In a house where there is an animal, especially a cat, furniture is often damaged by the sharp claws of pets. Torn sofas and armchairs are a common occurrence. But it is not possible to wean an animal from the habit and need to sharpen its claws, because this is its natural instinct.
The predator thus cleanses itself of the keratinized parts of its claws and marks its territory. Outdoor cats use trees in such cases, while indoor cats have a choice between furniture upholstery, carpets and wallpaper. And so that you don’t need to replace damaged furniture, you just need to get a scratching post.
It’s even better to make a scratching post for cats with your own hands - it’s much more economical. In this article we offer detailed instructions on how to make a scratching post for a cat with your own hands.
What is a scratching post for?
The simplest reason is that pets have long had to get their own food.
No less interesting is the hypothesis about the relationship between cat health and the claw scratching procedure. There is an opinion that here we are talking about a kind of exercise for the whole body. The surface on which the cat rests acts as a training device. All muscles and bones of the skeleton take part in the process.
The next reason also concerns health. Towards the end of the paws, pads and claws there are many nerve endings and blood vessels.
By scratching, the cat massages sensitive areas, improves its tone and even gets nased. Often, a cat, stretching on a scratching post, purrs contentedly, how such training delivers.
It is believed that with the help of a nail polisher, animals renew their claws and thus prevent the possible development of inflammatory processes in the paw pads.
Is it worth purchasing used items?
Some owners make just such a decision in the hope of saving money. But this is a fundamentally wrong approach, because objects may smell like other people’s animals, which will most likely only scare away yours. And no one can guarantee the health and hygiene of the previous user of the accessory, thereby you risk infecting your cat with unpleasant diseases.
For creative people, creating a scratching post for your pet will only be a joy. You can completely rely on your imagination and come up with its design yourself. A creative approach to work will help you create an interesting and original household item that will adequately and harmoniously decorate the interior of the room.
What should a scratching post be like?
The main requirement for a place to sharpen cat claws is strength. — The surface of the claw blade should be fibrous and rough. The fibers must break, otherwise the pet will hang on the sharpener, becoming entangled in it.
And lastly, the material must remove static electricity: furry pets with their furstekikikikikikik
If you combine all these requirements, you will understand that they are fully met by natural materials: wood, hemp, burlap, coarse woolen fabric, thick cardboard.
Important! Devices for sharpening claws should not contain metal nails, screws or claws omnepemmetemob, inmateb
You can get by with a simple board, but if you really care about your cat, it is better to equip the structure with a bed on a hill.
The furry owner will be able to survey her possessions, the highest support as razodimtikamotikamotikamotikamotikam
Important. Cats never leave marks where their den is, this is an instinct of self-preservation.
If your pet is large enough, then the sharpener should match its size. When creating a product, you first need to focus on the dimensions of the cat. Especially when you are making a wall model, otherwise the animal may scratch the wall.
The length of the scratching post should be 5-10 centimeters of the length of the animal itself (the tail, in this case, is very long). The width of the product is oriented towards the width of the outstretched paws.
Anti-vandal fabrics
Modern manufacturers meet the wishes of pet owners and produce special materials that can be used to protect upholstered furniture from the sharp claws of a pet. Scope of application of anti-vandal fabrics:
- as furniture upholstery materials;
- for removable covers;
- when making a sleeping place for a pet.
What to sew a cat bed from or make an unusual homemade ottoman? We list several of the most popular options for anti-claw fabrics:
- Flock. This two-layer fabric is combined from natural and polymer fibers and impregnated with a special compound that increases strength and resistance to wetness. The outer fibers have a long-lasting color and are resistant to stains. To remove dirt, simply wipe the flock with a damp cloth. For long-term use, the fabric can be washed in a washing machine. The fabric surface is smooth, so cat claws cannot catch and pull out the fibers. It is recommended to vacuum this material frequently, since flock is easily electrified (like any synthetics) and attracts dust.
- Relax is a combined synthetic fabric in which a base of cotton and polyester is covered with a layer of isoprene. Thanks to this composition, the fabric invariably retains a neat and elegant appearance and lasts for many years, requiring virtually no maintenance. Elastic material cannot be scratched. Dirt from the surface of the relaxation area can be easily removed with soapy water.
- Faux suede consists of two layers. The base is a mixed fabric made of cotton and polyamide, and the top fleecy layer is polyester. The advantage of this material is the absence of electrification and permeability to air. Wet cleaning and washing are not permitted. In case of severe contamination, you will have to invite specialists in chemical cleaning of furniture. Unfortunately, faux suede is not very durable, so a diligent cat can tear this fabric.
