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, then 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 high ceilings, 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 house, 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
A DIY cat scratching post is an excellent solution in a situation where your pets, for one reason or another, begin to tear wallpaper, scratch furniture and tear up its upholstery. Cats are one of the most beloved pets. However, in addition to joy, sometimes they also bring troubles that you have to somehow cope with.
Stylish floor design with toys
In any case, a cat scratching post is an interesting solution for many situations. However, before you start making it, it wouldn’t hurt to study some of the “cat” theory.
When to use
Many people are interested in why such a design is needed. So, before you make a scratching post for a cat with your own hands, it would not hurt to familiarize yourself with the various cases in which installing this device is simply necessary. Bitten legs of tables and chairs, torn curtains, wallpaper and damaged decorative elements - many breeders are familiar with all this. Sometimes this drives them to complete despair because people do not know what to do in such situations.
Remember! You cannot simply pick up and punish or drive the pet into another room, since any aggressive reaction from the owner is not a way out of the situation.
It often turns out that it is not easy to wean, if at all possible. So, we have to look for some other way out. The optimal solution is to use a special device called a scratching post. If you set a goal, then it’s quite possible to make it yourself very inexpensively. In addition, you can often use many improvised materials or their remains that you have lying around after repairs:
- Plastic pipes and scraps.
- Carpet, fabric and other similar coverings.
- Fragments of old furniture.
Corner design is a great option
Attention! It is better not to use some fabrics, as well as fiberboard (fibreboard), corrugated cardboard and cardboard, since as a result of “cat activity” there will always be a lot of debris from such materials. In some cases, a cardboard base can be used, but not the main outer layer.
Common Causes
Why does a cat need to sharpen its claws? In fact, in this regard, our furry friends are practically no different from us humans. The fact is that their claws grow in much the same way as the nails on our hands and feet. And while we have the opportunity to cut our nails with nail scissors or other similar devices, cats do not have this opportunity. So, they have to sharpen their claws on almost any suitable object.
Parts cats look for both hard and soft objects, including wall decoration, doors, clothes, shoes and much more, and begin to do a kind of manicure. Of course, they do this unintentionally, because they are not aware of the damage that they cause by such actions. And they, meanwhile, often have, to put it mildly, negative consequences:
- Nature dictates that cats climb branches and other vertical surfaces. If they do not have this opportunity, then the horses may begin to get nervous, which negatively affects their behavior in general.
- Excessively long claws can cause some discomfort. And if at first the cat can tolerate the pain that appears, then after a while he will walk with a limp, since painful sensations appear with every step.
- In some cases, sprains may also occur. The fact is that at the moment of a jump, with normal length of the claws, the blow is absorbed both by the pads and by the muscles located in the paws and forearms. If the claws are too long, then only the ligaments take the blow. Yes, it may not lead to serious injury, but, in any case, it will cause pain.
- After some time, chips and cracks may appear on the claws.
- Sometimes, if the length is too long, the claws can bend and begin to grow into the pad, constantly injuring it.
- Any other consequences associated with the fact that the cat did not have the opportunity to sharpen its claws can also be very serious.
DIY cat scratching post: diagram, dimensions
So we must not forget that any pet should be self-confident. Subconsciously, cats feel the need to be able to fight back if necessary. This is not so easy to do with long, blunt claws. And although they almost never have to seriously use their warlike abilities at home, this negatively affects their self-confidence.
Know! If your cat spoils furniture and things, then this does not indicate its evil intentions. Often this becomes possible due to a simple oversight.
In cases where the pet takes frequent walks along the street (at the dacha, in a private house, etc.), this problem disappears. In addition, you no longer have to find a solution on how to train your cat to use a scratching post. On the other hand, in such cases it is necessary to carefully monitor the condition of the animal’s claws. The fact is that if they are damaged or broken, it is advisable to isolate the cat from the street. And in this case, you will already need to learn how to make a scratching post for a cat. DIY scratching post for cats, photo:
Natural instincts
Among the common reasons why furniture is damaged is that it considers a particular place to be its territory and thus tries to express its claims to it. Note: they often “smoke” in the same places, which may indicate that the animal considers this place “its” own. The thing is that our furry friends have special glands on their pads that secrete a substance with which they “mark” territory.
