When a cat appears in the house, you need to allocate a place for it. Many owners can’t get by with a simple bed from the store. They want to make an original house with their own hands. This task may seem daunting. But if you understand all the details of production, then the structure can be made without difficulty! You can also build a house that matches the color of the interior style. And in regular stores it’s difficult to find something like this. Everything will be discussed in more detail later in the article.

There are a number of rules that will help you prepare for work on arranging a hut for a cat.

First, learn the most basic ones:

• Before you start building a house for an animal, think about what materials you will use. It is better to use fabric made from natural fibers and natural wood in such work. These materials are the safest for cats. But in any store they are expensive. And Chinese analogues, as a rule, consist of synthetics and plastic.
• You need to clearly understand what kind of house you want to make. To do this, draw it on a piece of paper in advance. Such a sketch will help you not to forget anything. You will also properly plan the purchase of materials and prepare the means at hand.
• This is a fun activity for parents with children. After all, participation in the creative process always brings joy.

Houses for cats step by step: main recipes

Making a cat house with your own hands is more fun with your children. Just give preference to safe materials. So, the simplest and cheapest option for arranging a hut is the following:

• You need to take a large corrugated cardboard box. It is better that the box has dimensions of at least 35 by 50 cm in width and up to 50 cm in height.
• Now you need to prepare the available tools: scissors, glue, a stationery knife, fine sandpaper, tape, pencil, colored paper, upholstery material and more.
• For the internal frame (laying on the floor), you can use foam rubber. But if it is not available, an unnecessary blouse or a piece of an old blanket will do. For the exterior decoration of the house, you can use colored paper. But it is more relevant to use boucle fabric or fur.
• Now let's start preparing the box itself. To do this, remove the stickers from it, glue the places where there are cracks with tape, cut off the burrs, and sand the roughness with sandpaper.

• Draw a hole on the end of the box. To do this, place a saucer with a diameter of at least 20 cm on it and circle it around the edges. Then we cut out a hole using a stationery knife. Gently sand the edges with sandpaper.
• Once again we seal all the joints with tape or glue. The house should be durable so that the cat feels comfortable and calm in it. Dry the product before starting exterior finishing.
• Now we cover the house with colored paper or textiles. For the second option, silicone quick-drying glue is suitable. In this case, you cannot use a furniture stapler, as the cat may be injured from the inside of the staples.
• To match the size of the floor in the house, sew a small pad made of foam rubber and upholstery fabric.

Now the house is ready for use. And you can let your pet into this cozy nest. It can be supplemented with glued toys, hanging threads, and sparkles.

Popular options

The cat building may have a non-standard shape. You can make it from available materials. It may also not have a scratching post at all. Let's consider several of these options:

• Wigwam. The structure is made of metal rods in the shape of a tent. Then it is covered on all sides (except one) with fabric. Foam rubber and bedding are laid on the floor of such a house.

• Ottoman house. A standard square ottoman usually consists of a wooden or MDF structure. Therefore, we remove the fabric from the bottom of the pouf and cut out a hole with a jigsaw. Then the wooden part can be covered with latex paint, and a soft lining can be placed inside.
• Hammock house. Any cat is interested in new places. Making a hammock for her to relax is very simple. To do this, you can use: a small coffee table, an armchair or a chair. But these pieces of furniture must have 4 legs. So, at the level between the floor and the tabletop/seat, the canvas is stretched. On its sides two fabric strips should be sewn to each. Then the canvas is attached to the legs using ties. And voila!

• Triangle house. This is the simplest type of pet hut. To make it you will need 3 small pieces of OSB. They can be cut from a thin board, 6 ml thick. The pieces should be equal in size and rectangular in shape. Then we place the first piece on the floor, and on top of it we make a dome from the remaining two. We fix the parts together using nails or screws. Additionally, you can use metal triangles. Using a glue gun or a furniture stapler, we frame the outside of the house with fabric. We put a soft lining inside.
• Shelf house. From available materials (osb boards, boards, laminate or chipboard) you can prepare shelves of various levels. But its main task will be to become a place for the cat to relax. So, you will need to cover the resulting piece of furniture with fabric and place it on the floor.

Houses with scratching post

Every cat needs to sharpen its claws. If your pet is indoors and it is not possible for him to go outside regularly, then he will have to do this at home. Without the claw grinding procedure, the owner will have to trim them.

