Diy Pets: Making A Cardboard Cat Scratcher At Home
by Ultimate Pet Nutrition Team | Nov 10, 2019 | Cat Wellness |
Why bother making a do it yourself cardboard cat scratcher for your feline friend? Well, whether its a labor of love for your feline family member or a last-ditch effort to protect your furniture its always a smart idea to get cat scratching under control.
Read on to learn more about why your cat needs a safe and sturdy scratching surface, and how you can make an eco-friendly version all on your own.
Make The Scratching Surface
Start by securing the end of the rope to the inside of the front panel, at the base. Use a few staples, and hammer them in place.
Starting right at the base, begin to wind the rope tightly around the timber. As you go push each piece down so that there is no space between the rope. It needs to be wound tightly and pushed together tightly.
When you run out of rope, secure the end with staples on the inside of the scratcher. Then start the new piece next to it and continue winding.
When you are nearing the top of the panel, attach the string of felt balls or kitty toy, then wind the rope over the staples.
Secure the end of the rope on the inside.
Now you have a piece of cat furniture thats practical without being an eyesore. Fleur loves the felt balls, and enjoys running through the centre of the scratcher and under the lounge.
Tell me: do you have a cat? Does your kitty use a purpose-built cat scratcher?
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How To Train Your Cat Or Kitten To Use A Scratching Post
Training your cat to use a cat scratching post is a necessary and important step when you are dealing with the question of “How to stop a cat from scratching furniture?” First, it is important to learn how to choose the best cat scratching post. Getting your cat to use her scratching post is much easier when you have taken the time to choose one for which she will automatically have a natural affinity. Once you’ve done that, employ the following tips to train your cat to use a scratching post and stop scratching your furniture or carpeting.
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Diy Cat Scratching Posts Vs Store
There are definitely pros and cons to both DIY and store-bought cat scratching posts.
When it comes to DIY scratching posts:
Pros
- More cost-efficient. A lot of DIY scratching post materials are inexpensive.
- You can choose the perfect look and feel of the post tailored to you and your cat.
- You can specifically make it fit in a certain spot of your house.
Cons
- It can take a lot of time and effort that a cat owner may not have.
- It can be costly if you make a mistake.
When it comes to store-bought scratching posts:
Pros
- No effort required. You can simply walk in, choose one that works, and walk out with it.
- It might be more durable since its professionally made.
Cons
- A lot more expensive than simply doing it as a DIY.
- You cant customize it to your cats needs.
- There are definitely pros and cons to both DIY and store-bought pet scratchers. It just boils down to your preference.
Diy Wood + Sisal Cat Scratcher
I was just sitting in the living room last week, enjoying my morning coffee and the quiet waiting for my teens to wake up and come downstairs when all of a sudden I heard that all too frequent sound of the CAT SCRATCHING THE FURNITURE which totally triggered me. My peace disrupted by the family cat, I decided I couldnt take it anymore.
I was tired of yelling Stop Coco Stop! and decided that day I was going to build a cat scratcher before sundown. So I drove to Lowes and buy whatever supplies were necessary to save the furniture! Save the chairs!
File this natural wood and sisal rope cat scratcher under the not so pretty but necessary DIY projects in my portfolio of work. 🙂
Aaaaaannddd mission accomplished. 🙂
I like the natural wood and sisal rope combination and also the basic geometric shape. Its not the cutest thing on display but Id rather save the furniture so its a practical compromise. 🙂
Thankfully the family cat got the message so shes been stretching herself and scratching it ever since. She actually prefers it now instead of the furniture which was the goal.
Supplies to recreate: 6 ft of birch wood 12 wide; ¾ x 1 strip of wood 12 long; 200 feet of sisal rope; heavy duty stapler, power drill; 1 ¼ screws; sanding wedge; compound miter saw; felt floor protectors .
First, cut the bottom base. This piece of wood is 11¼ wide so thats the length it was cut to form a perfect square.
Better she attacks this than my blue chairs. 🙂
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At Wits End Ask Your Vet
If all else fails, ask your vet for advice. There might be something else going on with your cat making them want to excessively scratch.12 Make sure youve played with your cat for the day. This will help zap their energy to scratch .
But for most cats, a DIY cat scratching post is a great way to meet there scratching needs. Its also a good alternative to getting a trainer or having your furniture destroyed.
