How To Make A Cat Scratching Post From A Log

Cats love to scratch because it helps them stretch their bodies and maintain their claws. As such, you might find them clawing away at your favorite furniture or your lovely drapes. To combat this issue, you might be considering making your cat scratching post. To help you out, we have researched how to make your own scratching post using a log and a piece of plywood.

To make a cat scratching post from a log, you should:

  1. Prepare your materials.
  2. Cut the log and base to the correct size.
  3. Wrap a rope or fabric around the log.
  4. Add fabric to the base of the post.
  5. Attach the log to the base.
  6. Place the scratching post in an area that is easy to reach.

Knowing how to make a scratching post opens up several different questions. Is wood a good material for a scratching post? What kind of materials should I use? Continue reading to find out everything there is to know about making a DIY scratching post for your cat.

Spotted domestic cat sharpening claws on a scratching post, How To Make A Cat Scratching Post From A Log

Creating A Cat Scratching Post Using A Log

To create a scratching post from a log for your feline pets, follow these detailed steps:

1. Prepare Your Materials

For this project, you will need a log made of hardwood such as oak, maple, or redwood. You can use plywood for the base of the scratching post.

You will also need rope or fabric. Sisal rope, cotton rope, or woven sisal fabric would do well for scratching posts.

The rope should be at least 50 feet in length to ensure that it wraps around the entirety of the log. If you decide to use fabric, you should make sure that it is long enough to embrace the log without any gaps.

You will also need a saw, staple gun, and an electric drill (or a screwdriver with bits and driver heads). You will also need eye and ear protection when you work with the saw and drill.

2. Cut The Wood To The Right Size

Using a measuring tape, you should measure your cat from the tip of its nose to the base of its tail. This measurement will allow you to find the optimal size for your scratching post.

The log should have at least 2 inches in diameter and at least 31 inches tall. This size allows your cat to stretch completely and scratch as comfortably as possible.

To learn more about the optimal height of your cat’s scratching post, check out this helpful article: How Tall Should A Cat Scratching Post Be?

For the base of the scratching post, you will need a piece of plywood. The base should be square around a foot long on each side so that the log can stay stable and upright.

You can cut the log and the plywood to size by using a saw. It would be best to sand any rough edges to prevent hurting you or your pet.

Afterward, mark a line on the plywood from corner to corner. You can then mark two drill areas depending on the diameter of your log.

3. Wrap A Rope Or Fabric To The Log

Grab one end of the rope and vertically staple it at the bottom of the log. Vertical staples are necessary to avoid catching your cat’s claw, which could get its claw stuck and injure your cat.

Wrap the rope around as tightly as you can. Continue wrapping until you leave at least 6 inches at the top of the log.

Using a woven sisal fabric is easier since all you have to do is wrap the fabric around the log. Once you wrap it around once, you can staple the ends vertically and trim off the excess.

4. Add Fabric To The Base 

Cats enjoy vertical and horizontal scratching posts. As such, it would help if you also add fabric to the base of your scratching post.

You can simply stretch a piece of an old carpet or woven sisal fabric over the board. Afterward, staple the edges to the bottom of the base.

5. Attach The Log To The Base

Now that both the log and base are ready, you can now attach them. Drill a hole onto the areas you have marked on the bottom.

Afterward, you can place the base over the log and drill pilot holes. Once the holes are made, you can use the drill or a screwdriver to attach them until the log is secured.

6. Place The Log For Your Cat’s Use

Now that the scratching post is ready, you can place it in a prominent area in your home where your cat can easily access it.

Cats love to scratch after a nap, so the best place to put the scratching post is next to your cat’s favorite napping spot.

Different cats use their scratchers at different times. To find out more about when your cat scratches and where you should put your scratcher, check out this post: How Often Do Cats Use The Scratching Post?

Can Cats Use Wood As A Scratching Post?

Closeup of a household cat using a scratching post

Yes, wood is a good material for cats to use as scratching posts. In the wild, cats use tree bark as natural scratching material, so wooden posts are not so different.

Wood is an excellent natural scratching material for cats because it is durable and long-lasting.

What Is The Rope On Cat Scratching Post?

The rope used on most scratching posts is made of sisal fibers. Sisal ropes are wonderful scratching materials because they are durable and allow cats to sharpen their claws without hurting them.

What Is The Best Material To Use For A Cat Scratching Post?

A domestic cat using a scratching post

Cats scratch to stretch their body and maintain their nails. And so, they require scratching posts of good length made from solid and stable materials.

Aside from wood, the following materials are great options for your cat’s scratching posts and mats:

Sisal

An excellent material to use is rope and fabric. Sisal ropes are durable and incredibly satisfying for cats to scratch on.

Sisal ropes are resistant to wear and tear, which contributes to their longevity. Sisal ropes also do not look dull and worn even after consistent use.

Although resistant to damage, sisal ropes will eventually fray. When it begins to fray, sisal ropes become sharp and uncomfortable for cats to scratch on. This discomfort may dissuade your cat from ever using it again and will look for other alternatives such as your couch.

To prevent this, you can opt for woven sisal scratching posts. Woven sisal fabrics are more resistant to shredding and damage compared to their rope counterpart.

Cardboard

Cardboard is an inexpensive alternative to wood and other high-quality scratching posts. You can buy cardboard from most local stores and get them through deliveries.

Cats love cardboard because of the feel and sound that they make when scratched.

The downside to cardboard is that it shreds quickly. Cats love scratching on cardboard, so you can expect to find bits and pieces around your home every time your cats use it.

Carpet

Albeit a more expensive option, carpet and other durable fabrics are great scratching materials for cats. If you do decide to use carpets as scratching materials, you should opt for cut fiber carpets because shaggy rugs are highly susceptible to wear and tear.

Can I Use Cotton Rope For A Cat Scratching Post?

cat scratching paws standing on sisal cat tower

Yes, you can use cotton rope for a cat scratching post. Cotton rope is soft and biodegradable, so it can be used around animals without posing any danger to their health.

Although cotton ropes are primarily decorative, you can use braided cotton ropes instead of traditional coiled ones. Braided cotton ropes are more robust and longer-lasting compared to regular cotton ropes.

In Closing

Spotted domestic cat sharpening claws on a scratching post, How To Make A Cat Scratching Post From A Log

Scratching posts are a great way to relieve a cat’s tension by allowing them to satisfy their instinct to stretch and maintain their claws. To meet their needs, you can create a scratching post using materials in your home.

By following six simple steps, you can help your cat fulfill its innate desire to scratch while protecting your beloved furniture from damage.

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