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10 Awesome Ideas for a Cat Scratching Post

Scratching is a natural and an important part of your cat’s day.

Cats scratch to remove layers of their claws and to mark their territory or even flex their paws and muscles. But no one can afford to let little Fluffy tear up their furniture.

So, we have compiled this list of 10 cool new ideas for your next DIY cat scratching post.

1. Materials

Before you get started choosing a theme, you need to make sure you are working with only the safest materials.

If you are remodeling an old post, you will want to remove any potential safety hazards first. These include nails or badly chipped wood.

More than simply wanting to provide your cat with an alternative to ruining your furniture, you want to keep them safe. So, don’t skip this step!

After getting rid of anything that could harm your cat, you will want to get your hands on some sisal rope. Its strong fibers give it a lasting durability while also attracting your cat to it. Plus, it’s affordable.

2. How to Build Your Cat Scratching Post

No matter which design you go with, if you are going to DIY your cat’s new cat scratching post, you will want to make sure you have a basic outline for what you’re doing. You also ned the right tools and design plans.

It’s good to have a nice sturdy base and at least one main post, regardless of your other design aspirations. You can get really creative or keep it simple and sweet for your feline friend.

3. Choosing a Design

There are many different types of post you can go with. So, you will want to stay informed of your choices.

First off, you have your traditional post. This is usually made with a four-by-four and some kind of square base. You can add a landing or pedestal at different intervals to further please your feline companion.

Or, you can try experimenting with something new and work with inclines or multi-surface scratching “posts.” These include options such as cubes or triangle-based planes.

You will want to consider multiple features that each design has to offer, such as:

  • height
  • quality
  • sturdiness, and
  • style

And that’s just to name a few considerations. The possibilities are endless. Below, you will find a list of some of the most exciting and creative ones.

4. Lord Of The Rings

Now, you have the proper materials gathered and your basic structure chosen. Next, you will want to start exploring different themes. There are many different books and movies from which to choose.

We found this nifty Tolkien-inspired cat scratching post complete with a hobbit hole replica. But that can be a bit time-consuming. So, here are a few other ideas you can try.

5. Remodeling

If bringing the Shire to your home is a bit too much for you, you can start with reworking some old furniture already in the house.

Take a castoff desk or an old bench to use for the frame. Then, apply some of the earlier steps we have written about to create a simple yet great way to keep your cat entertained.

Using the materials and techniques mentioned above, you can easily repurpose old furniture. You can keep your cat happy at the same time, not to mention reduce your costs.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with the structure of the design. Pull from multiple inspirational sources to find what works best for you and your cat.

6. The Theme Is Themes

If you are looking for a simpler version of the Lord Of The Rings example, why not try finding inspiration in another favorite novel or film series?

We found these Harry Potter-themed scratch posts you might like to try out. Any one of them is guaranteed to keep your furry pal from damaging your furniture.

And if you don’t care for The Boy Who Lived, take a look at these three other themed cat scratching posts.

7. Do It For the Kits and the Kids

Taking the theme or patterns from a children’s film or book is a great way to please the kitty and amuse the kids at the same time. You can take an old stool or unused chair and remake it into your cat scratching post.

This simple and sweet little stool condo makeover is sure to go over well with your furry friend and your children.

8. It’s-a me, Mario!

Calling all gamers! Calling all Ninety’s Kids!

This Super Mario-themed cat scratching post is cute and tiny, but easy to make. It’s sure to bring back old memories for you while helping your feline friend make some new ones.

Of course, there are dozens of other video game themed posts you can try if Super Mario Bros isn’t up your alley.

9. Cat-tus

And for our last themed cat scratching post, we just could not resist including this cat cactus-themed cat scratching post because obviously it is just too cute.

Bring the desert home with you and decorate to your heart’s content to give your little fur ball the perfect perch.

10. Incorporate

You can even choose to build the cat scratching post around the already existing fixtures and/or furniture in your house. Here is a creative way to reimagine the spindles on your staircase.

And like in our earlier example, you can always repurpose old furniture. You can even simply take your cat’s established favorite spot and spice it up.

It’s DIY Time

Whichever design or theme you decide to go with, it’s just as important to have fun when building it!

Remember, you’re taking steps to not just to protect your home. You’re also keeping your little kitty happy and safe. You’ve got all the right materials. Now, all you need is the right attitude.

No matter which cat scratching post idea you choose, we know your special kitty is worth it.

And just like you checked all the materials and structural components to insure your feline friend’s safety, we hope you’ll continue to bring your cat in for the care they need.