Every cat parent knows our furry friends like a good old scratch now and again. After all, it’s part of their evolutionary DNA!
So, if your cat has been scratching on your favorite couch – we have the answer! Cat scratching posts are the perfect solution. They provide somewhere for your cat to sharpen their claws and stretch their muscles while leaving your furniture intact.
We’ve hunted out 8 of the very best plans to teach you how to build a cat scratching post. There’s something to suit all budgets, house styles, and levels of DIY skill.
For each plan, we’ve included a list of the materials and tools you’ll need, as well as the skill level required.
The 8 Best DIY Cat Scratching Post Plans
1. Dream a Little Bigger DIY Cat Scratching Post
Skill Level: Medium
This heavy-duty scratching post designed by Dream a Little Bigger is sturdy enough to keep even the biggest kitties satisfied. It includes some decorative wood trim around the sides and top as well as a carpet base that you can easily match to your existing décor, and you can learn how to make a cat scratching post with rope in these instructions.
- Plywood
- Wooden post
- Wood trim
- Wood glue
- Nails
- Sisal rope
- Wood stain
- Carpet or rug
- Screws
- Decorative cap
- Miter box
- Hack saw
- Hammer
- Power drill
2. WikiHow DIY Scratching Post with Rope for Cats
Skill Level: Medium
This easy to make scratching post from WikiHow can be covered in either sisal rope or carpet. Make one of each and see which your cat prefers!
- Plywood
- Carpet or sisal rope
- Staples
- 4×4” wooden post
- Wood screws
- Beveled wood square
- Saw
- Scissors
- Staple gun
- Screwdriver
3. DIY PVC Scratching Post by DIY for Homeowners
Skill Level: Medium
This video tutorial by the mother-daughter team at DIY for Homeowners is easy to follow and makes use of a cheap piece of PVC pipe to create the post that is then covered in sisal rope.
- Wood circle
- Felt
- Spray adhesive
- Glue
- Saw
- Screws
- Pen
- Craft knife
- Hot glue gun
- Screwdriver
- Drill
4. DIY Extra-Large Cat Scratching Post from The Craft Chronicles
Skill Level: Beginner to Medium
If you’ve got a large breed cat then you might find that standard height scratching posts just aren’t tall enough for them to stretch out fully.
This video tutorial from The Craft Chronicles is extra-tall so it will suit your larger-than-life cat perfectly.
- Sisal rope
- Plywood
- 4×4” wooden post
- Paint
- Edge binding
- Varnish
- Hot glue
- Screws
- Saw
- Sandpaper
- Hot glue gun
- Screwdriver
- Drill
5. DIY Cactus Cat Scratch Post by Create & Craft TV
Skill Level: Medium
This tutorial from Create & Craft TV will take you step-by-step through the process of making a vibrant cactus cat scratcher!
- Plywood
- Fake grass
- PVC piping
- Concrete
- Green sisal rope
- Hot glue gun
- Spray paint
- Felt flowers
- Scissors
- Glue
- Hot glue gun
6. Instructables DIY Cardboard Cat Scratcher
Skill Level: Beginner to Medium
This eye-catching scratching post from Instructables is made by building layers of cardboard up around a central post. Some cats love to scratch on cardboard and the bonus is that you can refresh this by replacing it once it’s all scratched! We love this DIY cardboard cat scratcher!
- Cardboard
- Mortar
- Box
- Wall putty
- Washer and nuts
- Threaded rod
- Drill
- Wrench
- Ruler
- Knife
- Saw
- Trowel
- Basin
- If you’d rather opt to buy: 10 Best Cat Scratchers 2020 & Reviews & Top Picks
7. DIY Tiger Stripes Cat Scratching Post by Instructables
Skill Level: Beginner to Medium
If your tabby thinks they’re a bit of a tiger, indulge them with this stripy scratching post from Instructables! Using a cardboard tube as the post makes this plan cheap and easy too.
- Cardboard tube
- Sisal or jute rope
- Plywood or MDF
- Screws
- Tiger-striped carpet
- Jar lid
- Hot glue gun
- Scissors
- Screwdriver
8. DIY Minimal and Modern Cat Scratching Post by Evan and Katelyn
Skill Level: Beginner to Medium
If you’re looking for something a bit different, this minimal and modern cat scratching post by Evan and Katelyn is designed to sit comfortably over the arm of your couch.
As this is where your cat loves to scratch anyway, this is a great option! While the YouTube tutorial uses a lot of tools you can achieve the same with a lot fewer!
- Wood
- Screws
- Sisal rope
- Saw
- Screwdriver
- Drill
- Related Read: How to Stop a Cat From Scratching Itself & Is It Normal?
- See also: Sandpaper Cat Scratcher: Is It a Good Idea?
Conclusion
That’s it! Hopefully, you found something in our roundup of the best 8 cat scratching posts which catches your eye.
Whether you’re after a minimal post or a fun and bright one sure to be a conversation piece, there’s plenty to teach you how to build a cat scratching post to the likings of your feline.
We’re sure your cat will thank you!
- You might also be interested in: Home Remedies to Stop a Cat from Scratching and Clawing
Featured Image: EbneRol, Shutterstock
Contents Overview
- The 8 Best DIY Cat Scratching Post Plans
- 1. Dream a Little Bigger DIY Cat Scratching Post
- Skill Level: Medium
- 2. WikiHow DIY Scratching Post with Rope for Cats
- Skill Level: Medium
- 3. DIY PVC Scratching Post by DIY for Homeowners
- Skill Level: Medium
- 4. DIY Extra-Large Cat Scratching Post from The Craft Chronicles
- Skill Level: Beginner to Medium
- 5. DIY Cactus Cat Scratch Post by Create & Craft TV
- Skill Level: Medium
- 6. Instructables DIY Cardboard Cat Scratcher
- Skill Level: Beginner to Medium
- 7. DIY Tiger Stripes Cat Scratching Post by Instructables
- Skill Level: Beginner to Medium
- 8. DIY Minimal and Modern Cat Scratching Post by Evan and Katelyn
- Skill Level: Beginner to Medium
- Conclusion