his copyright for the invention, called the “standing cat scratcher.” The device was very simple: a block of wood was covered with coarse fabric, which was secured along it with a wooden rod. The column itself was connected to the stand with a narrow protruding part. From above, so that the edges of the fabric did not fray, they were pressed with metal brackets. There is a hole hollowed out inside the wooden block for the catnip liner. It is difficult to judge how strong and durable this design was. But getting a patent proves that the scratch stand sold well.

The first scratch post, patented by Daniel D. Yoder on June 25, 1935, had a simple design

The scratching post can be made separately or with a house or a shelf-bed. It is always included in large play towns for cats, which are sold in pet stores.

Types of scratching posts by location:

• wall-mounted - mounted vertically on a door or wall;
• floor - located on stands;
• double - have both a fabric and an open wooden surface for scratching;
• corner - designed for placement on door jambs and walls;
• vertical tension “trees” from floor to ceiling.

The shape of a cat’s “scratch” can be any, for example, in the form of an animal, a fish, or the silhouette of an exotic plant. Here, as they say, the scope of imagination is not limited.

How to make a scratching post at home

To make a scratching post yourself, you need to draw up a drawing or diagram of the future product with exact dimensions. The length of the surface of the scratching post is such that the pet can freely stretch out to its full height. This is at least 60–95 centimeters. Materials are selected with safety in mind. The scratching post must be stable, withstand the weight of the cat and not fall if he jumps on it.

Natural materials for making scratching posts:

• parts of wood (birch or maple);
• woven/twisted hemp products (carpet backings, ropes);
• jute hemp;
• tapestry furniture fabrics;
• corrugated cardboard boxes;
• sisal ropes or pressed fabric.

Do not use metal nails or staples to secure the stand, fabric upholstery or rope in places where the animal could pull them out or cut themselves on them. What if a cat swallows an iron part? Therefore, all metal parts for connecting fragments of the scratching post are positioned so that they are not visible from the outside of the product. Nails and staples are hammered down to the base.

PVA glue is a safe material for outdoor use.

When choosing a surface for scratching, do not use cotton fabric or twisted ropes, from which fibers immediately fall out when pressed. There have been cases where pets have torn off pieces of material from the scratching post and swallowed them. They also do not use plastic, which has an unpleasant odor, and cats are very sensitive to it - they will immediately reject the proposed product. Cardboard tubes are not suitable for scratching posts - they become loose and quickly break.

A scratching post will be a good alternative to furniture and wallpaper for your pet.

"Scratch" in the shape of a pillow

I chose the simplest version of the cat “scratch” - a pillow stuffed with padding polyester or technical wool, half-woolen batting: whatever was at hand was used. Cutting out a blank for it is the easiest way. I take a piece of white soap, since the fabric is dark, and use a ruler to mark the length of one side on the fold of the fabric - 50 cm, and on each of the other three sides - 51 cm, along with the seam and fold allowance. I needed a piece of upholstery fabric measuring 102–103 cm in length and 51 cm in width. If there is no piece of furniture upholstery of the required size, we connect together scraps of different fabrics. Of course, you can use sisal fabric, but you have to go to the store to buy it. I basted two seams from the inside out and stitched them. One side of the pillow remains open. I sewed it 10 cm from the edges to the center. I turned the blank right side out and stuffed it with padding polyester from an old jacket - not enough. Added batting. It remains to sew up the last 30 centimeters. I did not use foam rubber for stuffing, because I know from experience that it crumbles from claws and will begin to spill out of the holes left by scratching. To make it interesting for the cat to scratch her claws, I sewed a ball made of a piece of fur on a 20 cm long rope to the surface. I don’t have carpet on the floor, so I put the finished scratching post pillow in a tray made of a cardboard box with sides 5 cm high. I placed it against the wall. My cat did not immediately accept the work; at first she played with the ball, and after a few days she began scratching the pillow.

Wood floor sharpener

To make a floor scratching post, you will need thick coarse fabric or hemp rope, which is used to wrap the base - a wooden board or piece of plywood 30 cm wide and 60 to 80 cm long.

Operating procedure:

1. We put the fabric on both boards, glue it with PVA glue, and for additional strength we sew the edges folded inward. One of the boards will be the scratching post, and the other will be its vertical support.
2. Now we wrap the rope around the scratching area. To get a strong rope surface, there is a trick: wet the hemp with water and wrap the base, securing the ends with staples. Leave until completely dry. Then we will seal the ends of the rope with PVA and pull out the staples or hammer them in with a hammer.
3. We cover the bottom edge of the board with plush or other decorative fabric.
4. We fix the scratching post on the stand obliquely using two boards at right angles. We use nails or screws from the back of the board.

Photo gallery: options for floor scratching posts

There are many options for the location of a floor scratching post, for example, you can simply put it on the floor, placing a small block under it
Cats, like people, love unusual objects; they will definitely like the log scratching post
A cat can also sleep on a wavy scratching post. To make scratching posts, you can use not only hemp rope, but also cardboard
Cardboard scratching posts are less durable, but more environmentally friendly. A scratching post on a stand made of two boards with a hemp rope covering will definitely attract the attention of your pet.

Wall-mounted corner scratching post

Attaching such a scratch requires holes for placement on the wall. Drywall will perfectly hold the product. On a wall made of putty, the corner scratching post is less easily secured.