In addition, sometimes cats just like to stretch a little, while lightly scratching the door frame. This, by the way, can apply to both an adult cat and even small teenage kittens. In any case, it is advisable to solve this problem once and for all. You can buy special devices from a pet store, or you can make a scratching post for your cat with your own hands. Cat scratching post house:
Doing something like this yourself is not so easy
What to consider when designing
Don’t think that since a cat scratcher is a fairly simple thing, it means that when making it, you don’t need to pay attention to certain rules and recommendations. Either way, something needs to be considered. Thus, the structure can be wall-mounted (corner or flat), or a portable “column” or “palm tree”, which are not intended for walls, but are placed anywhere in the room. A tall and large structure is better suited for large cats, while house complexes that have a rug with a bed and often “grow” right up to the ceiling are well suited for animals of any size. In any case, different types are designed to solve slightly different problems, so it’s not so easy to talk about which is better.
On a note! In some places a whole large house complex would be appropriate, but in others it would be better to put up a compact column or palm tree: both mobile and stationary solutions are good in their own way.
Here are some tips that will help you avoid a number of mistakes so that you don’t have to correct them later:
- If the structure has a closed house, then it is advisable to place it on top, because in some cases, if the position is too low, cats may think that this is a toilet and use it, to put it mildly, for other purposes.
- If the bed or house will be located on top, then, in any case, the height of the scratching post should not exceed 1 meter and the thickness should not exceed 100 mm.
- If this is a complex and there are several beds, try to ensure that they are mounted at the same height. This way, none of your pets will feel like they are in a “lower” position in the cat hierarchy.
- Not all cats are interested in toys that hang on ropes. So, before hanging something like that, observe the character traits of your pet.
- It is better to make the “house” itself half open, and completely closed with a small hole. This will make the animals more confident.
Classification
When thinking about which design is best to choose and which types are most common, we can highlight several of the most popular varieties:
| Difference | Characteristics |
| What are they made of? | They can be made from cardboard, fabric, wood, twine, carpet, sisal, and artificial materials. |
| By design | With a house, shelves, levels, tiers, crossing bridges, toys, a hammock, as well as a “town” for several cats and a “tower”. |
| By shape | Wave, wood, vertical rug on the wall or horizontal on the floor, ring. |
| To size | Dimensions can be different: small, large and stationary to the ceiling. |
Now a few words about how to choose the size. In those cases, if you have one cat living in your house, then it is better to choose a small design. If there is a couple or a whole pride of cats, think about how to make a more complex and larger structure.
Manufacturing: how to make it yourself
Small step-by-step master classes will help you learn how to make a scratching post with your own hands, as well as how to repair it if it breaks.
From twine
Posts wrapped in rope are one of the most popular types of such devices. If you are in doubt about how to wrap the device, it is better to use natural twine. Here is a short master class step by step:
- First of all, choose a foundation that is stable.
- As a pillar, use a wooden round beam or a pipe made of any non-fragile material.
- Connect the base and the pipe and secure them.
- Wrap it with rope, and this must be done tightly so that each turn is adjacent to the previous one. After 5-7 cm, additionally lubricate the pipe with glue for greater strength.
- If desired, you can put a sun lounger on top.
You can also additionally decorate the resulting home claw board with certain decorative elements.
Flat design
Here's how to make a flat scratching post for cats with your own hands. The master class consists of the following:
- Take a flat board (any available block will do).
- Wrap it up. Carpet material is best suited.
- Secure the carpet with a stapler or other types of fasteners.
- Attach the nail clipper to the wall or floor.
Corner designs
In fact, the manufacturing principle itself resembles the previous scheme, with the only difference being that such a structure is manufactured in two planes. It is advisable, in this case, to attach it to the corner of the wall on both adjacent planes. Of course, there are other options for corner scratching posts that are more difficult to make, but this one is the simplest of those that you can make yourself.
other methods
There are other options for how to make a scratching post for a cat with your own hands. Moreover, this can be done quickly and easily, with virtually no additional effort.
Few people think about it, but in fact, a simple log or log can be an excellent solution. Scratching it is a pleasure. In addition, you can easily get such a piece of wood: at the dacha, in the village or just in the city at a time when workers from city services are sawing down trees. And in extreme cases, this option can be used instead, as a temporary one.
Advice! As reviews from many breeders say, it is those options that are closest to what animals would encounter in natural conditions that are most suitable for them.
How to train
So now is the time to engage your pet with his new “toy”. How to train a cat to use a scratching post? With kittens you need to do this: place his paw with a pad on the surface of the scratching post and press lightly. He will release his claws. After several repetitions, he will already get used to the fact that it is in this place that he can scratch.
How to train an adult cat? This is also easy. If the animal is accustomed to scratching other places, then it should be weaned off. Strong odors are often used for this purpose. Treat these areas of the wall, doors or furniture with a special compound that can be purchased at a pet store. The pungent odor will be unpleasant to the animal, which will most likely leave its “object of attention.” You can attract a cat to the “right place” by impregnation. Cat scratcher:
To prevent a domestic cat from damaging wallpaper, upholstery, carpets and curtains, it must have its own scratching post. You can buy such a device at a pet store or make it yourself at home. You can make a separate scratching post yourself or even with a house. You just need to decide on its dimensions, draw a drawing, select the necessary materials and study the step-by-step instructions from our article.
Why do cats sharpen their claws?
Cat's claws, like human nails, grow actively throughout life. While people cut their nails with scissors, pets wear them down on hard surfaces. In nature, felines use trees for this. At home, pieces of furniture, walls and even outerwear are used. If cats do not grind down their claws, this can lead to unpleasant consequences for them:
Acquisition or making a scratching post goes away if the cat regularly walks outside. There she will sharpen her claws on trees and will no longer do this at home. But if your pet is a pet, he definitely needs a device with which he can tidy up his claws.
Making a scratching post for cats with your own hands is not that difficult. Before creating the design, you should take a look at the master class and study the video tutorial carefully.
There are many options for such a device. They can be made of fabric and rough cardboard, twine and wood. These can be monolithic structures up to the ceiling, large devices in the form of houses, or medium-sized scratching posts up to one meter in height.
Where to install the cat scratching post are divided into the following types:
Today on the pet supplies market you can see electric scratching posts that have an additional function - cutting claws.
How to make a scratching post with your own hands?
The sizes of the devices can be different, the main thing is that it is convenient for the cat to sharpen its claws. However, there is no guarantee that your pet will like the new item. He will need to get used to the smell, size and shape of the product. Therefore, it is best to make a scratching post yourself, because if anything happens, it can be remade or try making a different model.
Flat scratching post
This is one of the simplest adaptations for cats. To make it thick cardboard or wooden board is used, a piece of carpet or any other dense fabric. To make your own scratching post, simply cover the board with thick fabric and use furniture hinges to install it on the wall or simply lay it on the floor. Instead of carpet, you can take jute rope and wrap it around a piece of board.
Corner design
You can combine a pet climbing wall and a scratching post into one product. To make it you need to prepare:
- three planks, the width of which should be equal to the width of the door jamb;
- thick fabric or rope;
- screwdriver and screws.
The boards are covered with leftover carpet or fabric. You can also wrap them with rope, after lubricating the boards with glue. The carpet is attached with the wrong side facing out.
The finished covered parts are installed on the door frame using a screwdriver and self-tapping screws. So that the cat not only sharpens its claws, but also climbs, the structure is made to cover the entire height of the doorway. About such a device pets they love to scratch their sides.
Rope post
It’s easy to make a reliable but simple scratching post in the form of a column with your own hands. To make it you will need:
- a piece of plastic pipe or wooden beam;
- a ball of hemp rope;
- glue;
- heavy base.
It is better not to use synthetic rope, as the cat will slip off it. If you use thin cotton threads to wind a post, they will soon break.
