How to Make a Cat Scratching Post: DIY Guide for a Happy Cat & Home

Introduction: Why make your own scratching post?

According to an ASPCA survey, 78% of cat owners want to DIY their cat’s scratching needs and save money (commercially available scratching posts cost $50+, homemade posts can be made for up to 60% less).

Homemade scratching posts can not only be customized in size and material according to your cat’s habits, but can also be integrated into your home’s style.

this article combines the safety standards of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the cat behavioral research conducted by the University of California, Davis (UC Davis), to provide a guide to the whole process from material selection to assembly, to help you create your own! “cat-friendly”.

Material preparation: safety and durability is the first criterion (with material red and black list)

1.List of core materials (base model gripping post)

parts	Recommended materials	Safety standards	Cost references
Cylinders	Pine / Birch (solid without knots)	Formaldehyde-free, density ≥ 0.6g/cm³	$15-25
base	Plywood (1.5cm thick) or high-density fiberboard	Load capacity ≥ 25 lbs (AVMA certified anti-tip)	$10-15
Claw grinding layer	Natural Sisal Rope (6-8mm diameter)/Fique Rope	APPA certified non-toxic material	$8-12
Hardware	Stainless steel screws (rust-proof), L-shaped bracket	The surface is smooth and burr-free	$5-8

2.Advanced materials (personalized design)

• Top platform: pine tray (increase cat resting area, 30% increase in usage, ISFM study)
• Catnip spray: naturally attracts cats to use it (UIUC test shows 40% increase in active usage)
• Anti-skid pads: rubber pads (suitable for wood/tile floors, 50% increase in friction)

3.Material Avoidance Guide

• ❌ Avoid synthetic fiber cords (cats hate the texture and tend to break and entangle their paws)
• ❌ Reject cork with a density of <0.5g/cm³ (cracks within 3 months, tested by Amazon users)

Step-by-Step: 6 Steps to Creating a Scientific Grip Post (with Dimensioning Formula)

Step 1: Measure the cat’s standing height (key!)

• Formula: Ideal post height = cat standing height × 1.5 (Example: 30cm high cat needs 45cm post, suitable for 90% adult cats, UC Davis data)
• Measurement: vertical height from shoulder to paw when the cat is standing upright (can be measured with a ruler after taking a photo)

Step 2: Cutting the wood (tool: electric saw / hand saw)

• Post: cut solid wood according to the measured height (it is recommended to leave a 2cm balance to ensure that the cat is fully stretched) (It is recommended to leave a 2cm margin to ensure that the cat is fully extended.)
• Base: cut into a square / round shape, side length ≥ column height ÷ 3 (e.g. 45cm column needs ≥ 15cm base, core parameter of anti-tipping)

Step 3: Assemble the column and base

1.Drill holes at the bottom of the column, and fasten it to the center of the base with 2.5cm stainless steel screws.

2.L-shaped bracket (especially for taller columns): the base connects to the column at all four corners, improving stability by 20%.

Step 4: Twisting the claw layer (core process)

Sisal rope twisting method:

1.environmental protection glue is applied at the bottom of the column, and the rope head is fixed and then spiraled upwards (spacing of 1cm to ensure that it is tight and there is no gap)

2.5cm of rope head is reserved at the top, and it is doubly fixed with glue and screws to prevent it from falling off.

Advanced tips: spray diluted catnip water every 10cm to enhance the attractiveness of cats.

Step 5: Sanding and Safety Inspection

• Sandpaper all edges of the wood until smooth (roughness ≤ 32μm, to prevent scratching the cat’s meat pad)
• Shake the scratching post to test the stability: no shaking of the base and no tilting of the post (to simulate a scene of full force scratching by cats)

Step 6: Personalized Decoration (optional)

• Top Platform: screw a pine pallet to fix the top platform, and lay imitation fur mats (suitable for Nordic style homes)
• Color Design: Paint the column with water-based paint (choose one that is not repulsive to cats). Gray / Beige, Pantone 14-0106 TCX recommended)

TIP: Directly refer to the Noba Classic 28″ Scratching Post – Black Faux Fur for the perfect blend of functionality, durability and style. Designed to fulfill your cat’s natural instincts, this cat scratching post is crafted with premium materials to ensure long-lasting durability while enhancing the aesthetics of your home.

Scientific design: make the homemade scratching post more popular with cats

1.3 design principles in line with cat behavior

• Vertical priority: 72% of cats prefer vertical scratching (ASPCA behavioral study), so avoid designing a scratching post with a horizontal scratching board.
• Variety of textures: multi-cat households can wrap different materials in different areas (sisal for active cats, corrugated paper for introverted cats).
• Height adaptation: For elderly cats/short-legged cats (such as Manx), the column height can be reduced by 10% (about 1.3 times the standing height)

2.Home integration tips

• Small home: design collapsible base (40% less space), or wall-mounted grab poles (utilize vertical space)
• Scandinavian: keep the original color of the wood, with white sisal rope, seamlessly integrate with IKEA (Pinterest blogger’s test case)
• Industrial: metal bracket + dark sisal, suitable for Loft apartments (refer to “Modern Cat” 2025) Design Trends for 2025 in Modern Cat)

Frequently Asked Questions (to solve DIY pain points)

Q1: What should I do if my homemade scratching post is not used by my cat?

Veterinarian’s advice:

• Placement: near the furniture that cats often scratch (e.g. next to the sofa), spray natural catnip
• Positive incentives: feed snacks when scratching, establish the conditioned reflex of “Scratching Pole = Reward” (avoid punitive training)

Q2: How to prolong the service life of homemade scratching poles?

Maintenance Tips:

• Check the knots every month: reinforce loose ends with glue and partially replace them when they are badly worn (retain 30% of the original rope body and keep the familiar smell of cats)
• Anti-skid base: stick 3M anti-skid pads to prevent the base from sliding when scratching (especially on tiled floors)

Q3: Limited budget, are there alternative materials?

Economical solution:

• Pillar: old table/chair legs (sterilized and used to ensure no peeling of paint)
• Claw grinding layer: corrugated paper of express carton (stacked in 3 layers, fixed with hot melt adhesive, suitable for the transition period of kittens)

Cat Scratching Post FAQ

Q: Can I use corrugated cardboard instead of sisal?

A: Yes, but it needs to be replaced every 3 months. It is recommended as a temporary solution and sisal is still recommended for long-term use.

Q: What should I do if my cat won’t touch the new scratching post at all?

A: Try the 3-step first aid method:

• Spray Feliway pheromone spray Spray Feliway
• Place a cat sleeping mat next to the scratching post
• Play cat purring ASMR every day for 3 consecutive days

Q: How many scratching posts are needed for a multi-cat household?

A: Follow the N+1 principle (N=number of cats). For example, 3 cats need 4 scratching posts and apply different scents to differentiate the territory.

Homemade cat scratching post, let love and creativity guard the cat nature

Every step of the way, from measuring the size to winding the sisal rope, is a deep understanding of your cat’s needs.

The homemade scratching post that follows scientific standards not only fulfills the instincts of claw sharpening, stretching and marking, but also becomes a unique piece of pet furniture in your home. Grab the tools now and use your hands to create an exclusive space for your cat — your DIY results will be the warmest proof of human-cat interaction.

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