Learn More:
Diy Cat Scratching Post
Make this fantastic DIY cat scratching post with limited supplies! All you need is a cardboard tube, some rope, adjustable cabinet foot, MDF, a jar lid, and some fabric and thick cardboard. Screws, nails, etc. will be needed as well! Choose the fabric depending on the theme of your living space. instructables
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How To Make Cat Scratching Post
This is a nice cactus-shaped post, made with; rope, fur fabric, tape, plywood, sewer pipe and triangle, pipe caps, pipe 90 angle, pipe coupler, hot glue, saw, and staple gun. First make your base, prepare the pipe and attach the pipe base. Glue first pipe to base, start to glue rope, glue pipe triangle, and rope as well. Make the first shelf, glue straight pipe, and rope. Make top shelf and voila.
Top 10 Diy Cat Scratching Posts And Pads
Cat owners understand that cats dont take a lot of time or work to care for even as completely indoor pets. Although considered quite independent creatures, cats do get attached to their owners and know how to show affection, but they do respect their personal space and have quite a personality. Still, they are loving pet, providing company, amusement, and affection.; While cats can seem lazy to most people, they are natural hunters and can be quite active and playful at times.
Unlike most pets cats are very difficult to train, preferring to do their own thing instead of following their owners commands. There are ways to train cats that require a lot of time and patience, but one thing you cant teach a cat not to do is scratching on the furniture. Cats have to have their claws in hunt-ready shape, sharp and neat. Scratching tough surfaces is the best way to do that, so you can be sure that your sofa can become your cats scratching victim, even if its an expensive leather one.
To prevent that you will need a scratch post, which can be pretty expensive. A cheaper solution is to make one yourself with the help of these top 10 DIY cat scratchers tutorials. Your cat will be grateful.
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Inspired Have A Go Today
A DIY cat scratching post is a great idea for a myriad of reasons. Not only will you save yourself some money by not buying a new one, but it is another way of interacting with your beloved cat and making sure he or she wants for nothing! And of course, a cat scratching pole, in whichever form you decide to build it, will save your sofa from the wrath of your kittys claws. So, the next weekend you have free, grab some of the materials listed above, and have a go at building your cats new favourite toy.
Diy Cat Scratching Post And Storage Bin
This is an easy peasy method of having your cat post without any woodwork. Get a bucket with a lid . Run your adhesive vertically along with the bucket, hot glue the start of rope to the bucket, and wind the rope all the way up to the lid. You can fill the bucket probably with sand to give it stability and that’s done.
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Diy Sisal Scratching Post
The most common material to make a scratching post is a thick rope. This scratching board is nice not only because its easy to make, just wrapping a board with a rope, but also because you can hang it wherever you want and you can put it away when your cat is not interested in her claw maintenance.
Why Do Cats Scratch In The First Place
Cats can be destructive creatures. Have you seen viral videos of kitties gleefully ripping up rolls and rolls of toilet paper in the bathroom? Imagine that level of kitty fun throughout your home.
If your furry friend is exhibiting these kinds of behaviors, it might mean your cat needs some more physical stimulation. Cats scratch for a variety of reasons including:
- To stretch their bodies. Plus, scratching helps them flex their feet and claws.
- To polish their claws. Scratching can remove the dead outside layer of their sharp appendages.
- They want to have fun. Scratching is an instinctive and fun activity for them.1
- Instead of letting your kitty scratch your furniture, carpet, and other household items, consider a DIY cat scratching post to help keep them busy.
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Making A Flat Corrugated Cardboard Cat Scratcher: Materials And Steps
For horizontal scratchers, create a flat surface they can scratch and even lounge on. The corrugated surface of a cardboard box helps provide a textured surface for them to grip and claw at.
Materials:
- Strong glue or glue gun
Steps:
Diy Cat Scratching Post Using Pvc
This DIY cat scratching post is made using PVC pipe. Place the wood on a slightly bigger felt and hot glue felt to wood. Make a circle on a scrap piece of wood to fit the pipe. Screw the cut-out circle from the wood onto the pipe. Apply hot glue and wrap the rope all the way to the top and you have a good job there. Items needed are; wood round, 3inch PVC pipe and PVC cap, 50ft rope, felt and a scrap piece of wood.
