DIY scratching post for cats. Directing instincts in the right direction, or how to make a scratching post for cats with your own hands

Antipyretics for children are prescribed by a pediatrician. But there are emergency situations for fever when the child needs to be given medicine immediately. Then the parents take responsibility and use antipyretic drugs. What is allowed to be given to infants? How can you lower the temperature in older children? What medications are the safest?

When getting animals, people often think only about a pleasant time in their company, but forget about the huge number of different troubles and responsibilities that can cause not the most pleasant emotions. For example, even a funny little kitten is a born hunter with all the instincts of a wild animal.

One of the main cat needs, which people for some reason perceive as an attempt to annoy them or a harmful prank, is sharpening their claws. It’s all very simple: a cat’s claws grow, just like human nails, pieces of keratinized skin then interfere with the animal’s walking and cause discomfort, so the purr will always look for a convenient place to sharpen its claws.

Living in nature, cats, as a rule, sharpen their scratches on the bark of tree trunks, and their claws are sometimes worn out from the fact that their paws run on stones and earth, and not on soft carpets, like those of pets.

Those who are lucky enough to live in people's homes have no choice but to sharpen their claws on upholstered furniture, wallpaper and other items in your interior. However, there is an excellent way out of this situation: simply provide the animal, so to speak, “for personal use,” with a special scratching post for cats: by doing this you will improve the life of your pet and simplify it for yourself. However, be careful: if your cat breaks a nail or you observe any unusual changes in your cat’s nails, be sure to contact a veterinary clinic.

Basic principles and types

Pet stores offer a huge selection of ready-made scratching posts for cats, but if you take a closer look at them, you will understand that such a product is worth making yourself. The fact is that a scratching post is almost always used as one of the elements of a play complex for a cat, or in conjunction with a house. To install such a structure at home, you need to know the exact dimensions of the height of the room, because the house will be installed between the ceiling and the floor (by surprise).

Despite the fact that the hollow plastic pipes that manufacturers use are very easy to install and easy to carry as a support, they are absolutely unreliable, and any active animal will loosen the entire structure in a couple of months. Don't forget about the price factor.

So, it’s much easier, cheaper and more reliable to make a cat scratching post yourself. There are many master classes, after watching which you can understand the basic principles and scheme of actions.

Before you start making an accessory, think over its design (how you want to make it, from what, how to decorate or complement it, etc.) and decide on several important nuances.

What type and shape will your design be? The simplest is a vertical scratching post in the form of a high column. You can also make it in the shape of a ring, like a hanging or floor mat (pad).
What material do you want to use? For strong and durable products, you should take wood or chipboard (fibreboard) sheets. Additionally, pipes made of hard material, sisal rope or jute rope are used. Some are made from rough cardboard or durable fabric.
How large are you going to make the structure: will it be just a movable post on a stand (attached corner scratching post), or will the cat get a house, or will you aim for a whole play complex, which has numerous tiers, shelves, beds, bridges, etc. At the same time, decide how you will mount the product.

Important nuances

During the preparatory work, make calculations for the height of the scratching post. It should be sufficient for your pet to have the opportunity not only to stretch out to its full height, but also to lean on the product: purrs often like to stretch out when sharpening their claws (the free height of the post for grinding cannot be less than 90-100 mm, and its cross-sectional thickness is no less than 8-10 cm).

If you still have a small kitten living with you now, you need to make a device, taking into account the weight and size of an already adult cat. If the kitten is very playful and energetic, be sure to take care of a solid base for the structure (even a simple stand can be screwed to the floor or wall).

When choosing a material, focus on its quality and strength, and not on beauty. Materials must not be treated with paint or other chemicals. Also, make sure that the rope does not contain synthetic stretchy fibers, because the kitten's claw can get caught and the animal will be injured.

Manufacturing options

The simplest and cheapest option is a tree trunk or a stump / block of wood, which many people use both as a scratching post (the animal can also climb on it, like its relatives in the wild), and as an original decor element of their home. However, wood needs to be processed, plus it requires a lot of space.

You can make wall and corner scratching posts very easily and quickly:

on the corner chosen by the cat, it is necessary to nail two boards, which you first need to upholster with carpet or furniture fabric;
planks or pillows are also nailed to the wall (in the case of pillows, take the coarsest fabric and stuff them tightly and tightly. Then you should make pillowcases for pillows from furniture fabric or sheathe them). Planks are also fitted in a similar way (felt, carpet, jute rug can also be used) with one nuance: the upholstery is attached to the plank inside out (you can fix everything with furniture nails or a stapler). When wrapping the planks with a rope, pull it as tight as possible, laying tightly layer by layer. Be sure to secure the first and last turns. The boards are attached to the wall with screws.