For work we will need:

• sharp scissors;
• screwdriver;
• plywood panels in the form of a board 20 cm wide;
• marker or pencil;
• ruler with a length of 60 cm;
• electric drill;
• screws and anchor plugs for them in the amount of 8 pieces;
• a ball of sisal rope.

Let's prepare two identical pieces of plywood panels. We begin work by marking the holes on both workpieces, measuring with a ruler and marking 4 future holes with a pencil.

Assembling the scratching post structure:

1. We place the plywood on a thick block and drill 8 holes with a drill.
2. We attach both blanks to the wall at the place of fastening and use a pencil to mark the locations of the drilled holes so that they coincide.
3. We place plugs for screws on the pencil marks.
4. We wrap the sisal rope tightly around the plywood, first laying the end of the rope from top to bottom, and laying the turns so as to cover it completely. We put screws into the holes when winding. We untangle the second end of the rope and use a screwdriver to wrap it under the coils. We cut off the excess with scissors.
5. We mount both parts of the scratching post on the wall, using a screwdriver to screw the screws into the plugs on the wall.
6. We cover the upper edges with scraps of plywood or cover them with decorative fabric.

It is better to place such a scratching post in the corridor or in the corner of the room.

Photo gallery: homemade corner “scratches”

A corner scratching post can be made by simply covering the corner with carpet from floor to ceiling
A corner scratching post made of two halves is the simplest version of the product
You can use any upholstery fabric to make a scratching post.
Hanging the corner scratching post requires only two holes in the wall Faux fur details will attract your pet to use the scratching post for its intended purpose

The simplest option for a corner scratching post is to cover the walls with carpet to any height, even up to the ceiling. It will be very pleasant for your pet to climb on it and sharpen its claws.

DIY claw post

To work, you will need two important wooden parts: a beam 75 cm long, one side of which is 5 cm wide, and a support stand made of plywood, glued in several layers to a thickness of 3-4 cm. It is good if you have a piece of an old tabletop or thick board. The shape of the stand is round or square, with a diameter of 35 cm. The entire structure will be heavy enough, weighing from four kilograms, so that the cat does not drop it. The height of the scratching post corresponds to the length of the pet with outstretched paws. Before starting work, dry the wooden parts in the sun.

The procedure for assembling the scratching post:

1. We draw two lines equal to the diameter of the shape of a circle or square of the support, at right angles, their intersection is the center of the support. Then we draw a square, one side of which corresponds to the size of the side of the beam. We divide it into four fragments of 2 cm each, and put a point in the center of each of them. This is a mark for self-tapping screws. You can also fasten it with long nails. We draw in the same sequence on the back side of the stand.
2. Glue the stand with the block.
3. We strengthen the block on the stand with nails or self-tapping screws. We nail or screw them into the stand, placing it on the lower end of the bar.
4. The wooden support does not need to be painted if it looks attractive. To cover it with fabric, cut out a piece as wide as the diameter of the stand, adding 3–4 cm of support thickness and a 5 cm allowance for loose fitting. Inside the piece, measure the center and cut out a square to fit the size of the block.
5. We fasten the end of the rope from below with a tight knot, sewing with thick synthetic thread for strength. Coat the entire block with PVA glue. We wind the turns tightly and often so that the wooden surface of the block is not exposed. We tie the end of the rope and sew it with thick threads.

   The stand for the scratching post must be strong and wide so that the pet does not turn the product over by climbing onto it with a running start.

6. We are waiting for the glue to dry under the rope. In the meantime, we are preparing an object that will become a decorative decoration at the upper end of the column. This is a switch cover or a miniature fur pillow. A cat toy of the appropriate size is suitable for this. We attach it with glue or another convenient way. A hanging string with a ball will complement the scratching post and will attract the cat's attention.

   A homemade scratching post can complement the interior of the room in appearance, fulfilling its main purpose

7. We trust the strength of the creation of our skillful hands. Now we call the pet - the claw sharpener is ready.

A cat “scratch” in the form of a column does not need to be wrapped in rope or sheathed with fabric with filler. Cats will like an uncoated wooden block just as much as a standard device. But before use, it is washed with soap or a solution of potassium permanganate to remove dirt and dried for several days in the sun. Don't be surprised if it cracks over time - this is a property of natural wood.

Video: making a scratching post on a double stand from a dry tree branch

A heavy structure made from a dry tree branch with a stand is the simplest version of a floor scratching post, but it requires the ability to perform carpentry work. You need to choose a strong branch, with a small number of knots, with one or two forks, so that the cat can sit on it.

Nail sharpener with cardboard house

The model of a removable scratch with a house made of corrugated cardboard packaging was undoubtedly invented by a woman. Not owning any construction tools, she gave her cat a wonderful gift. Even if such a structure is short-lived, it is not stuffy in a cardboard house, and the hanging scratching post is convenient to change.