And if there is no scratching post in the house, the pet will begin to sharpen its claws on the furniture.

Therefore, it is better to make a house for a cat with a scratching post, which will fully perform its intended function.

Materials

First decide on the construction site. Then you need to measure the allotted “angle” in height and width. Now prepare the materials most convenient for sharpening the animal’s claws. This:

• carpet;
• tapestry;
• jute rope;
• tree.

Carpet is a fairly durable and soft material. The cat will sit comfortably on it and also comfortably sharpen its claws on it.

In addition, you will need:

• plywood sheets;
• wooden beams;
• plastic pipes as support pillars;
• self-tapping screws;
• corners;
• screwdriver;
• jigsaw

But these tools may not be found in the house. Therefore, it is worth taking care of their availability in advance.

What and where to buy?

To build a hut with a scratching post for an animal, buy a whole sheet of plywood at once - 1.5 by 1.5 cm. Then cut it into pieces: 0.50 by 0.75 cm.

For the support (post), you can use a regular beam, which will need to be divided into several parts. Choose timber up to 2.5 m long.

It is advisable to choose plywood sheets with a thickness of at least 10 mm. Since the cat will often jump on them in the future. And this material must be strong.

Advice

You shouldn't buy the most expensive carpet. Give preference to the cheap option. You can also ask the seller to sell you scraps of this material.

Jute rope can be found in every hardware store or market. The difficulty is that it is sold in bulk. You'll have to buy a whole skein or look for a store that sells rope by the meter. But the price of a cut product is much higher. Take a rope at least 1 cm thick.

Safety fastening elements are purchased for the building: corners and triangles for better fixation of structures.

Manufacturing process

When the design of the hut is completed and all materials are at hand, you can begin to work. The basic frame can be one-, two-, or even three-tiered. The number of platforms also depends on the number of cats in the house. So, if two pets live in an apartment, then each of them should have its own seat.

So let's get started:

• A wooden beam is attached to the plywood base.
• You can put a plastic pipe of suitable size on it (so that the pipe fits tightly to the walls of the beam and does not twist).
• If we make several platforms, then at some distance from each other on a single base we fix 1-2 more beams.
• Each of them has its own platform (at different heights). We fix them on top with self-tapping screws and metal corners on the sides.

• The first shelf must be fixed not only to its beam, but also be connected to the second. Therefore, a hole for the second beam is prepared in advance in the plywood. He will have to go on the board. The second shelf is attached to the third in the same way.
• Now you can begin framing the plywood surfaces with carpet. Here you can use a stapler or use regular nails and a hammer. If you decorate the house with ordinary fabric, then soon the building will need its replacement. Most likely the animal will want to sharpen its claws on the fabric too.
• Tie all the pillars from beginning to end with rope. Try to keep their rings tightly adjacent to each other.

Now the scratching post structure for your pet is ready! Additionally, you can decorate it with colored felt, threads with buttons, sparkles, and foil.

Scratching post options

In addition to the most common scratching posts for cats, you can make simple but original analogues. So, it is permissible to make a scratching post in the form of a picture. To do this you will need a simple piece of plywood (rectangular) and carpet.

The carpet is fixed to the board using nails and a hammer. The corners of the fabric should be hidden on the back. They even attach a mini hanger. Then the finished painting is hung on the wall in the corridor or room. It should hang at the height of the pet. This refers to the cat's height at the withers, and not from the floor to the tips of his ears.

There was a question about a scratching post and we decided to combine it with a house.

The stores were not happy with the low quality, or it was expensive and not quite what I wanted. Therefore, the husband decided to build the house himself.

Eventually The cat's house is popular. The cat sleeps in the house, plays, rests, hides, and most importantly, sharpens its claws. Left behind 2 started corners in the corridor.

He sits on the roof, on two shelves and in the house, and the somersaults he does, jumping from shelf to shelf and spinning around the scratching post, are a different story.

And I can’t take my eyes off the way he sharpens his claws! It’s so nice that this is not wallpaper, he tries so hard, puffs, and even licks the scratching post.

Time to prepare the house.

It took us almost a month on weekends. If all materials are purchased, it usually takes 2 days of continuous labor. A day for cutting, a second for plating and assembly.

But we were in no hurry; using trial and error, we gradually bought everything we needed.