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Build Your Own Cat Scratching Post
Purchasing a scratching tower for a cat seems a little silly when you consider how easy and affordable it is to make one yourself. All you need is some cardboard boxes, a plywood base and a piece of wood to build around. A few tools you probably already have at home will come in handy, too.
Follow these step-by-step instructions to get the job done.
How To Make A Cat Scratcher For Free
A simple cat scratcher made with cardboard. All you need is just cardboard, box cutter, glue, ruler, tape, hole punch, rope, and catnip. Make a frame out of your cardboard, cut strips of cardboard to fit into your frame tightly. Punch holes at the top of all the strips and add glue to the strips to hold them together inside the frame.
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Attach The Post To The Base
As the last step, I used strong adhesive to glue the post in the center of the base. You can reinforce this using nails up through the bottom of the base if youd like, but I didnt need to.
And heres the final cat scratching post! Isnt it adorable? All you really need to make a cat scratching post is some sisal rope or jute cord and a surface to put it on. Easy as that.
How To Make It
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Diy Cat Scratching Pole
Some of the things you will need are as follows: sisal rope, plywood, 3inch wood screws, 2 by 4 board, carpet, circular saw, hot glue gun, straight edge, tape measure, screw gun, scissors, and a staple gun. Firstly, measure and cut out your base, upholster base with carpet, attach post to base, wrap post with rope, upholster post top and finish up wrapping the rope, and voila!
Diy A Sleek And Modern Cat Scratcher
Having cats doesnt mean that your house has to turn into a disaster area of toys, treats, and eye-sore cat trees and scratchers. I have two energetic indoor cats who love to scratch, so they need to a designated area to play and sharpen their claws. But unfortunately most store-bought cat trees and scratchers are either unattractive or very expensive. Luckily making your own cat scratcher is super easy and can be done using two pieces of wood and rope.
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View in gallery
I love this scratcher because in addition to being really easy to make, its very sleek looking! You can customize it by painting it any color youd like, and its small enough to be tucked away if need be. If youd like to learn how to make a sleek and modern cat scratcher for your home, read on!
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Cat Scratching Cardboard Stack
If your ideal DIY cat scratching post involves just ten minutes of assembly, this is the project for you.
What You’ll Need
- Cardboard box, any size or shape
- Packing tape, any color
- Box cutter
With this item, you don’t have to worry about cutting a perfectly straight edge. You’ll get more scratching surface if it’s somewhat jagged.
How to Make It
Fold the box out flat on the floor. With the box cutter, detach the four sides of the box so that you have four sections of cardboard. Cut each cardboard section into strips that are two inches wide and 15 to 30 inches long. There are no real length requirements, though, so feel free to go crazy. Stack strips on top of one another so that the rough, cut edges form a flat surface. Wrap packing tape tightly around each end to secure the strips. Set it on the floor and let your cat have at it.
Another benefit? You don’t have to use the whole box, so even if you quit after just two sections, you’ll still have an awesome DIY cat scratching toy to show for your effort.
Want To See How To Make A Cardboard Cat Scratcher From The Junk Boxes That Pretty Much Everybody Has Lying Around In The Amazon Prime Age
For this project you will need:
- Cardboard Boxes
- No Cry Cut Resistant Gloves
- Glue
So these are my new cut resistant gloves by No Cry. When I cut myself it was kind of a big deal because I called everybody trying to find my sister to ask for her advice. When I called;my grandmother after leaving the doctors office the next day she asked why wasnt I using those cut resistant gloves like they sell on TV? I had no clue what she was talking about but I found these guys online for a great price and since I was SO SCARED to cut cardboard again and pick this project back up they were super helpful. These arent a necessity, but if youre clumsy like me these guys just might save you from a stressful and painful episode!
Grab those cardboard boxes and cut them into strips that are 2 inches wide. Using a quilting ruler makes it super easy because you can see through it and quickly match he bottom of the cardboard up with the 2 hash mark, slice it, move it out of the way and shove it in further to cut again.
When cutting your cardboard there is a right and a wrong way. If you cut across the cardboard youll see the corrugation inside, which is what you want, like the piece on the right. When you cut;with;the corrugation you get a closed off piece like on the left, which is wrong. The piece on the right will be sturdier and its much easier for your cats to grab onto.
Continue adding strips to build the scratcher as wide as you need for your cat to comfortably perch on it.
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