Cardboard scratching posts are short-lived, but easy to make

I liked the idea so much that I decided to make a similar one. For the work, 8 cardboard boxes were needed, and 4 of them were the same size, 23 cm high and 29 cm wide. The rest were smaller. So, I laid out the box for the first floor of the house. I pasted sheets from other boxes onto the “walls” to make them thicker and stronger. I drew a circle on the side with a compass for the entrance with a diameter of 18 cm and after 10 cm I marked a ventilation circle with a diameter of 6 cm. In the smaller side of the box there was a hole of 8 cm. I cut out the marked holes with a stationery knife. For the second floor I made an entrance of the same diameter as on the first, but on the smaller side of the box. I placed three 8 cm wide holes in the side walls on both sides. Now it’s the turn of the hanging scratching post. In the six circles remaining from the cut holes, I pierced holes in the center with an awl, then put the circles on a pencil, removed and glued three pieces of PVA. I cut out the remaining parts of the scratching post, 6 cm wide, in the amount of 30 pieces, using the first circle as a stencil. Having made holes for the cord, I glued them together, and then pulled the rope through with a pencil. I assembled a scratching post from 8- and 6-centimeter disks, pierced the wall of the house, inserted a rope and tied a knot near the edge of the disks, and threaded the long ends further inside and lowered them to the floor. The cat will not pass by the hanging ribbon. Then I taped the bottom and top of the boxes together with adhesive tape. I stacked the finished frames of the house on top of each other and secured them with glue. I added three layers of cardboard to the roof. I left the house to dry until tomorrow. I decided not to make a second cardboard scratching post-mat, as in the photo. She placed a scratch pillow on the roof of the house. However, the ceiling could not bear the weight of the cat and caved in. In general, the experience can be considered successful, but a serious minus is that the cardboard “scratch” is nothing but garbage.

I advise everyone to use corrugated cardboard to construct complex play structures for cats, especially if they lack engineering knowledge. This will help you clarify the dimensions and estimate what the finished product will look like.

Scratching post with house and bed

The design of a scratching post with a house on a stand, made of plywood and upholstered with furniture tapestry or carpet, requires helpers to make it. It is difficult to assemble the parts alone. It is better to use glue to assemble the house, rather than steel corners, if you make it without a scratch post on the roof. This is safer for the animal.

To make a scratching post with a house on a stand, you will need an assistant

The order of assembly of product parts:

Claw in the play complex

The most difficult thing to do with your own hands is an entertainment complex for cats with scratching posts, a house, beds, ladders, hammocks, etc. However, it’s worth a try, although the costs are considerable. The main advantage of such a homemade design is strength and durability, since it is made of thick wooden blocks and plywood. If you have carpentry tools (electric jigsaw, drill, stapler and screwdriver) and experience in assembling furniture, then let's start making a play gift for cats.

We will need the following materials:

• jute rope 105–110 meters long (preferably with a reserve) and 1 cm thick;
• 5 types of metal corners from small (15×20 mm) to safety (55×25 mm);
• 3 bars, one of which is 2.2 meters high;
• 6 sheets of plywood 1.2 cm thick and 75x50 cm in size;
• packaging of staples for a stapler;
• Whatman paper or cardboard as a stencil with slots marking the location of the support pillars;
• carpet - 5 meters.

Having purchased the listed materials, we bring everything home and get to work. Diagram of the complex: three pillars with five shelves and a rectangular house are fixed on a stand.

Despite the fact that cats have long become domestic animals, the instincts of their wild ancestors are still firmly seated in their minds. In nature, claws are an important tool in the life of cats; they are needed for hunting, protecting their territory, and protecting themselves from enemies. But the claws must be looked after, otherwise there is a high probability of them breaking off, bending, growing into the skin, as well as excessive contamination. Instinct tells you that in order to be fully armed, you need to monitor the condition of your tools. Therefore, an animal in nature constantly sharpens its claws on trees, walls, grass, and all kinds of surfaces suitable for such use. And pets need a scratching post if the owners of the animal are not ready for furniture, carpets, and wallpaper to be used in this capacity.

What is a scratching post for?

Once at home, your pet will be forced to look for an object to realize his desire to sharpen his claws. Anything can get under your paw: a carpet, a sofa or chair, walls, furniture, shoes, bags and other things dear to you. There is no point in scolding your pet, because, in fact, he is not to blame for the deeds he has done. But pointing it in the right direction and teaching your purr to use a scratcher is an important and feasible task for a loving owner. And it is not at all necessary to buy this accessory in a store; it is much more interesting to make a scratching post with your own hands based on your own preferences and the habits of a furry hunter.

A scratching post made from a trunk is an option that is as close as possible to its natural analogue

Project preparation

All cats have individual characteristics and preferences. Therefore, it is important to properly plan a scratching post that matches the character, age, size, and habits of your pet:

• A tall structure is well suited for active animals, preferably with platforms on which they can climb, climb, and jump.
• If your cat loves to climb walls, curtains, or a hanging rug, come up with a device for her that will allow her to climb up to the ceiling. This role can be played, for example, by a piece of carpet nailed to the full height of the wall.
• Many cats love to sharpen their claws on the corner of the wall, tearing your wallpaper to shreds. In this case, you need to take care of a hanging, possibly corner, scratching post.
• Does your pet often crawl into all sorts of shelters and hide? Then a claw house could be an excellent option for him.
• A quiet, calm, overweight cat will most likely choose a low bed with the opportunity to sharpen its claws.

When I was a child, I had a cat that never scratched walls, furniture, or anything else. Once on our floor there was a sofa mattress made of foam rubber, upholstered with furniture fabric. So this beast began to run around the perimeter of the mattress lying down. That is, the mattress is lying, our cat is also lying on its side, clinging to the edge with its claws, and began to wind in circles. It was quite fun to watch such an action, so they left her this entertainment. And now all the corners are covered with furniture fabric, because our current “star” knows no greater joy than to peel off all the wallpaper. Nothing saves. We do it ourselves and hang wall and corner claw clippers - without results. When access is completely blocked, she climbs onto the table and manages to turn the wallpaper into scraps of paper again.