It will be very interesting for lovers of kote and a master class for making scratching posts from cardboard. To make such a product, you will need: a piece of plywood (under the base), a drill, a screwdriver, screws, a wooden dowel and a knife for cutting cardboard. And, of course, the material itself is a lot of thick corrugated cardboard.

Prepare the base - measure the board, marking the center on it, and drill a hole in the center.
You need to connect the wooden dowel to the plywood base. To do this, you can use a drill to drill a hole in the center of the dowel, and then, screwing the screw into the board, screw the dowel to the plywood. It is very important that the future post is screwed absolutely straight.
Next you need to prepare templates with diagrams different levels products from corrugated cardboard. Once you print them out, you can draw the shapes you want on cardboard and then cut them out.
When cutting, use a special sharp cardboard knife to avoid damaging the material. All layers must be cut along the contour.
Collect the layers by stringing them onto a column in the order you marked. You should not glue the parts together - this way you will be able to easily replace a damaged or damaged element.

You can choose any shape and size for the product.

Detailed master class

Based on the chosen shape, scale and design, you can search and buy necessary materials and prepare the appropriate tools for the job.

For reference, you can follow the master class, since step-by-step instruction action will not let you forget anything. A scratching post is great, but if you complement the design with some other convenient device for the cat (for example, a bed or shelf), she will be very grateful to you.

You will need 4 rectangular pieces of wood (2 fiberboard and 2 chipboard) of the same size. Take a solid pipe for the post, made of durable material, with a diameter of 80-110 mm. You will also need a wide metal strip, metal corners for fastening, rope, filler (foam rubber is possible) and fabric for upholstery.
You will cut rectangles out of wood when you decide on the dimensions of your base and bed. Make one rectangular and one oval blank for the bed from fiberboard, and in the same way - from chipboard. To cut an oval from wood, first draw an oval shape on paper and then apply it to the material. If you see that there are rough spots on the wood, it is better to sand them down with sandpaper.
Cut an oval of the same size from foam rubber - this will be a soft lining for your cat’s rookery. First make the sides out of paper, and then trace these blanks, attaching them to the metal strip.
Now take care of the column. The selected pipe must be secured. To do this, insert wooden blocks into both ends of it and screw them with self-tapping screws. There is also the option of securing with metal corners.
You can assemble the entire structure. To begin with, the post must be fixed in the center of the rectangular base (use two fastening methods - self-tapping screws and corners). Next, the base needs to be covered, for example, with faux fur or velor, etc. It is also better to cover the bottom of the pipe with fabric (can be glued with a heat gun). Glue the joints well so that the cat doesn’t tear anything off. Turning the structure over, fasten the fabric on the reverse side (to make it even more secure, you can use a furniture stapler).
It's time for the bed. Place oval pieces of fiberboard and chipboard on top of the structure so that their centers coincide with the center of the post. The upper fragment is fixed to the pipe, like the base. Glue the foam blank to the bed and, using the same principle as you did below, cover it with fur or fabric. If you want to make an additional toy for the cat, use a furniture stapler to attach a rope blank for it.
Be sure to cover the metal edge with foam rubber and fur. Screw it to the bed. It is better to beautifully level the side fur, smooth it and stretch it, attaching it with a stapler to the bottom of the bed. Now you can glue the fiberboard oval to the bottom of the bed so that staples, excess fabric, etc. are not visible. Do the same with the base so that the fabric does not fray or peel off.
Wrap the rope very tightly around the pipe. In the master class you can see that 2-3 outer turns are even glued so that the rope holds better.
Attach the toy and call your pet.

The appearance of a furry or bald meowing tenant in the house often brings into our lives not only joy, but also notes of disappointment in the form of tattered wallpaper, striped and mercilessly torn curtains, sadly hanging fringe from the once beautiful smooth upholstery of upholstered furniture. So as not to wring your hands and sprinkle ashes on your head, sadly exclaiming: “Why did you do this? For what?!" — you need to prepare the apartment in advance for the arrival of the feline guest and equip it accordingly. One of the pieces of equipment will be a scratching post for your pet’s sharp claws.

Why do cats sharpen their claws?

Why, indeed, do cats, cats and kittens claw various objects?

There will be seven answers:

In this way, they sharpen the already sharp edges of the claws, removing the old keratinized layer from them. Any woman knows why there is a nail file in her house: to file, trim, polish. Cats need a scratching post for the same thing.
This is how, in their natural environment, cats let other felines know that the territory is occupied and strangers are not welcome here.

