You can keep your cats energized with a scratching post. However, they can be picky with the type of rope. Choosing the suitable material can foster healthy scratching. One material that cats like is sisal rope, but you have yet to find out how much of it is needed to make your cat scratching post. We've done the research to provide you with the answer.
The length of sisal rope you need for a scratching post depends on the following:
- Size or thickness of the sisal rope
- Height and circumference of the scratching post
Based on the length obtained, you will need to calculate how many times you need to wrap the sisal rope around the post. After getting the correct value, multiply this with the post circumference.
Regardless of whether you are creating a DIY scratch post or replacing an old scratcher, the right amount of rope can save your expenses. If the rope firmly attaches to the post, your cats will love to use it. Keep reading to learn how you can measure sisal rope for a cat scratching post.
How To Calculate The Sisal Rope Needed For A Cat Post
Before buying sisal rope, calculate the length you need by following the procedure below:
- Select the sisal rope thickness you need for the scratch post.
- Measure the length of the scratch post.
- To determine how many times you need to wrap the rope on the post, divide the length by 1/4. For example, if you select a 36-inch post and 1/4-inch rope, you will need to wrap the post 144 times. If you choose a 3/8-inch rope, you will divide it by 0.375.
- Wrap some rope on the post to measure its circumference. You can do the same for square-shaped posts.
- After doing so, multiply the circumference by the times you need to wrap the post.
- Buy enough sisal rope to cover the scratch post. You can buy sisal rope by the foot or in 100 feet coil.
Continue reading to learn the specific details on measuring the scratching post length.
How Do You Measure A Sisal Rope Scratching Post?
When measuring for the scratching post, you must consider your cat's condition and scratching behavior. Some cats can stretch long, while some smaller or weaker cats have a shorter reach. The scratching position varies depending on the direction in which the cat is comfortable.
In general, it is best to choose a scratching post that allows your cat to stretch itself on the post. You should pick a tall post if your cat is tall. Measure the cat while standing on its hind legs and stretching its front legs as far as possible. Do not include the length of the tail when measuring.
Also, note that horizontal scratch post height will differ from vertical scratch post. There is a difference in the scratching angle. Horizontal scratchers are shorter because cats usually bend or sit over them when scratching.
You can buy a vertical scratching post that is around 31 inches. Tall cat breeds can have as much as 41 inches for the height of the post. For the horizontal type, 18 inches is already good.
Find out more from this article: How Tall Should A Cat Scratching Post Be?
What Size Sisal Rope Is Used On A Scratching Post?
After you determine the suitable scratching post height, the next thing to do is select the right sisal rope thickness. The common sizes for sisal rope are 1/4 or 3/8 inches. It is easier to attach the 1/8-inch rope on the post, yet the 3/8-inch is more durable.
A 1/2-inch rope is also available, but it is not that thick and is less durable than the other two options.
How Do You Attach Sisal To A Scratching Post?
Before you start attaching the sisal rope, you must prepare the following supplies:
- Spool of sisal rope (untreated)
- Scissors
- Two 1 and 1/2-inch nails
- Glue gun and glue stick (or quick-dry glue that is non-toxic for cats)
- Old or new scratching post
After gathering the supplies listed, you can now attach the sisal. You can do this as a DIY project or with someone's help. Follow the directions below:
- Remove the old sisal covering on the scratch post. Use pliers to detach if there are nails or staples on the post. Otherwise, use a scraper and scissors to remove the glued sisal.
- After disposing of the old sisal, start by gluing the sisal rope from the bottom going up. Attach the end of the rope by nailing it on the platform.
- Add glue as you wrap around the post while pressing the rope firmly.
- Continue wrapping until you reach the topmost part of the post. Cut and glue the sisal.
- After the glue dries, use a nail to secure it on the post. Make sure that you conceal the nails properly to avoid any injury to the cats.
- If there are gaps on the post, fill them in by following steps 2 to 3.
Remember the following tips when choosing sisal for a scratching post:
If you notice that your cats do not use the post, they might not like the scent of or a chemically-treated sisal rope. You might need to replace the wrapped post with an untreated sisal rope. You can buy one online or in-store, but check if it is a natural fiber from the sisal plant.
Aside from the rope, the glue you use may not be pleasing to the cats. The glue you use might give off a toxic smell that can harm cats.
Check out this post to learn What Kind Of Glue Is Safe To Use On Cat Trees And Scratching Posts?
Why Is Sisal Rope Good For Scratching Posts?
Cats love sisal rope scratching posts. Sisal can withstand the tenacity of your cats' claws because of its proven durability. Sisal comes from the agave plant, an extremely stiff material popular for cat scratching posts and trees. It is also an environment-friendly material.
While most cats like their scratching posts to resemble the texture of tree bark, sisal's rough texture can easily entice cats to use the post. The rope makes cats feel as if they are in the wild. If you choose sisal, you won't have to worry about damages to your furniture.
Cats favor sisal while clawing because the material allows a smooth shedding of their claws. The sisal fibers will not become sharp, and your cats will keep coming back scratching on the post.
Click here to see this sisal rope on Amazon.
Is Jute Rope The Same As Sisal?
Both jute and sisal rope are from natural fibers. You can use both types of rope for scratching posts. Yet there are distinct properties you will see as follows:
| Sisal | Jute |
| Made from agave plant fiber | From stalks of the jute plant |
| Stiffest and most coarse | Soft natural fiber |
| Creamy white hue | Natural brown hue |
| Most durable and long-lasting |
Least durable |
| More expensive | Less expensive |
Jute is also common for making burlap bags, sacks, and carpet backing. Its softness feels like wool. If your cats want a softer texture for their scratch posts, you can still select this material.
In Closing
Sisal rope is an excellent choice for cat scratching posts. If you plan to make one or replace a worn-out post, purchasing the right amount of rope you need will save your costs. You will need to choose the suitable rope thickness and determine the length and circumference of the post.
You can attach the rope to the scratching post after picking the right height and sisal rope size and length. Follow the directions to attach the sisal. Also, be careful of nails and glue that can harm your cats. With the right sisal rope length, you can create a fantastic scratch post for your cats.
Read more about cat scratching posts in these other articles: