The Cat scratchers are a necessary and basic toy for any feline. Our pets need to let off steam, file their nails, scratch and have a place that belongs to them, so if you don't want to see your furniture start to tear, the scratcher is the solution.
Cats scratch objects to communicate with other cats and with their humans, thus leaving visible and scent messages. In addition, the process of scratching or scratching is so important for your cat that it is also part of their cleaning, grooming, playing and emotional venting processes. We know that cat scratching posts can be expensive, but since they are a staple item for your feline friend, our site teaches you how to make a homemade cat scratching post, a place where your pet will feel safe, have fun and sand their nails, leaving all your furniture free of danger.
Making a homemade scratching post for cats is much easier than you think, for this, the first thing you have to do is Be clear about the design and make your own sketchWe recommend you review different types of scratching posts and evaluate the space you have available at home as well as the needs of your cat.
Browse in stores and even on the Internet to choose the right model. Remember that your pet will not be demanding and I assure you that he will be very happy with any design you choose. Keep in mind that the only essential thing is that the scratching post has a rough area to scratch and a padded and soft area for your cat to rest.
Once you have decided what type of scraper you want to make, the next step is gather all the material As we have already mentioned, you will be surprised How cheap and easy it is to make a homemade cat scratcher yourself, so keep in mind that most of the materials that we mention below can be recycled, either taken from other things or found in garbage containers.
- Tubes
- Wood Slats
- Soft cloth
- Rough Mat (Optional)
- Esparto, Rope or Hemp
- Quilted Padding
- Screws
- Squads
- Contact tail
- Upholstery stapler
The tubes can be both plastic and cardboard, the important thing is that they are strong enough to support the structure you want to make. The number of tools will depend on how complicated or simple you want to make your feline friend's scratching post.
Now we start working, to do this, the first thing you must do is place the fixings on the tubes and line them with esparto grass.
To place the brackets that will fix the tube to the base of the cat scratcher, you must place the brackets secured with screws. The number of brackets for each tube will depend on the weight they have to support as well as the diameter of the tube. In this case we have placed three brackets at each end.
Once you have finished with this, the following will be Line the tube with esparto grass This is the most important part of the scratcher for your pet, so you have to do it with detail and care. Hook the end of the rope in one of the brackets and, after smearing the tube with contact glue, roll up the esparto grass, tightening well at each turn.
Tricks and tips
- Every 5-10 turns hit the rope that you have already glued to the tube with a hammer to ensure that it is well compacted. This way, when your cat starts to scratch it will be more difficult for it to create holes.
- Wear a mask, some contact glues are very strong and can give you headaches.
There's less left to finish your homemade cat scratcher! At this point your pet is sure to want to help you, so be careful with the materials.
If you have already covered all the tubes that you are going to use in the scratching post for your cat, the next step is assemble the structure To This fixes the tubes to the wooden sheets very well. Remember that you can make a simple scratcher with a base and a tube or a much more complex structure with steps and boxes.
If you make a scratching post with several floors, keep in mind that you must be very careful with the measurements. Make sure everything matches up and use a level to check that the base and floors are straight and aligned.
It's time to cover and we'll start by conditioning the base of the cat scratcher.
If your homemade scratching post has more than one level, I recommend that you use a thick cloth or a mat for the base, like the one used in cars or at the entrance to houses, for example. In this way, your cat can also scratch and file its nails in this area of the scratching post. If, on the other hand, it is a simple scraper, go directly to the next step since this will not be necessary.
To place the mat, first cut the piece according to the measurements and make other cuts at the same height as the tubes and this shape you will be able to make it fit without problems. Spread the entire surface with contact glue and stick from one end to the other. Then tap lightly with a hammer to remove any remaining air spaces.
To cover the soft parts of your homemade scratching post, you just have to cut the pieces of cloth following the measurements of all the surfaces and use the upholstery stapler. This tool will allow you to adjust the fabric to the edges of the wood and fix it.
When you get to the parts where you have tubes interspersed, all you have to do is make cuts in the fabric that you can then join with the stapler. If you don't have a perfect lining, don't worry because your pet will love it and I assure you that it will be the happiest cat in the world when it lies down to rest and sleep on the scratcher you're making for him.
Remember that to place the padding you just have to insert it and distribute it evenly over the entire surface you are lining, before stapling the last edge.
Finally, all that remains is place the details. Place various toys around the scratching post, for example, a dangling doll, another glued to one of the tubes, or a scratching area with a special motif, like mice!
Here you are free to use your imagination and find the things that your cat enjoys the most. Of course, remember that if it is a kitten there are some objects that can be dangerous, so first check the toys for small cats well and make sure that your homemade scratching post is a fun and safe place for your cat.
Lastly and before presenting the new homemade scratching post to your cat, rub it with used socks or dirty rags to impregnate it with your scent, this way your pet will feel safer and more confident with the scratching post, your cat loves the smell of it!
Latest Tips
Once you have the scraper ready, I recommend you rub it well with a piece of dirty clothing, such as socks or a t-shirt. This way the scratching post will have your scent and it will be easier for your cat to get excited about it.
It is also important that you choose a good place to put your cat's new homemade scratching post. Once you decide where to put it, do not move it, so your pet will know that this is his area.
And if you happen to have any problems with your cat adapting to the new scratching post, I recommend you take a look at our article on "teaching a cat to use the scratching post". You will surely find the solution and you will have a great time watching your cat have fun.