In addition, you need to take into account the age and lifestyle of your friend:

• You shouldn’t immediately build a large structure for a kitten. It is better for the baby to make a small column covered with carpet. Subsequently, having learned the character and determined the size of your pet, you will be able to come up with a more interesting and suitable option.
• For an elderly animal, it is better to consider a low design with a lounger, so that it is convenient for him not only to do manicure, but also to take a nap after the work done.
• If you pick up a stray cat, for the first time limit yourself to a round column that resembles a tree as much as possible. An ideal option would be a log brought from the street.

And of course, size plays an important role. The vertical claw blade must be higher than the length of its owner, so that he can stretch out as much as he wishes in the process. As a rule, cats like horizontal options less, so they are used less often. However, if your pet enjoys this type of device, make it according to the size of the cat. The animal must fit completely on it at full length and have a margin of 10–15 cm.
The planned structure must be strong, stable, and designed for a long service life

We make a claw grinder ourselves

So, let's start making a gift for our tailed friend. There can be many varieties, everything is limited only by your imagination, skill, and desire. In order for the item to please not only the cat, but also the household, it is advisable to think of an option that fits well into the interior of the apartment or house. It is better to choose a calm color, close to that found in nature: greenery, sand, earth, tree bark.

Rope post

This scratching post is quite easy to make.

You will need:

• base with a diameter or width of 10–12 cm (timber, plastic pipe, small log, board);
• sisal rope with a cross section of 8–10 mm;
• plywood 22 mm thick;
• a piece of carpet;
• self-tapping screws;
• sandpaper.

Also prepare your tools:

• scissors;
• jigsaw or saw;
• screwdriver;
• hammer;
• measuring tape;
• glue gun

Pre-calculate how much rope you will need:

1. Multiply the diameter of the base pipe by 3.14 or calculate the perimeter of the square base.
2. Divide the height of the stand by the diameter of the rope, so you will find out how many times the rope will wrap around the base.
3. Multiply the number of turns by the number obtained from the multiplication in the first step.
4. Add 10% to the result for the reserve.

Now you can proceed directly to making the scratching post:

1. If you decide that the surfaces will be round, cut out two slabs from plywood with a jigsaw: 30 cm in diameter for the top and 40 cm for supporting the post. If square, make them using a saw, the dimensions are the same.
2. You need to determine the center of the base plate and measure two points spaced 4 cm from the central one. These will be the centers for attaching the post to the base and top sheets of plywood.
   Support structures are manufactured first
3. Sand all edges with sandpaper.
4. If you have a wooden post, attaching it to the supports will not be difficult using self-tapping screws of the appropriate length. The situation is a little more complicated with a plastic pipe. Drill three small screw holes on each side of the tube, equidistant from each other and 1cm from the edge. Cut two circles from plywood along the inner diameter of the pipe so that you can insert them tightly into it. Attach them to the side platforms using self-tapping screws. If a plastic pipe is chosen as a post, plywood plugs are first inserted into its edges, with the help of which it will be easy to attach the post to the base
5. Secure the rope at the top of the product using a strong double knot. If you made grooves for the edges of the rope, hide them. In a wooden post, you can fix it with glue; in a plastic one, you can simply put the prepared side plates on both sides. If no holes are made, leave a short end of the rope (at least 10 cm). When winding, place it along the product and wind it with the main part of the rope.
6. The winding should be done as tightly as possible, securing it with a glue gun every 7–10 turns. For a tighter fit, tap the coils with a hammer.
7. The final stage of making a column is connecting the main parts. You need to attach the side plates - the top and the base - to the edges of the post using self-tapping screws.
   After completing the winding, the top and base are attached to the post
8. Cover the surfaces of the platforms with carpet, cutting out the appropriate pieces and finishing their edges with fabric edging. You can attach the carpet using a glue gun or a construction stapler.

I think that the wooden version of the post will be better and more durable. But if you have chosen a PVC pipe, I advise you to fill it with sand or gravel for stability. This will give the nail clipper strength and add weight so that your pet doesn’t accidentally drop the structure. Another tip: in both the wooden and plastic posts, you can drill holes on both sides equal to the cross-section of the rope so that the ends of the rope can be hidden in them.

If your pet tends to leave only scraps of your carpeting, make him a scratching post-mat.

Making this option is very simple. You will need:

• plywood sheet 30*50 cm;
• a piece of carpet corresponding to its size;
• scissors;
• hacksaw;
• roulette;
• construction stapler.

Attach the carpet to the plywood cut to the dimensions given above using a stapler, bending the edges so that the fabric does not fray.

If you want to make a floor-mounted scratcher, you need to place it in a place convenient for you and your cat. But cats often prefer to sharpen their claws while standing, against the wall. To do this, use a self-tapping screw (if the wall is wooden) or screws (if it is stone) to attach the nail clipper to a vertical surface. It should be located at such a height that the animal can stretch out to its full height during the process. You can attach a toy to the product, for example, a homemade mouse on a string.

Using the same scheme, you can make a corner scratching post by making two such panels and connecting them with a butterfly loop.