Cats and cats are often simply bored in the absence of their owners, and while they have nothing to do, they can scratch the sofa...
Sometimes cats “convey” their displeasure with your behavior in this way. If your cat knows for sure that this cannot be done, but demonstratively in your presence begins to sharpen its claws on your Persian carpet or Italian furniture, think about how you displeased your princess or the king of the sofa in the recent past.
But kittens are unforgiving creatures and they are never bored! Hence the jumping on the curtains and tearing out whole bundles of fabric from the upholstery. The thread caught in the claw stretches so well, master!
Adult males claw soft furnishings (how can I put it more delicately?), releasing accumulated sexual energy. For such games, your blouse, scarf or soft toy can be used.
Cats just love the process of sinking their claws into a soft, pliable surface. Perhaps the dormant instinct of a predator, enjoying the death of its prey after a successful hunt, is triggered.

The cat simply stretches the joints and muscles that have become stiff after lying for a long time, stretches out its paws, clings to your very comfortable carpet and pulls itself up with pleasure.

To satisfy most of a cat's needs, preferably, no, you just need to have a scratching post at home!

What kind of scratching post can you buy in a store?

In stores, you will definitely be offered several options for this very useful thing.

Below are scratching posts for cats with photos.

The scratching post can be included in multi-level residential complexes for cats: a climbing tree, a house, beds and a scratching post.

The manufacturer can limit himself to only a scratching post and a platform bed.

A cat scratching post can be made in the form of a deep bowl or box.

It can also be in the form of a corner house.

The claw-arc is a very convenient thing!

The claw console will not take up much space.

There are spinning scratching posts,

scratching posts-mats on the wall,

scratching posts,

and there are some that are completely original

All this abundance is simply mind-boggling! Before pointing your finger at any model, watch your purr to see if she likes your choice.

Which scratching post will your cat choose?

You get this useful thing not for yourself, your beloved, but for your mustachioed-striped one. How to choose a scratching post for a cat? Counter question: What does he like to sharpen his claws on?

He can't wait to get his hands on the new sofa? – The scratching post must be vertical.
Does he like to claw the carpet? – Horizontal or low rise.
Does he like to sharpen his claws on corners? – A wall-hung corner scratching post, which, screwed to the wall, will completely cover your favorite corner.
Can't remain indifferent to paper falling apart into small pieces? – Any with a thick cardboard insert, which can be easily replaced when worn out.

If you and your feline brethren have the same taste in choosing an object for clawing, she or he will never return to scratching wallpaper and sofas and unraveling carpets at the main threads.

Making a scratching post yourself

If for some reason you reject the offers of the cat market or your hands are nostalgic for homemade crafts, then we offer you a master class on making several options for scratching posts for cats.

The first four “do-it-yourself scratching post” options are very simple to make, they are not durable, but all the materials you need are always at hand! These options can be called “camping”, made in haste.

Book

You will need: a large unnecessary hardback book or a couple of old thick magazines, an old bath towel or a solid piece of blanket, strong thread and a long sewing needle.

Columns

There is no need to buy them if you have a staircase with balusters or decorative partitions in your house. All that remains is to find a piece of carpet so that its length is enough to wrap 2-3 balusters. Next you will have to use either a gypsy sewing needle or a construction stapler.

You don’t even need a step-by-step guide, just a couple of photos are enough!

Using the same principle of carpet posts, you can make a board by wrapping it in thick fabric, folded 2-3 times, and securing it to the board with ordinary furniture or wallpaper nails with wide heads using a hammer.

The DIY cat scratching post is ready!

The next, third option for a simple cat scratching post will require you to empty part of the bookshelf and find thick felt or use carpet again. Next - a stapler or glue.

Personal corner

The fourth “hiking” option – favorite cardboard. If you are a cat, the feeling of the corrugated surface of cardboard under your paws and claws fills you with inexplicable happiness. Cats simply cannot refuse such a scratching post, whether it is attached to the wall or just lying on the floor.

You will need a couple of cardboard boxes, tape and a sharp knife.

The boxes need to be cut into strips of the same width, secured with tape and - voila! – a wonderful cardboard scratching post for a cat has already attracted his attention!

How to make a scratching post for a cat with your own hands so that it is no different from a production one? And it's not difficult!

A very simple DIY cat scratching post is made from a wooden block. The tall log is attached to a stable platform and wrapped with several turns of jute twine or sisal rope. A wooden scratching post always looks very organic in any interior, and is always appreciated by your pet!

Of course, the most common scratching post is a cat post. You can use scraps of plastic pipes as posts, or you can use thick paper pipes, on which oilcloth and other textiles are brought to stores. Do you want wooden posts? Take the wooden ones!

What other material and tools do we need for the scratching post?

