What to wrap a scratching post for a cat

Now that we understand the types of designs and materials, we can move on to the main question – what is the best scratching post to choose. The answer is largely individual, because cats have different habits, and owners have different ideas about beauty and budget possibilities. But there are some guidelines.

I show you how to make a vertical scratching post with your own hands in just 1 hour, which the cats will be delighted with

I have 3 pets living at home who love to play, often freak out and love to peck everything in a row. I decided to make them a large vertical scratching post so they can sharpen their claws.

• Plastic pipe with a diameter of 70 mm;
• A piece of countertop;
• Metal corners, self-tapping screws, screws with nuts and washers;
• Metal hacksaw, tape measure, marker, pliers, knife;
• Screwdriver;
• Jute twine with a diameter of 12mm;
• Carpeting;
• PVA glue;
• Hot glue, PVA glue and stapler;

I want to note that for the manufacture of this scratching post I bought only jute twine (20 meters at a price of 15 rubles per meter) and a piece of carpeting, all the rest I had.

You can use instead of carpeting some old tent or other suitable material.

Making a scratching post

In specialized stores for animals, you can find a variety of designs for sharpening claws – overhead, angular, in the form of mazes or simple posts. But a self-made scratching post has several advantages:

• Saving money, because the self-made design will cost several times cheaper than a store-bought one.
• For manufacturing and decorating you can use any materials, taking into account what will fit in your interior.
• If you try hard, you can construct a whole play complex with a variety of columns, shelves and transitions. Such mazes are quite difficult to find in the store.
• The construction details can be adjusted to the size of the pet. What is available in specialized stores is made to standard sizes and does not always fit the size and age of the pet.

To make a regular scratching post, you only need two things – a post and a rope. About what kind of rope to use for a scratching post, we will talk a little later.

Types of scratching post

What kind of scratching post you get as a result depends only on your desire, skills and the amount of time spent on making it. The simplest standard post with strings wrapped around it will take you a maximum of an hour. If you decide to collect an interesting play complex for one or more pets, you will have to work hard and allocate a lot more time.

The simplest version of the play complex consists of several posts and a shelf fixed at the top, where the pet can rest. The rest of the details are just up to your imagination.

Top 8 best ropes for scratching posts

Anastasia Ignatyeva Author and editor of the project ZooTop.info "I love animals, especially my cat Josie. Together with you, based on the opinion of experts, we will figure out what products are best to choose for our pets."

Itchy claws are a real problem for cat owners. Spoiled furniture and mood – a reason to install a scratching post, which will provide a comfortable cohabitation of people and representatives of the cat. And then there is no need to let the animal outside. To make it yourself, it is recommended to buy jute or sisal rope. Our rating will help you choose the best option.

We have selected for you the best product in our rating according to our experts. In 99% of cases it is the best choice according to this rating.

Sisal

Twisted wire products made from the shoots of agave sisal, a crop that grows in Mexico, South America, Africa and a number of other tropical and subtropical areas. It has gained popularity in the manufacture of scratchers. The raw material is obtained from fresh untreated leaf plates by crushing and drying them. Sisal rope will last as a "tree for the cat" for at least a year due to its "shaggy" and reliable weaving structure. But it costs an order of magnitude higher than jute rope.

In first place was a rope with the optimal diameter for the own production of a scratcher (aka rag). The product has very high rates of strength and durability. Of the features stand out the triple stranding of the product and twist, which provide a harmonious winding, for example, a pipe – it will turn into a tree trunk.

Sisal rope is elastic and strong, environmentally friendly. It will help in making furniture for the cat. The pet will be able to sharpen its claws without causing material damage to the owner. If it is used, it will also avoid the unpleasant sounds made by scratching other surfaces. Sisal rope is lighter in weight than jute rope, it does not absorb moisture so it rots less, which prolongs its life span. Elongation under load is 6-10%. The product has a beautiful light color.

About the harm of claw removal

To teach a cat to use a scratching post, it takes a lot of patience and time. Many owners who do not want to burden themselves with the education of the pet, may decide to take such a step as onychectomy, ie, removal of the claw phalanx (surgery "soft feet"). By the way, you can read a separate article about this operation on our portal.

It is in this operation that people see the solution to their problems with a naughty animal, forgetting about the irreparable damage they do to the cat. Without claws, the pet becomes disabled, cannot move around normally, and has to literally learn to walk again, shifting the center of gravity from the toes to the heel. This is equivalent to a person having their toes cut off.

