Making My Own Cat Scratch Post!

So, I finally decided to get a cat.  My allergies to cats kept me from owning a cat for several years now, but alas, I am a cat lover.  I finally gave in.  I've noticed I'm not as allergic to some cats as I am to others.  In researching cat allergies, I found that their are certain breeds that seem to be less allergenic.  I decided I would look for one of those.  My other desire, however, was to adopt a rescue cat rather than get one from a breeder.  It is difficult to find any pure breed in a shelter.  I found a year old cat who is half Russian Blue and half short haired domestic cat.  I think her Russian Blue traits are not so strong as she is completely black and has brown eyes.  Nevertheless, I decided to try.  So far, my symptoms seem mild and are relieved with allergy meds.

Now, for the purpose of this post: I wanted to get her something to play with and meet her scratching needs, but I didn't want to spend a fortune.  I did get some ideas from others online, but then I put together the items I had and figured out the best way for me to make this cat scratching post.

Supplies:

• 12 inch round wood (Any shape will do.  It should be heavy enough and large enough that post will not be easily knocked over by your cat.)
• 1 empty, clean vegetable can
• Approx. 75 feet of 1/4 inch Sisal rope
• duct tape
• liquid nails
• 5 screws (shorter than the depth of wood)
• screwdriver
• hammer
• a nail
• permanent marker
• scissors
• utility knife (not shown)
• cardboard tube (The kind posters are mailed in)
• piece of carpet (large enough to cover one side of your wood)

Note: See that the tube barely fits over the can.

1) With the marker, trace the shape of your wood piece onto the backside of your carpet.

My new kitty wants to help!

 2)  Use the utility knife to cut through the carpet backing along the line.  Then, use the scissors to completely cut out the circle.

3)  Use liquid nails to glue the carpet to the wood.















4) Use the nail and hammer to tap 3 holes into the bottom of the can as shown.  This gives a guide for your screws, making it easier to place them.

5)  Place the can, bottom down, in the center of the carpet side of your wood piece.  Insert the screws, one at a time, into the nail holes and use the screwdriver to tighten them down into the wood.

6)  Place the tube over the can and secure it to the can with the remaining two screws.







7)  Rather generously coat the outside of the tube with liquid nails.  Starting at the bottom, wind the sisal rope around the tube until you reach the top.  Secure the end with a piece of tape until the glue dries (about 30 minutes.)

I found it easiest to hang the edge of my wood off the table and turn the wood with one hand while placing the rope with the other.  If you put the rope on the floor, it will unravel itself nicely as you turn the wood.  Every few rows, I stopped and pushed the rows tighter together.

I didn't buy enough rope and had to stop mid project!

8)  Replace the cap on the open end of the tube.  I decided to hang a toy by catching the string inside the cap.

She likes it!