Drywall
Jigsaw
Glue "Moment" or "Titan"
Construction stapler
Mounting corners 4-5 cm high with pre-drilled holes for self-tapping screws - 6 pcs.
Drill and screws
Dense but not thick fabric (carpet, thick plush, carpet)
Felt for covering the base
ballerina
Heavy wide base
Carpet covering
Sisal or jute rope (twine)
Hammer
Stationery knife

All that remains is to select the model of the column, transfer the drawing to paper and complete the drawings, calculating along the way the amount of material used. It should look something like this:

When choosing a rope for our scratching post, it was not in vain that we chose jute or sesal - this is a durable material that can rival cat claws for more than 10 years. And we will need about 20-30 m of such heavy-duty rope, depending on the height of the claw post. The rope for the scratching post, before you start attaching it, according to our diagram, should be thoroughly beaten with a hammer to give it softness and elasticity. The best rope that professionals use is called “Brazilian Sesal”, but its price is high because its strength is high. Brazilian sezal and jute are indispensable in the navy, but for us to make a scratching post, ordinary sezal, which is made in third world countries, is quite suitable.

Let's start making the parts of our scratching post for cats with our own hands, according to the drawn diagram.

DIY scratching post. Step-by-step instruction.

We cover the upper part - a plasterboard bed with the selected fabric, securing it with glue and staples.
Using a ballerina, we cut out a hole at the base equal in size to the diameter of the column. The dimensions of the base should be approximately 2 times larger than the dimensions of the bed!
Drive the pipe firmly with a hammer.
We place 3 corners along the edge of the pipe and screw the post to the base with self-tapping screws.
We do the same procedure with the upper part - the bed.

Now our design already has something in common with the name “scratching post”. There is only one small thing left - to wind the jute twine onto the post. This must be done carefully, winding it step by step, turn by turn, securing each of them with glue. We grab the upper end of the rope with a thin, strong rope, which we then pass under all the turns.

All that remains is to secure the felt to the base with a stapler and glue - cats will happily sharpen their claws on this fabric.

We give the glue a chance to dry thoroughly and let our pet get acquainted with a new useful toy.

How to accustom a kitten to a scratching post

Making a scratching post with your own hands is one thing, but teaching it to a kitten who doesn’t understand at all why this design was created is another.

Let's start small - put a piece of treat on the bed or you can use a toy. Which one? Of course, my favorite! Let's put it in the very center so that the kitten has to climb up the column to the very top. After the kitten understands that a post with a wrapped rope is not only not scary, but that the claws sink so pleasantly into the thickness of the rope, the question is: “How to accustom a kitten to a scratching post?” - will disappear by itself.

For an adult cat or cat, you can use a little valerian. And, of course, to reinforce the skill, as soon as the cat uses the post for its intended purpose, let’s not forget to praise him and treat him with something tasty.

The simplest scratching post for a cat

If you don’t want to mess around with the posts, you can make a very simple scratching post from two scraps of board and an ordinary thick rope. Just don’t forget about proper winding!

Photo of a DIY cat scratching post made from a board:

With a sense of accomplishment, you can watch the video, which shows the step-by-step implementation of, well, a very cool scratching post and house for a cat who is clearly a fan of the Lord of the Rings trilogy. It's a pity that we can't do something like this ourselves!

To domestic cat did not spoil the wallpaper, upholstery, carpets and curtains; she must have her 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 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 a 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 a jute rope and wrap it around a piece of board.

Corner design

In one product, you can combine a pet climbing wall and a scratching post. 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 the remnants of carpet or fabric. They can also be wrapped with a 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 nail clipper 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 dense fabric can become a good scratching post. To attract the animal's attention to it, you can put catnip inside. The cat will also like a braid fixed under the ceiling or on the 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 lesson, 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, you should strictly follow all the requirements specified in the step-by-step instructions.

DIY scratching posts for cats

Every cat owner knows how the predatory nature of his pet manifests itself. The ability to attack from around the corner, interest in small moving objects and a special love for furniture and wallpaper. Sometimes it seems that your furry friend is simply playing a dirty trick, ripping off the last ones. But that's not true. I want to sharpen cat claws because of their nature. Therefore, you should not blame the domestic predator for all the sins, but it is better to pick up a scratching post for it or make it yourself.

Why do you need a scratching post

A scratching post (claw-drawer, rag) is a device that a domestic cat can sharpen its claws on. By buying them or building them with their own hands, far-sighted owners distract their furry pet from carpets, sofas and wallpapers. The cute predator's instincts are satisfied, the destructive process in the apartment is stopped.

The scratching post allows your pet to sharpen its claws without harming furniture or wallpaper.

Why do cats sharpen their claws at all? This is how they maintain their physical and mental health:

help renew claws;
relieve stress and expend excess energy;
stretch the spine and strengthen the muscles.

When I trained my cat to use a scratching post, about a week later I found a claw near it. I got scared and decided that the material of the cloth was too hard and damaged my pet’s claws. After examining his paws and spending about 10 minutes on the Internet, I found out that this is normal. House fluffies, like snakes, shed dead claws to allow new ones to grow.

Video: why cats sharpen their claws

Types of scratching posts

Scratching posts vary in type and coating material. The most common ones cover:

jute - ropes made from fibers of the plant of the same name. Not a very durable material, but safe and economical;
sisal - stronger ropes made from agave fibers (rags covered with sisal are more expensive);
carpet - a material that repeats the texture of carpets;
cardboard is an environmentally friendly, but short-lived material.

The types of scratching posts are differentiated depending on their application and installation.

Photo gallery: products with different coating options

Scratching posts with jute cover are the most popular due to their cost-effectiveness. The scratching post covered with sisal is the most durable of the ones presented. A carpet-covered scratching post is not very durable, but is ideal for cats who like to sharpen their claws on carpets. A scratching post made of cardboard is economical, but the most short-lived of those presented.

Wall scratching posts

Wall scratching posts are flat boards that are placed on walls. They are ideal for cats who love to sharpen their claws on your wallpaper. Usually such rags are covered with sisal or jute.

Wall-mounted scratching post is well suited for small apartments

Pros of a wall-mounted scratching post:

does not take up much space;
large selection of accommodation options;
it cannot be turned over, so the owners will not wake up at night from a sudden roar;
The product can be used to cover part of the wall with damaged wallpaper;
low price.

One of the disadvantages is that it is problematic to move this claw tool from place to place. You need to re-drill the wall or drive a nail in order to hang the board. On the other hand, if a cat is used to sharpening its claws in one place, it is hardly worth changing the location of the cloth.

Corner

An improved version of a flat wall-mounted scratching post is a corner one. As the name suggests, this board is attached to the corner of two walls. Like the flat one, this rag is well suited for small apartments, because it is compact and economical.

Changing the location of a corner scratching post is even more difficult than a flat one.

A corner scratching post will protect wallpaper on the corners from attacks by domestic predators

Some corner scratching posts are made multi-story. They are supplemented with platforms, hammocks and other elements.

A corner scratching post with a platform will appeal to a cat who likes to jump on cabinets to watch what is happening in the apartment

floor standing

Not all cats sharpen their claws on walls. Some people like to do this on carpets or other horizontal surfaces. For such pets, it is better to buy a floor-mounted scratching post:

Flat. This is a piece of wood, usually covered with sisal. You just need to put it on the floor. These rags are compact and easy to use.
The flat scratching post is easy and convenient to carry from place to place
With curves. The wave-shaped scratching post allows the cat not only to sharpen its claws, but also to play. They are more expensive than flat ones and require a little more space.
The wave-shaped scratching post allows the cat not only to sharpen its claws, but also to play.
Claw toy. Typically, such plastic products are covered with carpet on top. After the cat has had enough of playing with the artificial mouse, he will sharpen his claws on the mat on the surface of the rag.
A floor-mounted scratching post with an artificial mouse inside can become a kitten’s favorite toy.
Made from several layers of cardboard. These are the most short-lived scratching posts, but if your pet loves to sharpen its claws on cardboard boxes, he will definitely like these products. This type of rag is very cheap and will have to be replaced in 4-6 months. Some manufacturers impregnate cardboard with aromas that attract cats, so furry predators immediately show interest in the new toy.
When choosing a cardboard scratching post, you need to be prepared to often sweep up pieces of cardboard torn off by your cat.

Columns with platforms

Scratching posts in the form of columns with platforms are perhaps the most popular. When choosing such a piece of cloth, you should pay attention to its height. A column of half a meter is suitable for a kitten, and from 70 cm for an adult cat. Sufficient height will allow the furry predator to stretch its back and strengthen its joints.

You can choose a scratching post different sizes, functionality and cost:

One post with a platform is the most economical and compact option for this type of rags. As a rule, such scratching posts are covered with jute, which is not very durable.
Corner - created for cats who like to sharpen their claws on the corners of the apartment. Such models are semicircular and easy to rearrange.
The corner scratching post can be easily moved to another room or installed in another corner
With a house. In addition to the scratching post, the pet gets its own personal place to sleep and relax. The size of a standard house is 35x35 cm.
Large complexes with several levels. Such scratching posts are complemented not only with houses, but also with beds, hammocks, ladders and tunnels. This is a great option for an active furry predator.