This operation is detrimental to the musculoskeletal apparatus of the pet, problems with internal organs are possible, not to mention the fact that the removal of the claws will completely "unbalance" the cat, making it insecure and fearful. Once on the street, such an animal is unlikely to last long.

Fortunately, many veterinary clinics are vehemently opposed to onychectomy and refuse to provide this service to owners who apply.

An excellent substitute for "soft paws" is the use of anti-scratchers. About what to choose and how to put them on a cat, read our site.

How to train a cat to use a scratching post

As soon as the cat scratcher appeared in the house, you need to attract the attention of the animal to the new thing. You can hang a toy on a string, a bow or a ball on it so the cat will notice it.

When the cat comes to the scratching post, you should praise it and stroke it so that the animal understands that the owner approves of its actions. You can gently take the cat's paw, lay it on the scratching post and move it down so that the cat will understand how to use the object.

In case your pet has forgotten about the scratching post and is spoiling other things, you needn't offend the cat, just take it to the scratching post so that the cat will understand that you may not sharpen its claws there, and that you may do it here.

In some cases you may also use a few drops of valerian on the surface of the device, then the cat won't pass by.

Trying to wean the cat from sharpening its claws is impractical and unreasonable, since the animal will do it anyway due to its natural need. You can either make a scratching post with your own hands, or buy a ready-made one in a pet store.

Where to put the scratching post

Often it is placed where it is less visible. But cats have their own ideas about where to sharpen claws.

You do remember that it is not only a manicure, but also a signal to other cats that the territory is occupied, right? That's why the walls or furniture near the entrance to the apartment, the door to the room or the kitchen often suffer. Hang a vertical scratching post on the wall nearby and the cat will enjoy using it. A comfortable height for the cat to stretch out sharpening its claws.

Cats also mark their routes, which is why projecting corners in corridors so often suffer. The situation is also saved by a wall scratching post, especially a corner one.

Many cats like to stretch and nip something after waking up. If she does not sleep in a scratching post, put or place a separate one nearby.

It is better to place the scratching post so that the cat can observe the whole room. This way she will feel safe, because no enemy will sneak up unnoticed. From large complexes it is also interesting to watch what is happening outside (through the window).

Rope for a scratching post: which one to choose?

The most important problem for cat owners is the scratching of claws. This affects the furniture and, as a consequence, the mood. The best way to prevent these troubles is to install a scratching post. But why overpay for a ready-made one when you can turn on YouTube and your imagination and make your own scratching post, which will perfectly suit you not only in size, but also in color and design filling. And if you have already decided to build a house for the pet yourself, the most important thing is to choose the right rope for the scratching post, and how to do this we will now understand together.

You can find a bunch of different scratching posts at any pet store. Overhead, angular, posts and even mazes. What not only did not come up! But if you make it yourself, you get a lot of advantages:

• Saving money. Making your own will cost several times less than in the store.
• You can choose any materials you want. Only you can see what will suit your interior better.
• The ability to adjust the design to the size of the pet . In stores, everything is made according to standard sizes. Very often they do not fit the size and age of your pet.
• You can continue the construction and create a whole play complex! In the process of creation, you can get carried away and create a whole entertainment complex for the cat. It may have posts, shelves and transitions. You won't find these in stores for sure.

How long does it take to make a scratching post?

What you get depends only on your skills, abilities and time. If you want the simplest version, as a pole wrapped in rope, then you only need an hour of time. Well, if you plan to build a whole rope town for your pet, it will take much more time.

Before you choose the rope material, you need to calculate the required length. If you just want to replace the old claw rope with a new one, then take it off and measure it. In case you need to calculate the meterage for a new post, then use this formula:

Calculate: Rope length = (90/0.6) *3.14*13 = 6123 cm. To calculate in meters, divide 6123 by 100 and we get 61.23 meters. . The rope with a diameter of 6 to 10 mm is considered the best for use in the claw. Of course, the diameter will depend not only on the length of the rope, but also on the final appearance of the scratching post.