We bought the rope twice. So the advice is smell the rope before you buy! First we bought jute rope for the scratching post, but it turned out to be smelly, apparently treated with something, the smell of kerosene. A cat will not fit into such a house. Washing and airing it on the balcony for a week did not help - the smell became a little less, but did not disappear.

We threw out the jute rope and bought a sisal rope - a little shaggy, but the cat adores it!

PRICE of the house.

Cost us about 3.5 thousand.

1. Plywood or chipboard. We have 16 mm chipboard.

2. Fabric suit. fur 1660 rubles:

leopard 1.5*1.5 meters = 810 rubles

gray claim. fur 1.45*1.0 = 470 rub.

shaggy fur for the roof 1.5*70 = 380 rub. (half remained).

They didn’t skimp on fabric - they trimmed it on all sides, and on the inside too. The fewer seams, the better, so that there is nothing for the cat to catch on.

3. Glue and thermal gun - 50 rubles each at the fixed price.

4. Furniture stapler + staples. We worked in size 10.

5. Pipe for the bar counter (Stick for scratching post) = 700 rubles + 2 holders (100 rubles)

6. Sisal rope for a scratching post - 600 rubles (30 meters, 10 mm).

7. You will also need a screwdriver, a hacksaw for sawing the “bar counter”, additionally drilling a pipe mount (a metal drill), in 8 places. With 4 holes, the poles did not stand very firmly.

DIAGRAM of the house. Blueprints.

I'll post a working diagram. My husband drew it and gave it from chipboard to cut to friends who make furniture. You can cut it yourself.

The length of the sticks for the scratching post is 50 and 65 cm.

In the roof there was a mistake in the drawing with the angle; it was necessary to chamfer it at an angle of 22.5 in order

We decided to make the corners of the base and shelves at an angle so that there were no sharp edges. The roof - for beauty - is a “house”; sawing and cladding can be greatly simplified if you make a straight roof.

The shelves were lined on both sides with faux fur using a furniture stapler.

The base is only on top.

The roof was secured using ties and glue (we didn’t cut the angle correctly)

The walls of the house were first fastened with 3 pieces and sheathed on the inside.

Then the 4th wall was sheathed on the inside.

The circle was cut out with a stationery knife.

Additionally, the edges of the circle were attached with glue.

The fourth wall, sheathed from the inside, was attached to the remaining 3 walls.

And only then they sheathed all 4 walls in one piece from the outside.

Fastening the pipe to the roof and to the base.

And tips for choosing a scratching post house:

* 2 entrances are required, with 1 entrance judging by your previous cat and other cats of friends - not so interesting, with 2 entrances the view is wider and it’s fun to run through them + extra. ventilation.

* absence of foreign odors (only buy rope without impregnation)

And don't forget that the house is a restricted area for people. Do not take the kitten out of there if it is hiding. She explained to her children not to go in there, then the animal feels in a protected place and uses the house with pleasure!

Once again, a photo of the entire house.

Despite the fact that cats have long become domestic animals, the instincts of their wild ancestors are still firmly seated in their minds. In nature, claws are an important tool in the life of cats; they are needed for hunting, protecting their territory, and protecting themselves from enemies. But the claws must be looked after, otherwise there is a high probability of them breaking off, bending, growing into the skin, as well as excessive contamination. Instinct tells you that in order to be fully armed, you need to monitor the condition of your tools. Therefore, an animal in nature constantly sharpens its claws on trees, walls, grass, and all kinds of surfaces suitable for such use. And pets need a scratching post if the owners of the animal are not ready for furniture, carpets, and wallpaper to be used in this capacity.

What is a scratching post for?

Once at home, your pet will be forced to look for an object to realize his desire to sharpen his claws. Anything can get under your paw: a carpet, a sofa or chair, walls, furniture, shoes, bags and other things dear to you. There is no point in scolding your pet, because, in fact, he is not to blame for the deeds he has done. But pointing it in the right direction and teaching your purr to use a scratcher is an important and feasible task for a loving owner. And it is not at all necessary to buy this accessory in a store; it is much more interesting to make a scratching post with your own hands based on your own preferences and the habits of a furry hunter.

A scratching post made from a trunk is an option that is as close as possible to its natural analogue

Project preparation

All cats have individual characteristics and preferences. Therefore, it is important to properly plan a scratching post that matches the character, age, size, and habits of your pet:

• A tall structure is well suited for active animals, preferably with platforms on which they can climb, climb, and jump.
• If your cat loves to climb walls, curtains, or a hanging rug, come up with a device for her that will allow her to climb up to the ceiling. This role can be played, for example, by a piece of carpet nailed to the full height of the wall.
• Many cats love to sharpen their claws on the corner of the wall, tearing your wallpaper to shreds. In this case, you need to take care of a hanging, possibly corner, scratching post.
• Does your pet often crawl into all sorts of shelters and hide? Then a claw house could be an excellent option for him.
• A quiet, calm, overweight cat will most likely choose a low bed with the opportunity to sharpen its claws.

When I was a child, I had a cat that never scratched walls, furniture, or anything else. Once on our floor there was a sofa mattress made of foam rubber, upholstered with furniture fabric. So this beast began to run around the perimeter of the mattress lying down. That is, the mattress is lying, our cat is also lying on its side, clinging to the edge with its claws, and began to wind in circles. It was quite fun to watch such an action, so they left her this entertainment. And now all the corners are covered with furniture fabric, because our current “star” knows no greater joy than to peel off all the wallpaper. Nothing saves. We do it ourselves and hang wall and corner claw clippers - without results. When access is completely blocked, she climbs onto the table and manages to turn the wallpaper into scraps of paper again.

In addition, you need to take into account the age and lifestyle of your friend:

• You shouldn’t immediately build a large structure for a kitten. It is better for the baby to make a small column covered with carpet. Subsequently, having learned the character and determined the size of your pet, you will be able to come up with a more interesting and suitable option.
• For an elderly animal, it is better to consider a low design with a lounger, so that it is convenient for him not only to do manicure, but also to take a nap after the work done.
• If you pick up a stray cat, for the first time limit yourself to a round column that resembles a tree as much as possible. An ideal option would be a log brought from the street.

And of course, size plays an important role. The vertical claw blade must be higher than the length of its owner, so that he can stretch out as much as he wishes in the process. As a rule, cats like horizontal options less, so they are used less often. However, if your pet enjoys this type of device, make it according to the size of the cat. The animal must fit completely on it at full length and have a margin of 10–15 cm.
The planned structure must be strong, stable, and designed for a long service life

We make a claw grinder ourselves

So, let's start making a gift for our tailed friend. There can be many varieties, everything is limited only by your imagination, skill, and desire. In order for the item to please not only the cat, but also the household, it is advisable to think of an option that fits well into the interior of the apartment or house. It is better to choose a calm color, close to that found in nature: greenery, sand, earth, tree bark.

Rope post

This scratching post is quite easy to make.

You will need:

• base with a diameter or width of 10–12 cm (timber, plastic pipe, small log, board);
• sisal rope with a cross section of 8–10 mm;
• plywood 22 mm thick;
• a piece of carpet;
• self-tapping screws;
• sandpaper.

Also prepare your tools:

• scissors;
• jigsaw or saw;
• screwdriver;
• hammer;
• measuring tape;
• glue gun

Pre-calculate how much rope you will need:

1. Multiply the diameter of the base pipe by 3.14 or calculate the perimeter of the square base.
2. Divide the height of the stand by the diameter of the rope, so you will find out how many times the rope will wrap around the base.
3. Multiply the number of turns by the number obtained from the multiplication in the first step.
4. Add 10% to the result for the reserve.

Now you can proceed directly to making the scratching post:

1. If you decide that the surfaces will be round, cut out two slabs from plywood with a jigsaw: 30 cm in diameter for the top and 40 cm for supporting the post. If square, make them using a saw, the dimensions are the same.
2. You need to determine the center of the base plate and measure two points spaced 4 cm from the central one. These will be the centers for attaching the post to the base and top sheets of plywood.
   Support structures are manufactured first
3. Sand all edges with sandpaper.
4. If you have a wooden post, attaching it to the supports will not be difficult using self-tapping screws of the appropriate length. The situation is a little more complicated with a plastic pipe. Drill three small screw holes on each side of the tube, equidistant from each other and 1cm from the edge. Cut two circles from plywood along the inner diameter of the pipe so that you can insert them tightly into it. Attach them to the side platforms using self-tapping screws. If a plastic pipe is chosen as a post, plywood plugs are first inserted into its edges, with the help of which it will be easy to attach the post to the base
5. Secure the rope at the top of the product using a strong double knot. If you made grooves for the edges of the rope, hide them. In a wooden post, you can fix it with glue; in a plastic one, you can simply put the prepared side plates on both sides. If no holes are made, leave a short end of the rope (at least 10 cm). When winding, place it along the product and wind it with the main part of the rope.
6. The winding should be done as tightly as possible, securing it with a glue gun every 7–10 turns. For a tighter fit, tap the coils with a hammer.
7. The final stage of making a column is connecting the main parts. You need to attach the side plates - the top and the base - to the edges of the post using self-tapping screws.
   After completing the winding, the top and base are attached to the post
8. Cover the surfaces of the platforms with carpet, cutting out the appropriate pieces and finishing their edges with fabric edging. You can attach the carpet using a glue gun or a construction stapler.

