How To Make a Cat Scratching Post

  • September 25, 2009
  • 10,771 Views
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Make your cat happy by giving them a sturdy scratching post. They’ll sharpen their claws – without tearing up your furniture.

You Will Need

  • Measuring tape
  • A 4 x 4 post
  • A saw
  • Three 2 x 6 boards, 12-inch long
  • Two 2 x 6 boards, 18-inch long
  • Eight 3-inch wood screws
  • A power drill with screwdriver bit
  • Carpet scraps
  • A staple gun
  • Catnip (optional)
  • A dangling cat toy (optional)
How To Make a Cat Scratching Post: Decide on dimension

Step 1: Decide on dimension

Determine the length of your scratching post and cut the post with a saw to fit. It should be a few inches longer than the length of your cat.

Make the base sturdy enough to support the post and the weight of your cat.

How To Make a Cat Scratching Post: Make the first layer

Step 2: Make the first layer

Lay the three 12-inch boards side by side, so the ends are flush.

How To Make a Cat Scratching Post: Attach the second layer

Step 3: Attach the second layer

Place the two 18-inch boards on top, crosswise. Saw any overhang so the second layer is flush with the first.

How To Make a Cat Scratching Post: Screw layers together

Step 4: Screw layers together

Using the power drill, screw the second layer onto the first layer with four 3-inch screws. This will serve as your base.

How To Make a Cat Scratching Post: Cover base

Step 5: Cover base

Cover the base with a carpet scrap and staple it in place.

Use short, bristly carpet, such as Berber.

How To Make a Cat Scratching Post: Attach post

Step 6: Attach post

Position the post in the center of the base and attach it with a screw on each corner. Drill the screws in diagonally, starting near the bottom of the post so that the screw makes it through both post and base.

How To Make a Cat Scratching Post: Cover post

Step 7: Cover post

Staple carpet scraps to cover the post.

Rub catnip on the post or hang a dangling cat toy from the top.

How To Make a Cat Scratching Post: Settle in

Step 8: Settle in

Settle in for hours of entertainment as your cat tears into their new scratching post.

Did you know? Cats perspire through their paws.

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Comments (6)

fembot3000

These 2 kitties should get together and make something AWESOME: http://www.howcast.com/videos/225175-How-To-Make-Dump-Cake Great work on this video, btw!

over 2 years ago by fembot3000

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HeatherM

Wow! This video is fantastic! More cat videos please!

over 2 years ago by HeatherM

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Concardne

Wow I wish my cats could make things for themselves.

over 2 years ago by Concardne

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joscalis

you shouldn't use staples on the post, at the very least, or even the base. these staples are potentially harmful as your cat's claws could catch a staple. opt for a strong adhesive (pet-friendly, of course). a hot glue gun might work- not sure about toxicity of glue brands.

over 2 years ago by joscalis

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maxpascher

ou shouldn't use staples on the post, at the very least, or even the base. these staples are potentially harmful as your cat's claws could catch a staple. opt for a strong adhesive (pet-friendly, of course). a hot glue gun might work- not sure about toxicity of glue brands.

9 months ago by maxpascher

Reply
maxpascher

You shouldn't use staples on the post, at the very least, or even the base. these staples are potentially harmful as your cat's claws could catch a staple. opt for a strong adhesive (pet-friendly, of course). a hot glue gun might work- not sure about toxicity of glue brands.http://www.maxpascher.com/

9 months ago by maxpascher

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Video is in Fabulous Felines (13 videos)