Buy or make it yourself

Whether a cat uses a scratching post or not depends on many factors:

whether the pet is satisfied with the coating;
whether the type of rag is selected correctly;
did the furry predator understand how to use the new toy;
Does he like the smell of the product?

Cats' sense of smell is not as subtle as a dog's, but these animals are still able to distinguish natural materials from synthetic ones by smell. The smell of the latter will most likely repel them. This is why pets may refuse to use a product purchased in a store. If this is your situation, try making your own scratching post.

Homemade rags will cost less than similar store-bought ones, and besides, you will know exactly the composition of the materials from which the device is made.

How to make a scratching post with your own hands

Before starting work, it is important to understand what a scratching post should be like:

stable - it is important that the product withstands the active pressure of a domestic predator and does not fall;
compact - if you have a small apartment, the rag should be small;
durable - the coating material must have sufficient strength;
aesthetic - the design will become an element of the interior, so it is better to work on its appearance.

The scratching post must be stable enough so that the cat does not knock it over.

What materials will be needed

Observe your pet to understand which scratching post cover to choose. Some furry pets love cardboard boxes, while others often sharpen their claws on carpets and upholstered furniture. The first ones are rags made of cardboard, the second ones are made of jute, sisal or carpet.

It is better to choose natural materials for coating. Synthetic ropes have important disadvantages:

can scare away the cat with their smell;
quickly fall into disrepair;
dangerous if ingested (if the pet decides to chew on a rag).

For my cat, I bought a jute-coated bollard. No matter how much my husband and I tried to accustom the little wallpaper pest to the scratching post, he did not show the necessary interest in it. Our pet played with a toy tied to a rag, sat on a platform attached at the top, but flatly refused to sharpen its claws and continued to damage the walls. The decision came by itself when we bought a new washing machine. The cat happily began to apply his manicure on the box in which the equipment was packed. We gave it to our pet to be torn to pieces, and later we made a claw holder from sheets of corrugated cardboard. So we saved the wallpaper left in the apartment.

There are also cats who prefer to manicure trees. You can simply bring such pets a beautiful stump or part of a pole of a cut down tree - and the animals will be happy!

Floor scratching post: a step-by-step master class

For a simple floor scratching post you will need:

wooden plank;
two bars for the sides;
leg-split;
4 screws;
drill;
stapler

Manufacturing process:

We attach the bars to the sides of the board with screws.
It is important to select screws that securely attach the bars to the board.
We make two holes in opposite corners of the board. We thread the end of the twine into one of them and tie a knot. We wind the twine, securing it with staples.
You can secure the twine with staples using a stapler
The floor scratching post is ready!
A flat scratching post is best placed where the cat likes to sharpen its claws.

Making a rag post for a kitten

For a small scratching post you need to prepare:

several empty tin cans (their total height should exceed 50 cm);
a piece of carpet;
wooden board;
hot or silicone glue;
jute or sisal;
wool thread and feathers;
nails.

A scratching post for a kitten can be made not from a wooden block, but from tin cans or a piece of plastic pipe

Manufacturing:

We cut the carpet according to the shape of the board with a margin. Glue it to the board. We put weights on and wait until they dry completely.
To make the glue stick better, it is better to put weighting agents on the carpet
We glue the cans to each other - we get a base pipe. First, you need to put a weighting agent (a piece of wood, a weight, or just a bag of cereal) in the bottom one. Glue the pipe to the bottom platform. We cover it with carpet.
You can glue the cans to each other, and then cover them with carpet, or glue each one separately, and then assemble them into a solid structure
We process the middle section with glue. Until it dries, we wrap this part of the pipe with a cord of jute or sisal. We make a toy from woolen thread and feathers and attach it to the top.
Having fun with the toy, the kitten gradually gets used to the scratching post

Video: how to make a do-it-yourself scratching post game complex

Where to place the rag

Place the scratching post where your pet likes to sharpen its claws. The cat has taken a fancy to the wallpaper and is scratching the wall in a certain place? It is worth it to hang a rag there. Is the little predator putting his manicure on the sofa? Place a post nearby on the platform or place a floor claw clipper.

If you decide to buy or make an entire play complex or a multi-level scratching post, large selection there is not much to accommodate the structure. Place the cloth where it is convenient for you, and gradually teach your cat to sharpen its claws there.

How to teach a cat to sharpen its claws on a scratching post

There are several ways to train a cat to sharpen its claws on cloth:

put some kind of toy on the structure or hang it on it - the animal will reach for it and involuntarily touch the coating with its claws;
teach your pet by example - pretend that you are sharpening your nails on a scratching post;
rub the cover of the nail clipper with a cloth that you previously rubbed over the fur of another cat - your pet will begin to mark the territory, scratching the surface with a foreign smell.