I think that the wooden version of the post will be better and more durable. But if you have chosen a PVC pipe, I advise you to fill it with sand or gravel for stability. This will give the nail clipper strength and add weight so that your pet doesn’t accidentally drop the structure. Another tip: in both the wooden and plastic posts, you can drill holes on both sides equal to the cross-section of the rope so that the ends of the rope can be hidden in them.

If your pet tends to leave only scraps of your carpeting, make him a scratching post-mat.

Making this option is very simple. You will need:

• plywood sheet 30*50 cm;
• a piece of carpet corresponding to its size;
• scissors;
• hacksaw;
• roulette;
• construction stapler.

Attach the carpet to the plywood cut to the dimensions given above using a stapler, bending the edges so that the fabric does not fray.

If you want to make a floor-mounted scratcher, you need to place it in a place convenient for you and your cat. But cats often prefer to sharpen their claws while standing, against the wall. To do this, use a self-tapping screw (if the wall is wooden) or screws (if it is stone) to attach the nail clipper to a vertical surface. It should be located at such a height that the animal can stretch out to its full height during the process. You can attach a toy to the product, for example, a homemade mouse on a string.

Using the same scheme, you can make a corner scratching post by making two such panels and connecting them with a butterfly loop.

Photo gallery: options for scratching mats

Cute scratching post design will decorate your interior
The floor scratching post will appeal to those who like to tear up the carpet.
The triangular design allows you to do without attaching the rug to the wall

Scratching post house

If you decide to create a grandiose project, build a house with claw clippers for your furry friend. There can be many options, it all depends on your capabilities, skills, and imagination. We offer you one of them.

Required material:

• carpet;
• timber for supports;
• plywood for platforms 22 mm thick;
• jute rope;
• self-tapping screws;
• corners.

Tools:

• saw;
• jigsaw;
• yardstick;
• scissors;
• pencil;
• construction stapler;
• glue gun

Preparatory activities are as follows:

1. Cover the prepared plywood with carpet using a stapler, secure the platforms to the posts with corners.
2. From sheets of plywood, corners and carpet you can make not only shelves, but also a house.
3. When the structure is ready, all you have to do is wrap the support posts with jute rope, securing every 7-10 turns with a glue gun.
4. Place the gift in the place prepared for it and offer to evaluate it for your pet.

Your pet will appreciate the results of your work.

Video: how to make a scratching post yourself

Where to place

So, the main stage has been completed. A wonderful handmade item that will bring joy to you and your pet. But another important question arises: where to place it now. Here you need to proceed from the following aspects:

• the accessory should be located conveniently for the cat, preferably in a place where he has already chosen a place for his manicure;
• The scratching post should fit into the interior of the room, not get in the way of you and your household, and be pleasing to the eye.

The scratching post should be located in a convenient place and fit into the interior

Every furry breeder tries to provide his pet with everything he needs, buying him high-quality food and various toys. Many of them forget about such an element as a scratching post. This device is designed to protect your furniture and other items from being scratched by claws. Not everyone knows that cats need to constantly sharpen their claws, otherwise they will break off and lose the necessary properties. For those who want to make a scratching post themselves or want to repair an old one, you need to know what material the device is made of. The rope for the scratching post should be strong enough, but not harm the animal.

The modern market offers a huge selection of types of scratching posts, the main options include:

• columns;
• houses;
• wall structures;
• corner structures.

