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Cat scratch fever

A DIY scratching post for cats—your feline will thank you!

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With some simple skills and common materials, you can build a DIY scratching post for your cat. A fun and rewarding project that will make your cat proud! Follow our directions below and get started today.

How to make a DIY cat scratching post: Materials and tools

You will only need a few simple materials to build a scratching post for cats. These are:

  • Some plywood, at least ½” thick, but ⅝” would be better
  • A 2-foot piece of 4 x 4
  • ⅜” rope
  • A hot glue gun
  • A drill
  • 4 2” wood screws
  • Plywood edging (optional)

How to build your own cat scratching post

  1. Start by cutting your plywood base. About 18” to 20” square is a good size.
  2. Cut your 4 x 4 post to 2’ in length. Sand all the wood components.
  3. Attach edge-banding to the edges of the plywood if you want a little upgrade. This is available in most home goods stores and glues on the edges of the plywood with a hot iron.
  4. Paint or varnish the base according to your taste. 
  5. Glue your rope to the 4 x 4 post, starting at the top and working your way down. Use hot glue to attach the rope to the post. You will wrap the rope tightly around the post and glue one side at a time. Work your way down, making sure each row is snug up to the row before. 
  6. Mark the center of your plywood on the bottom and drill 4 holes to attach the post. 
  7. Use 2” wood screws to attach the post to the base, driving them up from the bottom.

How to make scratching posts for cats that last!

As your cat scratches on the post, some of the rope may eventually start to come loose. You can repair it quickly without getting out your hot-glue gun. Loctite has a product that can be quickly applied to any loose rope to keep it from unraveling further.

Loctite Power Grab Ultimate Crystal Clear is a strong and versatile adhesive that bonds most construction materials. Its bonds will withstand harsh conditions, so it’s ideally suited to put up with your cat’s tugging and scratching. The excellent adhesion and high initial grab make quick fixes a breeze.

Products used

  • loctite power grab ultimate crystal clear 3oz tube
    Loctite Power Grab Ultimate Crystal Clear

    Works in all conditions and dries crystal clear

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