Be sure to praise your cat for sharpening his claws in the right place. Pet him and treat him with treats. But in no case should you force your pet to do its manicure on the scratching post. By plunging its claws into the coating and running the animal's paws along the surface, you can unwittingly hurt your pet. You shouldn’t rub the coating with valerian either - its smell inhibits the cat’s instincts.

Video: how to train a cat to use a scratching post

A scratching post helps a domestic cat maintain its health without harming the interior of the apartment. You should choose a product based on your pet’s preferences. If you decide to build the structure yourself, it is important that it is safe for your pet and has an aesthetic appearance.

No matter how domestic and affectionate a cat is, it will always have the instincts of a wild animal. In the wild, animals sharpen their claws on trees, grass, soil, and stones.

When a pet lives at home, he involuntarily makes cat scratches on the furniture, so it is more economical to make a scratching post for him with your own hands according to the instructions at home.

The optimal shape of the nail clipper is a column, the material is coarse twine. The selection at the pet store is much more varied.

There are different types of scratching posts:

By shape– hanging, floor or corner mat, ring, pole.
By design- “town”, with toys, tiers, shelves, bridges, a house.
Based on materials– from cardboard, fabric, wood, twine.
By size– monolithic, large, medium.

If the kitten is alone, there is no point in building a huge structure for it. When there are two or more of them, you can purchase a multi-level scratching post.

Corrugated cardboard scratching post

A scratching post made of corrugated cardboard is made according to a very simple scheme. It is a known fact that cats have a special love for boxes, so your pet will also like this look.

An eco-scratching post can only be used for a couple of months, so making one yourself will be much more profitable.

What you will need:

corrugated cardboard (can be replaced with cardboard boxes),
paper knife,
fabric for decoration,
thick paper,
PVA glue,
adhesive tape.

Master class step by step:

Lay the boxes out on flat sheets and draw stripes of equal width. You can take any width, but it is recommended that the scratching post pillow be 10 cm higher. The stripes on the cardboard should be horizontal to the folds of the boxes.
Cut cardboard into strips.
Start rolling the strips with your hands. Twist the first one harder, as it will be in the role of the core of the claws. Secure with tape or glue.
Wind the remaining strips around the core, fastening with glue or tape.
Fasten the last strip very carefully.
Wrap the cardboard with cloth and secure.
Put the resulting pillow on paper, circle with a pencil. Cut out the bottom, attach the base.

The claw sharpener is ready!

Wooden scratching post

There are several more budget and easy options for making scratching posts. For example, find a small stump or log on the street. Clean the bark with a coarse brush and dry in a dark room.

After this, you can choose to do the following:

Secure the log in a vertical position on a wide stand.
Unfold vertically, securing half to a stand or wall.

You can decorate a log by making it not only a scratching post, but also a decorative element.

To do this you need:

Clean the log with a brush.
Wrap with twine. You can not wrap it completely, but wind it randomly in pieces.
Using a drill, secure the structure to the wall, hang toys and balls.

Scratching post-post

The scratching post acts as a cat simulator for pets. The height of this device is 1 meter. It’s not difficult to make; it’s much more difficult to find such a column.

What you will need:

post pipe;
wood base;
jute thread or carpet;
base fabric;
pipe filler (for example, construction foam);

Master Class:

Cover the podium with fabric, fix with a stapler from the side of the floor.
Wrap the column with thread or cover with carpet.
Place the pipe in the middle of the base, secure with a self-tapping screw.
Disguise the top of the column (you can sew a “hat”).
Hang a pet toy on a long rope.

Wall-mounted scratching post

A wall-mounted scratching post can also be called a classic option. Pets are happy to sharpen their claws on it.

You will need:

wall panel or bar made of wood with a height of 50 to 70 cm;
electric drill;
screws;
jute or hemp twine (diameter - 5 mm) - 2 skeins;

Algorithm of actions:

To accurately understand the height of the wall panel, you can measure the cat's height without taking into account the tail. The pet's height must be multiplied by two.
Drill six holes in parallel in the wooden panel and block - 2 on top, 2 in the middle and 2 on the bottom.
Wrap tightly with twine and secure the ends.
Screw the block and wooden panel onto the wall.

You can call the cat for a test!

Corner scratching post

The pet will like the corner claw clipper because it will be able to climb up.

To make it you will need:

board - 3 pcs.;
screwdriver;
self-tapping screws;
fabric (rope) for decoration;

Instruction:

Wrap the boards or cover with fabric. Fasten the fabric to the base with the wrong side. The rope needs to be glued and the edges secured with a stapler.
Secure the boards to the wall using a screwdriver.

