Step-by-Step Instructions for How to Make a DIY Cat Scratching PostStep 1: Cut and Prepare the Top and Bottom Platforms. … Step 2: Create and Attach the Center Post. … Step 3: Cover the Bottom Platform with Carpet. … Step 4: Cover the Post with Sisal. … Step 5: Add and Cover the Top Platform.
How to Put Together Your DIY Cat Scratcher:
This tutorial contains a lot of photos, but don’t let that deter you. This is a really simple project that works well even if you’ve never worked with wood before. The first cat scratching post was actually published back in 2012!
Cut your wood to size. You will need a piece of 3/4′′ plywood that is 20′′ by 20′′ and an untreated 4 x 4 that is about 36′′ tall.
To make it easier to find the center of your plywood board, draw a line from corner to corner using a straight edge (I used the post itself). Place your 4×4 in the middle and trace its location.
Wherever you traced your 4×4 on the board, drill four holes through it.
* Important Note: To avoid damaging the board you are drilling through, make sure to position a piece of scrap wood behind it.
Apply wood glue onto the bottom of the 4×4 post. With the glue side facing down, place the post atop the plywood and remove any leftover glue. Allow the glue several hours to dry.
* Note: Occasionally make sure the post hasn’t moved while the glue dries. Right it if necessary and allow more time to dry.
Finishing Your DIY Cat Scratching Post Base
After the glue dries, you can complete this base.
After flipping your scratching post over, screw the base and post together using the previously drilled holes. You’ll want to use long screws for this. Mine are #8 sized screws that are 2. 5″ long which is the shortest you should use. If you already have 4′′ screws or need to buy some for this project, I would probably suggest using them.
Pick up your ornamental edge and apply paint or stain as desired. * Quick tip: You can avoid worrying about your carpet fraying by using moulding that covers the edge at a 90° angle instead of flat.
Mark the corners and align the ornamental wood with the edge. Cut the ornamental pieces at a 45° angle with a handsaw and mitre box or mitre saw.
As a quick tip, you can quickly determine where to make the 45° cut by using a speed square.
Place the wood on the edge after applying a thin line of glue to its back.
After positioning the moulding onto the base, fasten it there with wire nails or trim.
Work your way around until you’ve covered all four sides.
Attach the rope’s end to the 4×4 with a tiny wire nail, covering the stapled rug. Very tightly wrap the rope around and up the 4×4. To make sure there are no gaps in coverage, push the rope down a little bit with your hands after every two to three wraps. While maintaining the rope taut, use your hammer to tap in a tiny wire nail in the middle of the rope.
As you progress up the base, place a nail every two to three rope wraps. After two nails, turn the base so that the rope is tacked up the entire length on all four sides.
I would highly recommend purchasing a 100-foot rope; however, if you purchase two 50-foot ropes, you will need to connect them at the midpoint of the post. Put glue on the ends of the rope and let it completely dry to stop it from fraying too soon. Using their own nails, tack the end of the first rope and the start of the second side by side. In order to conceal the nail heads, periodically scratch at the rope as you go up.
Once you get to the very top of the post, secure the rope’s end with glue and let it dry to prevent fraying. Trim the end and tack into place with a nail.
Stain a decorative end cap to match. Determine the 4×4’s top center, then drill a hole there.
To finish, fasten the post cap using a long wood screw.
Many of the tips, like the ideal base size for a post, can also be used when building a cat tree. Take a look at these other posts for instructions on building a complete cat tree and this enormous cat tree. You’ll love saving so much money, and your kitties will adore you!
I don’t know if it’s because Fall is here, but I’m in a Do-It-Yourself mood. Here’s an excellent tutorial on how to build your own sisal scratching post for your feline friends. There are lots of really useful tips and clear instructions. (Update: The creator of this tutorial suggested googling for 3/8 Brazilian sisal rope to find good sisal for your post.)
FAQ
What is the best material for a cat scratching post?
What can cats use as a scratching post?
What kind of rope do you use for a cat scratching post?