To make a claw blade the base is wrapped with rope, which must be glued to the post with glue every ten centimeters. In this case, the rope will stick to the base well and will not come off when used by the cat. The post is installed on a heavy base and the structure for sharpening claws is ready.
Scratching post with shelves
Making a more complex design for a cat requires skills in sewing, cutting, designing and working with some tools. We offer step-by-step instructions for the model with a bed on top.
Required materials and tools:
The amount of materials is prepared based on the required dimensions of the product.
Stages of work:
This claw point device can be complemented with toys or various accessories that your cat likes to play with.
Do-it-yourself scratching post-house - diagram, dimensions, photo
If you have all the materials, tools and certain skills, making a cat house will not be difficult. To make it you will need:
Step-by-step manufacturing instructions:
- Saw wooden blocks along the length of the base.
- Using a drill for fastening the posts, make holes in the bottom area and under the screw head - countersunk.
- Glue the covering materials to the base. After the glue has dried, use a utility knife to trim off the excess edges of the trim.
- Secure the prepared bars around the perimeter.
- Using a miter box, cut out the bars at an angle of 45 degrees. In this case, there will be practically no gaps between the parts.
- All parts are attached using a screwdriver and screws.
- Pets like the house to be slightly elevated. To do this, one long and two short sections are sawn off from a round block. A platform will be installed on the long one, and a house on the short ones.
- Attach the pieces of bars to the base with screws that are screwed on the back side of the bottom platform.
- Twine or braided rope is wound around the posts. Its beginning is attached to the posts with screws and a washer.
- Using a jigsaw, cut out the parts for the house and the entrance, which is previously marked with a compass.
- Attach the parts to each other with screws and cover with material. To prevent the sheathing from falling and not having to be held, you can clamp the material with clamps.
- The top platform must be well secured, so a secure fastening will be required. To do this, blind holes are made in the blank for the platform in which the bolt heads will be hidden. Then a hole equal to the diameter of the round block is cut out on a smaller wooden plank.
- Using screws, connect the mount to the upper platform, then install and carefully screw it to the long bar.
The homemade scratching post-house is ready. To help your pet quickly get used to the new place and enjoy using the device, you can use catnip.
Basic requirements for scratching posts
Details of claw point fixtures must be a certain size, and the house and beds are comfortable for the pet:
Not only designs, but also the simplest devices can serve as scratching posts for cats. The simplest and most durable claw clipper is a carpet product, which can be made from an old small rug by simply rolling it up. It will serve as a tool for the cat to sharpen its claws and a place to rest.
Favorite place where Can scratch and sharpen claws, it will become a small tree stump or an ordinary log. Everyone has such a device at their dacha, and it’s not difficult to find it in the city.
A sofa cushion made of thick fabric can be a good scratching post. To attract the animal's attention to it, you can put catnip inside. The cat will also like a braid attached to the ceiling or wall, woven from strips of fabric.
All these simple devices will save your wallpaper, furniture and carpets from sharp cat claws.
After studying the master class, looking at the photo and video tutorial, you can easily make a scratching post for your favorite cat with your own hands. To make the structure last a long time and was reliable, all requirements specified in the step-by-step instructions should be strictly followed.
DIY scratching posts for cats
Having a pet in your apartment is a responsible decision. We must remember that animals are not only cute furry creatures, but also living beings with their own requirements and problems. Therefore, do not be surprised if your kitten suffers serious harm when the kitten arrives. , upholstery, outer corners in rooms - all these are potentially attractive objects for a cat. She will sharpen her sharp claws on them, and the only thing that can save you in this situation is a special scratching post. For cats, such devices can be made with your own hands from scrap materials, and this is exactly what is discussed in the material from HouseChief.
Read in the article
Why is a cat scratcher so important?
The domestic cat is a predator by nature. Like its wild counterparts, it is capable of moving very quickly, climbing trees and clinging to prey with a death grip. Her claws are an important tool that needs careful care. Some owners solve the problem with claws in a radical, but inhumane way, which deprives a living creature of its usefulness, making it disabled. Removing a kitten's claws is the same as cutting off a person's fingers.
