How To Make A Cat Scratching Post From A Log

Plus, it’s cheaper than buying a scratching post, and you can easily replace the sisal rope or fabric when it becomes worn. You can get creative with the design and pick materials that fit your interior.

However, making a cat scratching post involves some tricky calculations – you will need to determine the base to height ratio and the necessary sisal rope length.

You can customize the project to your preference – add a platform at the top, attach a toy, or make a DIY cat tree with several posts.

Gather Your Materials

Before you begin, you need to gather your materials and tools. Not every log is suitable for a scratching post. Ideally, you should use hardwood such as oak, maple, or redwood because the scratching post should be stable.

Cats don’t like wobbly scratching posts, so if you choose softwood like pine, spruce, or cedar, your cat might refuse to use it. The log should be thick and tall enough for your cat to stretch fully standing on the back feet.

Most scratching posts for adult cats are 30-35 inches tall. However, some cats need taller posts – for example, Maine Coons or active felines that like to climb and jump on the post.

You will also need sisal rope, carpet, or sisal fabric. Pick the scratching post material based on your cat’s preferences. Pay attention to where your pet scratches now – for example, if it claws your carpet, make a carpeted scratching post.

Sisal rope will be your best choice if your cat prefers to claw harder surfaces. Sisal rope is the most durable scratching post material, whereas carpet must be replaced every year.

Use an online calculator to determine the necessary sisal rope length for a scratching post. Alternatively, calculate the length by measuring the scratching post height and circumference and the rope’s thickness.

First, divide the height of a log by the thickness of the rope – you will determine how many times you need to warp the rope around the post. Then, multiply the log’s circumference by the result of the first calculation.

You can use plywood for the scratching post base but ensure that it’s heavy enough and the pos won’t tip over when your cat jumps on it. Alternatively, you can use a piece of hardwood.

The taller the scratching post, the wider the base should be for balance. The size depends on the material, so you must determine the necessary base dimensions with the trial and error method.

You will also need a saw, staple gun, electric drill, and fabric to wrap the post’s base. Naturally, you need some experience using the saw and drill and an extra eye to ensure your cat doesn’t get too close.

Cut the Log to Size

Start by cutting the log to the desired size. To find the necessary height, measure your cat from the tip of its nose to the base of the tail and add a couple of inches.

The log should be at least two inches in diameter. The wider the post, the longer it will last because your cat won’t scratch the same area repeatedly.

Make the log perfectly smooth using a saw. Remove all branches. You can polish the log using a mechanical sander or polishing wheel, but this isn’t necessary if you cut the branches at their base.

Make a Base

Then, cut a square or round plywood or hardwood piece for the base. Making a square base is much easier, but you should smooth the edges to minimize injury risk.

You can do it with a small saw, but you must polish any rough areas afterward. Ensure that the base is perfectly smooth on the top and bottom so that it is stable and the log can stay upright.

Mark a diagonal line of the base from corner to corner – it should go through the base center. Then, mark two drill points for the log, depending on its diameter.

Wrap the Log

Now that your log and base are ready, it’s time to wrap the log with sisal rope or fabric. Using sisal fabric or carpet is easier because all you need to do is wrap it around and staple the ends with a staple gun.

Then, trim the ends with large scissors or a knife, and your scratching post is almost ready. If you’re using sisal rope, you will need to spend more time.

Start from the bottom of the log and vertically staple one end of the sisal rope. You should use vertical staples to prevent injuring your cat if its claw gets caught.

Wrap the rope as tightly as you can. You might find keeping the log horizontally easier since the rope won’t fall.

Continue wrapping the sisal rope around the log until you have about an inch left to the top. Secure the sisal rope at the top with a staple gun.

If you’re skillful enough, continue wrapping the post until the very end, then make a spiral at the top and secure the rope’s end with a staple gun in the center of the log.

Alternatively, you can leave the log as is for a natural experience. Don’t remove the tree bark but cut any branches sticking out.

Cats in the wild use real trees for trimming their claws, and such a scratching post will perfectly fit a rustic interior.

Wrap the Base

This step is optional. Many cats like clawing both horizontal and vertical surfaces and appreciate having a choice. If you notice your cat clawing the carpet or couch armrest, wrapping the post’s base with carpet or sisal fabric is a good idea.

Simply stretch a piece of an old carpet or sisal fabric over the plywood or hardwood board and staple the edges to the base bottom.

Ensure that the base is stable, and the staples don’t stick out and cannot injure your cat. If the base isn’t too thick, you don’t need to cut out a round piece in the center for the log.

However, if the base is from a thick piece of plywood or hardwood, you might want to cut out a piece to ensure that you can attach the log in the next step.

Wrapping the base with fabric makes it safer and more appealing to cats because they like soft surfaces.

If your cat doesn’t like clawing horizontal surfaces, you can choose soft plush material instead of carpet or sisal fabric for your cat to rest on it.

If you have sewing skills or know someone who can do it for you, consider making a removable scratching post base cover for easy washing and replacement.

Attach the Log to the Base

Now, you should have the base and the post ready and can move on to assembling your project. Drill two holes in the points you’ve marked at the bottom of your scratching post base.

Then, turn the log upside down and place the base on top of it, also upside down. Use a drill and screws to attach the log to the base.

You can make more holes for extra security – two are the minimum. A single screw is unlikely to hold a tall log properly without wobbling. Flip the post over and check whether the scratching post is stable by shaking it.

If the post doesn’t appear stable enough, you will need to either make a new, heavier base or cut the log down a few inches.

Optional Add-Ons

Your scratching post is now ready, but you can add a platform at the top or a toy to make the post more appealing to your pet.

For a platform, cut a square piece of hardwood or plywood. The process is the same as making the scratching post base. You should ensure that there are no sharp or rough edges left.

The platform at the top of your post should be smaller than the base for balance. If it’s the same size as the base, the scratching post will be easy to flip over.

Then, attach the platform to the log’s top using a drill and screws. You need to attach the platform before you cover it with fabric to hide the screw caps.

Cover the platform with soft material like faux fur to make a cozy resting place for your four-legged friend. You can even make soft, warm padding from wool or cotton.

Additionally, you can wrap the top of the log under the platform with a wide piece of the same material for aesthetic purposes. It’s an easy way to hide the sisal rope’s end.

You can attach a toy hanging on a sisal rope under the platform using a staple gun. Alternatively, ditch the platform and attach the toy to the top of the log.

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