Photo gallery: options for scratching mats

Cute scratching post design will decorate your interior
The floor scratching post will appeal to those who like to tear up the carpet.
The triangular design allows you to do without attaching the rug to the wall

Scratching post house

If you decide to create a grandiose project, build a house with claw clippers for your furry friend. There can be many options, it all depends on your capabilities, skills, and imagination. We offer you one of them.

Required material:

• carpet;
• timber for supports;
• plywood for platforms 22 mm thick;
• jute rope;
• self-tapping screws;
• corners.

Tools:

• saw;
• jigsaw;
• yardstick;
• scissors;
• pencil;
• construction stapler;
• glue gun

Preparatory activities are as follows:

1. Cover the prepared plywood with carpet using a stapler, secure the platforms to the posts with corners.
2. From sheets of plywood, corners and carpet you can make not only shelves, but also a house.
3. When the structure is ready, all you have to do is wrap the support posts with jute rope, securing every 7-10 turns with a glue gun.
4. Place the gift in the place prepared for it and offer to evaluate it for your pet.

Your pet will appreciate the results of your work.

Video: how to make a scratching post yourself

Where to place

So, the main stage has been completed. A wonderful handmade item that will bring joy to you and your pet. But another important question arises: where to place it now. Here you need to proceed from the following aspects:

• the accessory should be located conveniently for the cat, preferably in a place where he has already chosen a place for his manicure;
• The scratching post should fit into the interior of the room, not get in the way of you and your household, and be pleasing to the eye.

The scratching post should be located in a convenient place and fit into the interior

Many people do not get a cat for fear of torn or upholstery. Even the most affectionate representative of this family will make “scratches” in or chairs. This happens on an instinctive level; after all, the blood of a wild animal flows in them. In nature, they sharpen their claws on tree bark, grass or ground. The optimal solution is a DIY cat scratching post, which you can easily make at home. Today, the advice of the Homius editors will help you create ideal, and most importantly, harmless conditions for sharpening claws for your pet.

It is impossible to wean a cat from the instinct to sharpen its claws; it is in their genes. Pet owners should know why this happens:

1. The claws are constantly growing, they are overgrown with a layer of rough skin, causing discomfort to the animal during outdoor games. Therefore, the cat tries to get rid of this cover on a comfortable surface.
2. While the cat sharpens its claws, it gets great pleasure.
3. The pet marks its territory. Between the fingertips there are glands that secrete a secretion with a subtle aroma that only animals can smell. In this way they mark personal possessions.

This is interesting! In pet stores you can buy special multi-colored anti-scratch pads that look like a manicure. But not all cats will like this innovation, and the cost of a homemade scratching post will be less.

Classification of claws

The most common type of scratching post is a vertical post wrapped in twine. In addition, accessories can be classified according to the following criteria.

Classification	Description
By shape	Floor, hanging, corner, ring or column.
By type of design	In the form of a house, multi-tiered, complemented by shelves or bridges, a town with toys.
According to the material of manufacture	A scratching post can be made from wood with twine, or fabric will also work.
By size	Miniature, medium, large and monolithic.

scratching post for cats

How to quickly and easily make a simple cat scratching post with your own hands

There are a lot of options for making scratching posts; you can supplement them with interesting toys or bridges. Let's look at the principle of creating the most common structures using simple examples.

We make a scratching post out of cardboard with our own hands

To make the most budget-friendly and simple scratching post pillow, you will need the following materials and tools:

• cardboard or corrugated cardboard;
• stationery knife;
• piece of fabric;
• thick paper;
• adhesive tape.

Then do the following:

1. Disassemble the boxes and draw stripes more than 10 centimeters wide on the surface.
2. Cut strips.
3. Then you need to twist one strip and glue it. This will be the middle or core of the scratching post.
4. Then wind all the other strips in the same way around the core, periodically securing the layers with glue or adhesive tape. Particular attention should be paid to the last layer.
5. Wrap it in cloth and secure it.
6. Place the structure on thick paper, trace the perimeter, cut it out and secure the base to a scratching post.

You can watch the master class in more detail in the video below:

scratching post bed

How to make a scratching post for a cat from wood with your own hands

Another budget option is a wooden scratching post. A small log or stump picked up in the forest is suitable as a base. The workpiece should first be cleaned with a stiff bristle brush and dried in a dark room.

1. Wrap the workpiece with twine completely or individual fragments.
2. Secure the workpiece on a wide base, use corners and a drill to do this.
3. Tie some fun little toys to the top of the scratching post.

Ready-made sharpeners in stores are wrapped with a special rope, and not every seller will answer what the rope for scratching posts is called. If you wish, you can look for sisal thread, but any rope or twine will completely replace it.

scratching post post

How to make floor scratching posts for cats with your own hands with photos of finished designs

A more complex option is floor structures. You can keep things simple and use an old small coffee table for this purpose. But we will tell you how to make a scratching post for a cat with your own hands in the form of a column, a house and an entire town with photo examples of manufacturing processes and finished works.

Mobile option: floor-mounted flat cat claw sharpener

A flat scratching post is one of the simplest devices. To do this you will need a small sheet of board or plywood. Wrap it on both sides with carpet, wrong side up, or with a rope. The edges can be sewn with thick threads or secured with a stapler. This design can also be used by your pet as a bed.