The claw is a very sensitive instrument with a constantly renewed surface. It is constantly growing, and the cat needs to remove the old stratum corneum. In nature, it uses tree trunks and roots for this purpose. During this manicure, the cat's fingers release odorous substances that leave marks for their fellow members of the tribe.
What should a scratching post be like?
The main requirement for a place to sharpen cat claws is strength. The surface should be hard enough so that the stratum corneum can be easily cleaned off, but not excessively so as not to damage the claws. The surface of the claw blade should be fibrous and rough. The fibers must break, otherwise the pet will hang on the sharpener, becoming entangled in it.
If you combine all these requirements, you will understand that they are fully met by natural materials: wood, hemp, burlap, coarse woolen fabric, thick cardboard. Synthetic fiber materials are not suitable for this purpose - their threads are too strong and can tear out the claw during the cleaning process.
Important! Nail sharpeners should not contain metal nails, screws or staples, otherwise your pet could be seriously injured.
The size, shape, and type of claw are a separate matter. You can get by with a simple board, but if you really care about your cat, it is better to equip the structure with a bed on a hill.
For your information! Experts in cat psychology say that the place to leave a claw mark should not coincide with the animal’s house. Cats never leave marks where their den is, this is an instinct of self-preservation.
Photo examples of hand-made cat scratching posts
There is nothing difficult about making a nail clipper yourself. Any available materials from those we listed above will be suitable for this. And with a certain amount of imagination, this utilitarian item can become an interesting object in yours.
A simple DIY scratching post made from container cardboard
Boxes from household appliances and other large purchases are affordable material. You can use it to make a scratching pad even for a small kitten, and at the same time you don’t have to worry that the baby will somehow damage his paws. This device is also suitable for small breed cats. But large animals with character are unlikely to be satisfied with such a proposal. Their powerful claws are too hard to wear off on cardboard.
The easiest way to make such a device is to place pieces of cardboard on a pin, gluing them together for reliability. Afterwards, you can cut the cardboard and give it some original shape.
How to make a wooden scratching post for a large cat with your own hands
For adult large animals, a natural sharpener would be an ideal option. A durable straight-layer board of any hardwood species is suitable for this purpose. You can also use coniferous trees other than spruce, but pine needles have a strong aroma that your cat may not like.
The claw board should not have any knots or cracks. A cat's claw could get stuck in a crack, causing injury to the cat. It is better to place a piece of wood away from the floor, so the cat can sharpen the claws on its hind paws.
Step-by-step instructions with photos for making scratching posts with your own hands
Making a claw cutter is a simple and fascinating task. It's like a toy for your kitten, he should like it. The success of the entire enterprise depends on his reaction - otherwise he will prefer yours.
Simple flat sharpener for wall
How to make a simple cat scratching post in just 10 minutes:
| Illustration | Description of action |
 | For a cat manicure you will need a skein of jute rope. You can find this material in any hardware store. This is a rope made of natural fibers, like no other suitable for our purposes. Another option for the name of the rope for the scratching post is hemp. |
 | The second important part of the claw hammer is a piece of board or rectangular shape. If you don't find either one, use a wooden cutting board or a piece of plastic. |
 | Wrap the base with jute rope, securing the skeins with a glue gun. This will prevent the rope from moving when the cat exerts force. |
 | Drill two through holes at one end of the board. |
 | Thread a piece of rope through the holes and make a loop out of it. |
 | Hang the finished scratching post on the wall in a place that is attractive to the animal. |
How to make an original cat scratching post in the shape of a column
Another simple option for installation anywhere in the apartment is a column-shaped scratching post with a bed that your pet will really like:
| Illustration | Description of action |
 | For the base you will need a square piece of plywood, at least 40 × 40 centimeters in size. If you use a smaller base, the scratching post will be unstable and the animal will not like it. |
 | For the column, select a piece of thick board or. Install metal corners at one of the ends to secure them to the base. |
 | To prevent the cat's back paws from slipping, cover the base with a cloth or an old terry towel. |
 | Wrap the beam with jute or linen rope, securing the rings with glue. |
 | Secure the beam using corners and to the base. |
 | Install a shelf-bed on the top of the beam. Its width should correspond to the base. |
 | Cover the bed or towel. |
 | The finished scratching post can be supplemented with a hanging toy. Your pet will love it! |
Complex design: DIY cat house with scratching post
If you are not looking for easy ways and really want to please your cat, make a more complex design, including several beds, a house and posts for sharpening.