Varieties of ropes

There are several different types of rope that can be used to make and update the scratching post. Here are some of them:

1. Sisal is a natural fiber derived from the leaves of an African tree. Sisal ropes are some of the most popular and durable, but they are also quite prickly and crumbly, the color is light sandy.
2. Cotton products are soft, smooth and pleasant to the touch, milky or grayish in color, and have good mechanical characteristics. Produced from natural fibers, they are ecological and safe.
3. Linen ropes are strong, available in different shades of brown, not very electrifying. They are made from linen fiber.
4. Jute is obtained from a herbaceous plant that grows in India and Bangladesh. Jute ropes are strong and durable, a little rough to the touch, but not rough, and have a brown color. Suitable for young cats.

Selection Tips:

• Make sure the product is not stained with anything, this can be harmful to the animal
• Consider using a mix of ropes of different textures
• If your cat is not attached to any particular kind of rope, try different options to determine which one she likes.

First, secure the end of the rope tightly, such as with duct tape, construction staple or thin twine. Do not allow the coil to rotate. Use gloves to protect your hands. The most important thing is to coil with maximum tension and a tight fit of the coils, for this you can tap the coiled section from top to bottom. Also you should use glue to fasten rope to the base, in this case it is important not to overdo it, because the excess of glue can be absorbed in fibers and after glue dries this area will be hard.

The main thing is that the scratching post should please your pet, you may have to experiment with different wrapping materials. Specialists do not recommend using ropes based on synthetic fibers. Paint and impregnations can emit odors that will scare the cat away.

What parameters to consider when choosing a scratching post ?

Before you buy a scratching post you should decide what size the product will fit in your apartment. One scratching post may be too low and uncomfortable, while the other may be high.

Cats like to climb up, so do not be afraid to buy a high scratching post. A wide range allows you to choose the one that will fit in your room. Some are made large and wide as play complexes, while others are compact and miniature. Pay attention to the height and width. Usually, animals stand with their back paws and actively sharpen their claws on their front paws. Consequently, a narrow or low scratching post will be uncomfortable for the pet.

When buying a scratching post, consider the breed and size of your pet. The product should not be smaller than it is, or have tunnels or houses that the pet will not be able to climb into. Otherwise it will be uncomfortable for the cat to sharpen its claws, and it will not use the thing for its intended purpose. It is best when the scratching post is bigger than the cat.

Choose a material that does not electrocute, is hypoallergenic and has a small amount of fibers. This material will not harm the pet's health and will not leave debris after sharpening the claws. It is best to buy a scratching post made of wood or soft cardboard. Chipboard is too hard, and the cat will hurt himself on it. Wood will last a lot longer.

• Carpeting.
• Rope.
• Faux fur or fabric.
• Sisal cloth.

Tips from .

• It is better when the scratching post is several, then the pet will not scratch the furniture or wallpaper. For example, you can install a large floor scratching post in a hallway, and a small scratching post mat or board in the corridor or in the kitchen.
• For a kitten get a scratching post "as big as for an adult cat.
• Decorations on the scratching post should be minimal, without glued or sewn elements. Such a product will be safer for the pet.

In conclusion, we can conclude that the best scratching post should be comfortable in size, made of high quality material and with a convenient attachment. Then the pet will sharpen its claws on it, and the furniture and interior will remain intact.

Comparative table of materials

If you have a kitten, then get him accustomed to scratching post will be quite easy, since babies are actively involved in active activities. Periodically, play with the kitten next to the accessory so that he embraces it with his paws. Over time, the kitten will understand what the object is for.

With an adult cat, the process of domestication will be more difficult, because its habits are already formed. If your pet is young and active, you can use the same method as with a kitten – often play near scratching post .. Another option is to put her on scratching post treat and offer the cat to get to it.

During domestication, do not take your four-legged dog by the paws to show him how to scratch the accessory – this can cause fear of him. If you see that the cat is scratching the furniture, do not scold it (especially do not use physical means), but offer a scratching post as an alternative. Using special products for domestication will shorten the process considerably. Treat your pet to A treat After each successful use (at least for the first time).

Conclusions

1. If you have a cat, then scratching post be sure to be in the house, because your pet needs to periodically sharpen its claws. Its presence will save the furniture and other interior items from damage.

Claws are made of many materials, but the most popular are jute and sisal. Both types of fibers are natural and ecological.

4.Products made of jute are softer, flatter, hygroscopic, inexpensive, but do not have increased strength.

5. Sisal models are dense and durable. You can find protruding threads in the texture, which do not make cats uncomfortable.