Almost all pet store owners are literally blindsided, but choosing a product that will meet all their requirements is very difficult. Therefore, you can make this device yourself, just know what rope to use for the scratching post and consider the features of its creation. This solution has a huge number of positive qualities, first of all, it relieves the animal of problems with claws, which is why it is suitable in most cases, let’s consider the advantages in more detail:

1. Saving. If you make a product yourself, then you need to pay exclusively for materials, but in stores there is a markup for delivery, employee salaries, rent, etc.
2. The scratcher will meet all the requirements of the pet owner, and the quality will not be inferior to the store-bought version.
3. You can make a real play center for your pet, where there will be various shelves, passages and columns; it is very difficult to find one in a pet store, and its cost will be too high.
4. For production, you do not need to purchase special tools and rare materials; all that is needed is a post and a rope for a scratching post, the name of which depends on its type.
5. The design can be made according to the dimensions of your animal itself, so that it is comfortable for him to use a scratching post or even an entire play center.

You can make a scratching post yourself, just know what rope to use and consider the features of its creation

In stores you can buy standard models, which are expensive and often do not correspond to the characteristics of the animal, which prevents him from using the claw clipper for its intended purpose.

You can make any design with your own hands - the main thing is to approach this matter responsibly and with imagination. Even a child can make a simple column; with the production of an entire gaming center, things are somewhat more complicated; only craftsmen with certain skills can handle the last option. In any case, you need to acquire the necessary materials, first of all, prepare the rope for the scratching post, be patient and set aside some time.

You can make any design with your own hands - the main thing is to approach this matter responsibly and with imagination

The most popular are simple nail clippers with one or more posts. This design can be made even more versatile if you place a bed or even a house on top. You can buy all the necessary materials at a hardware store or use available resources, which will be even more reasonable.

Types of ropes

To create the product, you need to determine what kind of rope is needed for the scratching post. There are several varieties, each of them has a number of features and distinctive nuances. The post can be wrapped with the following ropes:

1. Cotton. It looks very attractive and is suitable for any interior, but there is also a negative side - the cost, because it is much higher than other options.
2. Sisal rope. This material costs much less, but has a fleecy structure, durability at a high level, as well as strength. It has a grayish or pale yellow tint, great for creating a scratching post.
3. Jute. Many people ask what the rope for a scratching post is called about this particular option, because it is used in almost all store-bought scratching posts. This product is the cheapest, which is also evident in its appearance, so it is not suitable for a luxurious home interior. The strength characteristics are average, so long-term use by an active cat is out of the question.

To attract the animal's attention to the structure, you should use homemade toys, but you need to securely fix the toy and scratching post, since the pet can knock over the product.

To make it, you do not need to have special knowledge or special skills; you just need to consider a simple algorithm of actions and determine which rope is best for a scratching post specifically in your case. This accessory can make life easier for animal owners and the cat itself, so you must purchase it or make it yourself. With a small investment, you can keep your furniture and simply enjoy having a pet without any consequences. He will definitely rejoice at his new acquisition and repay him with his affection and love.

Every cat owner knows how the predatory nature of his pet manifests itself. The ability to attack from around corners, 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 sins, but it is better to choose a scratching post for him or make it yourself.

Why do you need a scratching post?

A scratching post (claw pad, scraper) is a device on which a domestic cat can sharpen its claws. By buying them or building them with their own hands, forward-thinking owners distract their furry pet from carpets, sofas and wallpaper. The instincts of the cute predator 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:

1. 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

2. 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.

3. Scratching post 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.

4. 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 of different sizes, functionality and prices:

1. 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.
2. 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

3. 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.
4. 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 you need?

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 - from jute, sisal or carpet.

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

• can scare away a cat with their smell;
• quickly become unusable;
• dangerous if ingested (if the pet decides to chew the fluff).

I bought a post with a jute cover for my cat. 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 solution came naturally 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. This is how we saved the remaining wallpaper in the apartment.

There are also cats who prefer to get their nails done on 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: 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:

1. We attach the bars to the sides of the board with screws.

   It is important to select screws that will securely attach the beams to the board

2. 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

3. 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:

1. 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

2. 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

3. We treat the middle section with glue. While it is still wet, we wrap this part of the pipe with a jute or sisal cord. We make a toy from wool thread and feathers and attach it to the top.

   While playing with a toy, the kitten gradually gets used to the scratching post.

Video: how to make a play complex-scratching post with your own hands

Where to place the rag

The scratching post should be placed where your pet likes to sharpen its claws. The cat has taken a liking to the wallpaper and is scratching the wall in a certain place? It's worth hanging the 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, there is not much choice for placing 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.