| Illustration | Description of action |
 | To make the load-bearing part you will need. The base of the structure and the round house is made from it. |
 | Attach plywood to a round base to create a cozy cat house. Please note: in order for the plywood to bend in a circle, you need to cut it in a certain direction. |
 | Use plastic sewer pipes as racks. To secure them firmly to the base, you will need to make such liners. They are inserted inside the pipe. |
 | Secure the posts to the base. To do this, attach a wooden liner to the platform, put it on it, and the pipe is fixed to the liner with the same screws. |
 | In order for the structure to be strong, at least one more level of fixation will be required - make holes in the slab and thread pipes through them. |
 | Using the corners, install and secure additional beds. Choose a place for the house. Cats will love secret holes. |
 | All that remains is to wrap the racks with rope and cover the entire structure with carpet. As a result, you will get such a masterpiece. |
DIY cat scratching post: examples of diagrams with dimensions
You can develop your own design that will suit you in size and shape. If you wish, you can use ready-made projects, of which there are many on the Internet. Here are some of them:
Examples of claw sharpeners for cats: original ideas
Use your imagination in preparing this instrument for your pet, because you will have to look at your work for a very long time. Here are some interesting photos that may tell you how to make a cat scratching post with your own hands:
Flat scratching posts
Interesting scratching posts on the corner of the wall
Are you interested in the question - how to make a scratching post for a cat? Then we suggest you make a scratching post with your own hands, because in any family where a representative of the cat family lives, sooner or later such a need arises.
By nature, cats are predators, and therefore their main weapon is not only their teeth, but also their claws. In nature, cats actively run and climb trees, during which their claws are worn down. It's important to let our pets have their say. In animals, “to pour out emotions” means to caress, protect territory, sharpen claws. It’s the latter that often brings owners a lot of trouble, a lot of inconvenience and both emotional and material losses. Just look at the damage to new wallpaper and good furniture that you were going to use for a long time.
It is worth making sure that your pet has a “magic wand” – a scratching post. Let's make it with our own hands!
Today, scratching posts are presented in a wide range in stores, the choice is great, but we will make such a device ourselves.
Bringing a log into the house is not always feasible, especially for city dwellers, but wooden slats and blocks can be found in hardware stores. From these we will make a claw holder for the cat.
The slats need to be shortened to the optimal size and glued together.
Compress well with clamps or in a vice for strength.
Mark the distance from the edge.
Attach thick twine to this point.
Cover the area of the glued board with it.
If desired, decorate with durable colored threads.
We drill two holes at an equal distance from the edge on both sides.
We attach a lace, you can take the same twine, you can make a leather lace.
We fix it at a level accessible to the pet from the floor, introduce it and make sure that this item is used for its intended purpose.
In any case, no matter how severe the devastation, do not cut the animal’s claws under any circumstances!
There is another option for making a scratching post, which is presented in the video. He will require from you the following tools and materials:
- Base: plywood, USB, chipboard, PVC pipe or for stacking
- Wrapping: twine, jute rope, linen rope
- Design: carpet, lining fabric
- Tools: construction stapler, knife, screwdriver, glue gun (screws, corners), PVA glue
Balance beam
Let's make a gymnastic beam for the cat, which will give him a lot of joy; he can climb the beam and sharpen his claws at the same time.
A 4-meter cardboard tube was purchased from carpet sellers, on which the carpet is wound.
We shorten the pipe to the required length. We make the lower edge obliquely - then it rests on the floor with its base.
Sew a piece of carpet onto the pipe (you can glue it). It is advisable to do this overlapping. 