Step-by-step instructions for making a scratching post in the form of a column with your own hands with photos of the process

To make a floor-mounted claw post, we suggest watching a detailed master class. After becoming familiar with this process, you will be able to make any of the most complex structures with your own hands.

Illustration	Description of action
	Before you make your own cat scratching post, you need to cut out the base from a sheet. It is important that the corners are not sharp.
	Glue the rope to the base, starting from the end. After the side edge, proceed to securing the rope to the base.
	For the column, take a stretch film tube no more than 40 cm high. For the base, you need to take a piece of wood and make it the same size as the tube.
	Insert a piece of wood into the base of the tube and secure with three self-tapping screws.
	Next, you need to mark the place where the tube is attached on the back side of the base, screw in 3 self-tapping screws and secure the post.
	Using a glue gun, secure the rope to the post from bottom to top.
	Glue the joint between the base and the post with a tourniquet, increasing the turn horizontally.
	To prevent the cat from subsequently untwisting the end of the rope, you need to unwind it a little, cut off one part and glue it to the base.
	Glue three small ropes to the top of the post and tie knots at the ends.
	Make a decorative cap for the post.

The kitten will love playing with this interesting new product, and you can watch the master class in more detail in the video

All the nuances of making your own cat house with a scratching post

After we have described in detail how to make simple designs, you can complicate the task a little and make it with a scratching post, as well as supplement it with beds. First you need to make a sketch and draw a diagram of the future structure. Next, the manufacturing process is as follows:

1. Cut holes on the base for installing posts.
2. Make a pattern from fabric, cut holes for the posts and secure it to the base using a stapler.
3. You can use . They should be secured to the base with metal corners and screws.
4. Wrap the twine around the posts.
5. Make the upper beds according to the principle of flat claw pads. Attach to the posts using furniture corners.
6. Attach soft houses for cats to beds.

It is important! It is advisable to attach a large structure to the wall surface so that cats do not turn it over during games.

scratching post with house

Schemes and sizes of complexes for cats with scratching posts and beds for making yourself

You can draw up a diagram of the future claw blade yourself or use the proposed ready-made examples from the Internet.

scratching post bed

Features of manufacturing wall-mounted scratching posts: photos of finished examples

For a small room, a great option is to mount the scratching post on a wall surface, especially since it is much easier to make it than a floor one. And two more advantages: there is no cat hair left on them, and they cannot be turned over at the most inopportune moment. Therefore, this is an ideal solution for active pets. To work, you will need a sheet of plywood and a rope, which can be pre-painted for decoration.

DIY wall-mounted scratching post for cats

The wall-mounted scratching post must correspond to the size of the animal. It is optimal to choose a length that is 10 centimeters longer than the cat’s extended length. These parameters will help protect the wall from scratches. Recommended surface width is 40 cm.

To make a simple wall-mounted nail clipper, you will need two sheets of plywood, the width of each should be at least 25 cm, but you need to focus on the size and breed of your pet. For a soft layer, you can use a piece of an old carpet or rug, securing it with the inside out, and a rope or several layers of natural fabric will also work. The procedure is as follows:

1. Cut the canvas according to the pattern with a margin of about 10 cm, secure it with a stapler on the back side of the plywood. As an option, wrap the sheet with a tourniquet.
2. Secure along the perimeter with slats using screws.
3. Nail the structure to the wall.

wall-mounted scratching post

Favorite attraction: scratching post on the corner of the wall

To make a corner scratching post, you need to prepare three planks or sheets of plywood with a width of at least 15-20 cm, first fix the carpet on them with the inside out or twine. Install the prepared products at a corner, for example, at a height exceeding the length of the cat in an elongated form, about 10 cm. If desired, you can make a structure the entire height of the box, the pet will be able to climb on it during games.

corner scratching post

Travel scratching post for a cat: DIY master class

If your cat is your constant travel companion, be sure to make a travel scratching post. It will not take up much space, and your pet will be happy with its favorite thing on the road. To make it you will need a small sheet of plywood or rectangular board, wood glue, twine, a piece of rope or a strip of leather and a drill. Manufacturing instructions:

1. Drill a hole in the board or plywood for the cord.
2. Wrap the structure with a rope, periodically placing it on glue, carefully fixing the ends.
3. In order for the accessory to be hung, for example, on, you need to secure the rope in the holes made earlier.

How to negotiate with a cat

Sometimes it is not enough to put up a scratching post; the cat simply may not understand what to do with it. To accustom your animal to a new accessory, use the following proven tips.

Today, the behavior of cats has been studied enough, so owners are familiar with their habit of sharpening their claws from personal experience. However, one should not think that they act this way only to annoy their masters. This happens on an instinctive level. Their nature requires this. Do not forget that cats are predators, although they differ in size from their wild relatives. This explains the urgent need to sharpen the claws. Owners who know what they will face before bringing a cat into the house must first purchase a scratching post so that it will help preserve the furniture in the house.

Living in the wild, cats and their relatives sharpen their claws use tree trunks. Since their claws are constantly growing, and at a high speed, they must sharpen them, otherwise it will be difficult for them to move while hunting. In some animals, claws can grow into their paws, causing cats to feel severe pain. Therefore, they need a hard surface so that they can sharpen their claws without experiencing discomfort.

Pets are limited in this regard, although if there is an ornamental tree growing in the house, they can use its surface to sharpen their claws. However, if there is no suitable item in the house, then the owners need to resolve this issue as quickly as possible and purchase or make a scratching post.

