by Jane Grimshaw

Created on: July 19, 2011   Last Updated: August 09, 2011

All cats need to scratch regularly as it is part of their deep-seated instinct to mark territory. Cats actually have scent glands in the pads of their feet, and these are activated when the cat starts scratching. Cats also scratch to remove the sheaths from their claws, relieve boredom and keep their muscles toned and strong. If you fail to provide good scratching material for your cat in the home, it will undoubtedly use your furniture as scratching material.     

The best way to keep your feline friend happy is to provide it with a suitable scratching post, and there are numerous pet supply companies around that sell them. If you want to save money, you could even try making one yourself as they are relatively easy to make. Before embarking on this task, however, you need to bear the following points in mind:

The post should be tall enough to encourage your cat to stretch and reach up to begin clawing. The scratching material needs to be enticing enough and should feel good beneath your pet’s claws. Cat scratching posts can be made of carpet, rope, natural wood or even cardboard. Posts need to be secure enough for your cat to use; otherwise vigorous clawing may cause the post to topple over and scare your pet, and this would probably be enough to keep your cat away from all scratching posts for good. A post with a wide base is generally best too.   

How to make a basic scratching post

Things you will need

For the base: A piece of plywood that measures approximately 16” x 16”

2 x 4” wooden poles (at least 1¼” in diameter)

50ft of sisal rope

Nails (approximately 1” long roofing nails)

Wood screws

Wood glue

Sharpie

Hammer

Drill

Method

1. Take both your poles and cut each one into three equal-sized pieces.

2. Position the six poles vertically and arrange them in a triangular shape in the middle of your base.

3. Hold them tightly together and then draw round them on the base - this will now become the bottom side of your base.

4. Find the centre of all three corner pieces and drill wood screws through the base until just the tips of the screws are sticking out of the other side.

5. Put some wood glue on the bottom of three of the poles and then place them on the top of each screw; screw them all in firmly.

6. Once your three corner pieces are firmly in place, it is time to attach the other three poles into position. Put some wood glue around the sides and on the bottom of each pole and then

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>