The most difficult job is sewing the edge of the carpet. This will have to be done, because the glue at the joint will not hold up, the cat will easily tear it. Sew with thick threads. 
We install the log (optionally on the balcony), screw it to the edge of the carpet.
The lower end is simply installed on the floor. You can also secure it if desired.
So, we learned how to make a scratching post in symbiosis with a balance beam for gymnastics for cats!
Carpet scratching post
Materials for production:
- board
- timber or piece of plastic pipe
- thick plywood or boards for the base
- carpet for covering
If you do not want to beat the scratching post, then you will need a rope; hemp rope, which is very durable, may be suitable for this. If you still decide to upholster, then it is recommended to choose a carpet with a woven base, rather than a glue one. For climbing and scraping, a woven cover is an ideal and durable option.
So, how to make a scratching post for a cat. First you need to take a column and cover it all with carpet fabric. The simplest option would be to cover the wooden board with a coating, but this needs to be done as tightly as possible. The block should be wrapped with hemp, the turns are secured every 10-15 cm with a bracket, you can also use a special clamp for this. When the post is completely entwined, the mobile scratching post needs to be secured to the base. We select a heavy base so that it stands stable.
If you have a stationary scratching post, then you need to mount it from the wall at a distance of at least 20 cm, and on top you can additionally install a bed, a kind of shelf. We cover such a shelf with carpet, but so that the pile is outward.
There is also the easiest way to make a scratching post. It can be wall-mounted, namely, attach a piece of carpet to the wall, you can choose tapestry fabric, a piece of carpet, etc. All edges must be additionally secured with slats, so they will not fray later, or simply tuck the edges.
It will not be difficult to accustom a kitten to a scratching post, especially if he is still a baby. It will be more difficult with an adult cat, because it will not be clear to her why it was previously possible to sharpen its claws anywhere, but now it is not possible. However, diligence will help, take your paw and lightly press on the pads, so the cat will release its claws, and run the claws along the scratching post.
It will be convenient to make several scratching posts that can be placed in those places where the cat is already accustomed to sharpening its claws.
Sports town
The sports town consists of climbing poles, mezzanine paths and several bed-shelves.
The upper mezzanine is made of plywood about 1 cm thick. The width of the path (path) is 35 cm, and the same distance to the ceiling so that the cat can move freely on it.
First, we attach standard metal corners (brackets) under the ceiling, the length of the “arms” is 25cm + 35cm.
We fasten them at a distance of 1-1.5 m from each other. This will prevent the plywood from sagging. For fasteners we use 8 mm plastic dowels with self-tapping screws.
We attach the plywood (cut) to the corners using 12-15 mm bolts, it is advisable to choose bolts with a countersunk head. The top of the plywood must be tightened with a nut. For strength, we attach a block (support point) to the ceiling, and secure it at the bottom with a self-tapping screw.
We attach a side around the perimeter, making it from a 25x15 mm block. It is also secured with self-tapping screws.
At the end of the path we will make a secret place where the cat will hide.
To make beds, we attach bars for supports, 25x15 mm, in the selected corner. We secure it using self-tapping screws and dowels. We place shelves on them, cut to the shape of a corner. You can use plywood as a material.
Then the pole itself, which acts as a scratching post and a ladder along which the cat will climb up.
For the pole we take a beam of about 100x100 mm, choose the length corresponding to the ceiling. And, of course, the rope. The best option would be hemp. It is best to take a thickness of 16, 19 or 22 mm, because... a very thick one will bend poorly, and a thin one will slip. The length must be calculated independently; for this example, with a rope thickness of 19 mm, a height of 2.65 m, and our timber it took 60 m.
The rope must be wound tightly, with tension. We strengthen every few turns with a staple or nail.
We fix the ends with crimp clamps, nailing them to the beam.
At the end, the plywood parts can be finished with carpet, securing it with a stapler, or we can place mattresses made of thin parallon covered with fabric there. The outer part can be varnished or draped with fabric.
Thus, by making a scratching post for a cat with your own hands, you can make a whole town if you wish.