What is the purpose of this device? Many cat owners have the incorrect impression that their pets intentionally tear up carpets or sofas. However, in reality, everything is not so: cats only follow the call of nature, maintaining their claws in proper condition. A person cannot change this situation. All that remains is to do everything possible so that cats can do their “manicure” without harming their home environment.

If you realize the urgent need for a scratching post, then you should not rush to the pet store and choose a suitable device for sharpening claws. Any owner can make the simplest version of this device on his own. This will allow him to save a lot, as well as get an additional reason to be proud of himself.

Why is it better to make a cat house with your own hands?

If we consider the design of store-bought scratching posts, their stability is ensured by a retractable stop. In other words, most of these devices look like a house that is placed discord between floor and ceiling. Seeing such a pipe, young cats will definitely have a desire to climb onto it. However, if they do this too often, over time the device will begin to wobble and at some point fall.

Plastic pipes are used to make the supports of the scratching post, but it is not able to provide this device with sufficient strength. In addition, many devices are designed for use in apartments with standard ceiling heights. They are equipped with a stop of a strictly defined length. In apartments with a high ceiling, it will not be possible to use such devices, so the owner will have to think about purchasing a custom-made scratching post. Naturally, its cost will be much higher than ready-made models. However, it is not necessary to spend a lot of money on this device, because you can make a cat house yourself, saving a lot of money and time.

DIY scratching posts for cats

To begin with, it won’t hurt to take a closer look at the cat scratching post. You should know that the cat house must have certain characteristics so that it can effectively perform its functions:

Project planning

Before you start making your own scratching post, the following issues need to be resolved:

• draw up a design layout;
• prepare the necessary tools;
• purchase building materials.

You should definitely decide which version of the cat house you will make: portable or stationary. If a young, active cat lives in your home, it is recommended that the structure be secured to the floor to give it greater stability.

It is also worth paying attention to the color of the decoration of the cat house. To do this, focus on the design style of the room where you are going to install the claw sharpening device. Make sure that the upholstery material not only looks beautiful, but is also durable enough. Calculate the height of the device in advance, correlating it with the characteristics of the animal. The size of the scratching post should be sufficient for your pet to stretch out to its full height when it wants to sharpen its claws.

If you live in a small apartment, then you can choose one of the following options for making a cat house:

• rope post;
• personal rug on the wall;
• forest thicket;
• corner design.

How to make a scratching post for a cat with your own hands: materials for making

First of all, to you materials need to be prepared to make a cat house:

DIY scratching post: step-by-step instructions

Once the necessary tools and materials are ready, you can begin assembling the cat scratching post with your own hands. Master class on making a cat house with your own hands described in the following steps:

1. Base of the structure. It will require wooden boards, the length of which is calculated taking into account the size of the pet. If you are making a scratching post for a short animal, then you can use boards 40 x 40 cm. To make it convenient for large cats to sharpen their claws, it is better to take boards 50 x 50 cm. We take the prepared upholstery fabric, for example, carpet, and spread it on the floor, remembering that that the wrong side should be facing the ceiling. We lay a board on it. Then we mark the required amount of fabric: to do this, the board must be positioned at a distance of 5 cm from the edge. Next, we treat the pattern with glue, and then apply it to the board. To ensure that the material holds well, we additionally secure it with nails.
2. Vertical column. Here we need furniture corners. With their help we will install a plastic pipe to the base. However, first you will have to check the dimensions of the pipe and, if necessary, adjust them. When determining the height of the pipe, it is necessary to proceed from the size of the animal, but it should not be lower than 50 cm. When the pipe is installed, we wrap a hemp rope around it from below. At the very beginning, its free end must be fixed to any corner. During winding, the rope should fit as tightly as possible to the pipe, this guarantees its integrity during use by the animal. The other end of the rope must be fixed in a hole that will have to be made in the upper part of the pipe.
3. Sun lounger. You can make the scratching post more functional by placing a lounger on top of the pipe. It is made by analogy with the base. The difference is that the space between the board and the fabric is filled with foam rubber. It will be pleasant for the animal to lie on this stand. When the bed is ready, it is fixed to the end of the upper pipe using furniture corners that are secured with screws or nails.

You can also offer many other ideas for making a scratching post with your own hands.

rope post

If you don’t want to bother making the cat house described above, you can make a simpler option - rope post. The master class for creating it looks like this: we will need a wooden beam, a plastic pipe or a board. You need to wrap a rope around the base. This must be done very carefully so that each turn is adjacent to each other as tightly as possible. For greater strength, the rope is secured with nails, driving them in at a distance of 10 cm from each other.

By following these fairly simple steps, you will have an excellent tool for sharpening claws. So that the animal can start using the post, it is placed on a heavy, stable base and fixed to it. This will allow you not to worry that your cat will be able to turn the device over while sharpening its claws.

If desired, you can add a padded shelf to the end of the pipe. Having played enough, the animal will begin to look for a suitable place to rest.

Personal rug on the wall

You will bring joy to your pet if you make for him such a version of a scratching post as personal rug mounted on the wall. This design will be of interest to those owners who do not have the time or desire to make bulky devices for sharpening claws. Making such a rug is simple, since you will need very affordable materials for it: wooden planks, carpet, felt or other dense upholstery material and self-tapping screws.