Scratching post with shelves

A scratching post with shelves is not an easy option, but your pet will appreciate it.

Instruction:

Make a drawing, calculate the dimensions and purchase the necessary materials.
Cut out parts of the future scratching post from plywood or furniture board.
Cut off pieces of pipes.
Mark the pipe attachment point, circle it. Bend straight hangers and attach them using self-tapping screws to the base along the edges of the circle.
Place a pipe between them, securing with self-tapping screws.
Make a hole for the pipe on the base, cover it with a cloth. Secure the fabric with a stapler.
Fix the shelf on top of the pipe, fix the canopies on the pipe. Cut holes in the shelf, thread the canopies, bend and fix.
Install 2 smaller pipes on the shelf using the method described above.
Put foam rubber on the surface of the shelf. Cover it with a cloth on top, make holes for the pipes. Fix the fabric with a stapler.
Install and fix the shelf on the pipes. Cover with foam and cloth.
Wrap all pipes with a rope, fix the ends with glue.

Cat's house

It is much more difficult to make a house-shaped scratching post, but this design will last for a long time.

Step-by-step algorithm:

Stage 1. Draw truncated circles on rectangular pieces of chipboard. The radius is 27 cm. For the back wall the circle is solid, for the front wall you need to draw the entrance to the house. Diameter – 22 cm. Draw 3 holes to decorate the house. Diameter – 5.5 cm.
Stage 2. Use a jigsaw to cut out the holes and walls. For small holes, you can use a drill with drill bits. Place the walls on top of each other, mark 7 points (drill with a thin drill). They serve as places for attaching slats. Drill the recesses (there will be screw heads in them).
Stage 3. Saw off 7 slats. Length – 37 cm, cross-section – 3 x 4 cm. The 2 lower ones may be slightly thicker. Treat surfaces so that there are no sharp edges or roughness. Screw the slats using self-tapping screws to the walls of the house.
Stage 4. Cut out the details for finishing from the fabric, do not forget about the allowances. Cover the walls. Pay attention to the choice of glue - there should not be a strong smell. It is recommended to use a hot glue gun. Cut the fabric on the front wall, carefully glue the edges of the holes. For neatness, you can glue a strip of fabric.
Stage 5. Try the resulting workpiece on the base. It is a chipboard board, size 44 x 61 cm. Mark the position, cut the foam to fit the bottom, and glue it to the base. Draw a circle on the pipe fastening area. Cut out the fabric for the base and cover the surface with it. Secure the upholstery from the sides with a furniture stapler. Cover the bottom with a fiberboard sheet of suitable size.
Stage 6. Cut out a piece of fiberboard - the roof of the house. Size – 40 x 122 cm. Cover with fabric. Cut 2 pieces from the fabric intended for the base. Glue on the sides of the bottom slats.
Stage 7. Place the cat house on the base and secure it with self-tapping screws. Before doing this, make indentations on the slats so that there are no protrusions of the caps. Cover the slats completely with the remaining fabric.
Stage 8. Secure the roof with a furniture stapler. Straighten the fabric lint out of the staples. The side parts visible from the outside should also be covered with fabric.
Stage 9. For a scratching post you need to take a pipe. Size – 60 cm, diameter – 11 cm. Insert dry wood blocks inside. Cut out semicircles from fiberboard and chipboard for the top bed.
Stage 10. Place the fiberboard blank on the pipe, having previously made a hole in the shape of a circle. Screw the chipboard blank using self-tapping screws to the block located in the pipe. Turn the house over onto its back wall and attach a pipe with a stove bench to the base. To ensure that it is in a level position, place objects under it. Make recesses for the screws on the bottom side. Screw the pipe with the stove bench. Cover the bottom of the pipe with fabric.
Stage 11. Glue foam rubber onto the bed. Secure the ball rope at the bottom with a stapler. Cover the upper part of the bed with fabric and secure it to the folds using a stapler. Glue the fiberboard to the bottom of the bed. Wrap the rope around the pipe and glue the first two turns from the bottom and top.
Stage 12. To make an additional inclined scratching post, you need to take a board. Size – 18 x 41 cm. For a good stop, cut the lower edge at an angle of 45 degrees. Cover the board with fabric on all sides and wrap a rope around the middle.

The location for the scratching post must be chosen very carefully. To do this, it is worth observing where the cat most likes to sharpen its claws.

To attract the cat to the prepared scratcher, you can put catnip there or drop a little valerian. If another animal sits on the scratching post, the cat will have no choice but to leave its mark there. During the training period, you need to encourage your pet with a treat, but under no circumstances scold or punish.