So, let's move on to the master class. First, we take the fabric and cut out a flap from it, which we hang on the wall, fixing it with strips. They are attached on all sides so that the structure takes the shape of a square or rectangle. When you get a small cat in your house, you can easily teach it to use this device. If you are making a scratching post for an adult animal, then you can let him know what it is if treat the rug with your pet's favorite scent.

forest thicket

You can also do it even simpler, without spending a lot of time and effort on making a special device for sharpening claws. While walking, try to find a dry tree without leaves or a thick branch with a lot of knots and branches. The branch will serve as an excellent material for making a scratching post, which can turn into a real gymnastic corner for an animal.

Corner scratching post

This version of a cat house for sharpening claws can act as a wall for your pet to climb on.

For greater clarity, we will describe a master class on making this device. To make it, you will need boards that must match the width of the door jamb. On top of them attach thick furniture fabric or wind rope. When the claw clipper is ready, it is attached to one side of the door frame. Usually it occupies the entire height of the opening. Having access to such a device, the cat will have the opportunity to sharpen its claws, as well as perform other movements necessary for development - to pull itself up, climb up and down the door frame.

The cost of a homemade scratching post

Making a homemade scratching post is very profitable, since the costs in this case are 3 times less than if you purchased the device in a store. In addition, a homemade claw clipper is superior to its store-bought counterpart in terms of its performance characteristics. It is distinguished by such qualities as increased functionality, stability and reliability.

Conclusion

Every cat owner knows that their pet regularly has the urge to sharpen its claws. To prevent the animal from causing damage to the furniture in the house, it is recommended to ensure that there is a special device in the house - a scratching post. Moreover, you don’t have to go to a pet store for this, because you can make it yourself. If you follow the step-by-step instructions for creating this device, you can make it at minimal cost functional and reliable device for your pet. If the owner does not have enough time, then he can choose simpler options for scratching posts, which will allow him to save even more.

In many houses where there are cats, the furniture looks sad - the animal constantly sharpens its claws on the sofa or chair. But it is quite possible to wean your cat off this habit if you buy a scratching post. Or do it yourself, because it’s cheaper and even faster. Instructions for making scratching posts at home are further in the article!

A little about scratching posts

Cat owners often say that the most comfortable scratching post for a cat is a vertical post. Although you can also find a rug, a hanging panel, or a ring on sale. Such structures are made from fabric, cardboard, twine, and wood.

If a cat has just arrived at home, you can buy a scratching post that also combines play functions. There are models combined with a house for the animal, bridges, tiers and shelves.

The structure can be attached to the ceiling and walls. The height can also be different - up to 1 meter. But these are options for those who have 2 or more cats. For one animal, you can simply look at how to make a scratching post yourself and choose a smaller size.

What errors are common?

It is important to calculate the sizes of scratching posts and other nuances in advance so that you don’t have to redo anything later. It is worth considering the following:

• It is better that the height of the pillar is at least 1 meter, and the beds and houses can be placed even higher.
• The pillar-shaped scratching post should be about 8-10 centimeters in width.
• If the scratching post comes with a house, it should be placed on top of the structure. Otherwise, the cat may think it's a toilet. In addition, animals like to climb higher if they want to rest.
• For several cats, beds should be placed on the same level so that there are no wars between animals for supremacy in the pack.
• You can hang toys from the scratching post if you work a lot and your cat spends the whole day alone.

Scratching post on the rug

The scratching post bed for cats is very convenient. It will be easier for the animal to get used to it, because it will be possible to rest on such a rug in the absence of its owners.

By the way, you can choose a material that will make the scratching post fit perfectly into the interior.

To work you will need colored rope, any rug, a knife, a stapler and sisal rope. We determine the center on the rug - this is the place where the scratching post will be located.

Using glue, attach the sisal rope to the rug. It is better to also treat its edges with glue so that the cat does not pull the threads out of it.

You can leave the mat as is, or stretch it over a wooden stand, using a stapler to secure the edges. Then the scratching post can be attached to the wall.

Wall-mounted plywood scratching post

Looking at photos of hand-made scratching posts, we can see this option. This design is very easy to make.

You will need to prepare two plywood sheets with a width of 25 centimeters (for large cats, these parameters naturally increase). For a soft layer, a piece of old carpet will do - you will need to secure it to the plywood with the wrong side up. The piece is fixed using a stapler.

You can also wrap the sheet with a rope and secure it with slats along the edges. Next, the structure is nailed to the wall. All that remains is to train the cat to use the device.

Quick option

It happens that a cat appears in the house unexpectedly, or you are given an animal for a while (for example, the owners go on vacation).

In this situation, a DIY scratching post house is an additional waste of time. You can make the construction faster:

• A softwood log is an excellent alternative to the store-bought version. Its length can be about 70-100 meters. We chop the log lengthwise and attach a piece to the wall.
• You can take packaging cardboard and roll it up. We secure it with rope in several places and attach it to one of the walls.
• An old carpet or bedding can be rolled up with the inside out - it will be convenient for your cat to sharpen its claws on this surface.

How to train a cat to use a scratching post?

You can play with the animal using a scratching post so that the cat shows interest in the object. You can also moisten the tip of the scratching post with valerian tincture - this technique works great!

The cat will quickly get used to the fact that its claws can be sharpened in a new place, and you will no longer have to worry about the safety of the furniture!

Photo of DIY scratching posts