- Microfiber is a synthetic fabric formed by interweaving thin artificial threads. Typically, manufacturers impregnate the fabric with Teflon, which makes the material tear-resistant. This durable material is easy to care for: it can be machine washed and wet cleaned with a wet sponge.
- Tapestry fabric is a dense material formed by the interweaving of thick threads. The tapestry looks stylish and expensive. The only drawback is that the tapestry is afraid of ultraviolet radiation and easily loses its original shade in direct sunlight.
- Scotchgard is a jacquard weave fabric with water-repellent impregnation. This canvas is well protected from damage and always retains its original bright pattern. Allows dry cleaning, wiping with soapy water or a special cleaning agent.
The play complex was made by ourselves for kittens
Cattery kittens on a homemade three-story scratching post complex with beds, a house, and a hammock
What types of scratching posts are there for cats?
One of the simplest options is a special rug. It can be cut from an old carpet and sent to a seamstress for finishing the edges using an overlocker. The advantage is that it can be linked anywhere. Depending on the activity of the animal, the mat may not last long.
A more reliable option is a wall-mounted scratching post. This could be the same rug suspended on a nail or a more reliable rigid structure. By the way, you can use it to cover the “traces of the crime” on the wall.
Since cats are so partial to corners in the apartment, a corner scratching post will suit them. As follows from the photo, this attribute can be turned into a room decoration.
This scratching post is conveniently attached to the table legs. Structurally, this can be a mat wrapped around the leg and secured with Velcro, a coated pipe placed over the support brackets, or a thick cord wound directly around the leg.
A scratching post with a shelf will, of course, provide more “service” to your pet. Of course, making it a little more difficult than previous options.
This solid “exercise machine” on the floor clearly pleased the mustachioed robber. You can place the craft anywhere, and the cord must be replaced as it wears out. There are designs in the form of a column, as well as those combined with a bed and a house. Of course, they give cats more options and are quite popular.
The most complete option is a scratching post combined with a place for games and relaxation in the form of a special make-up. As follows from the photo, a lot of space will have to be allocated for its installation, and assembly will be required. Are you purchasing or planning to purchase something similar?
A simple DIY scratching post made of cardboard
The cardboard scratching post should be horizontal. The cat stands on it with all four paws, although traditionally it pays more attention to the dvedum pere. Sometimes they make combined versions in two planes - both under the feet and a small column.
You can make a scratching post from corrugated cardboard with your own hands; all that remains is to purchase large household appliances (refrigerator, stove) or electronics (TVs).
The easiest way to quickly make a scratching post for a kitten is as follows:
- Cut the corrugated cardboard into equal strips 5-6 cm wide.
- After drying, you can approximately cover the sides with the remaining cardboard.
Important! A roller made of thick fabric, wrapping paper twisted into a tight drum - the cat will scratch its claw. But the lifespan of such homemade structures is very short, they literally transform before our eyes.
Corner design
Can be installed on both external and internal corners. Corner scratching posts, like wall-mounted ones, unlike floor-mounted ones, require durable fasteners. The distance from the floor should be chosen based on
You can also install the corner structure on furniture. An aesthetically executed scratch will not greatly spoil the appearance of a sofa or chair, but it will protect against the claws of an animal if it gets into the habit of sharpening its claws in this particular place.
Universal scratching post
The scratching post is often used by cat lovers due to its versatility. A cat can sharpen its claws on both horizontal and vertical surfaces, climb up, and chase a toy attached to a post. If you fix a horizontal platform on top of the post, then the issue with the bed will be more resolved.
Sometimes cats tear up furniture legs, most often table legs. Here you can improvise - wrap it with twine and you will get a ready-made claw blade.
To make a scratching post, any available material is suitable - a board or plywood for support, a small block or a piece of plastic pipe for a post. Having screwed the beam to the base using self-tapping screws or fastening metal corners, you need to tightly wrap the beam with twine or sisal rope using a glue gun fastening.
We wind the rope tightly around the scratching post bar of the post
We wind the rope tightly onto the post scratching post Advantages of sisal rope: high strength, durability, natural material
The base can be painted, sealed with a piece of dense fabric, carpet, or laid and sealed with a piece of dense fabric. The main requirement for such a structure is stability.
Floor scratching post
This model is convenient because it does not take up much space in the apartment, it can be rearranged and customized. The most uncomplicated version of a floor scratching post is an ordinary board covered with carpet. You can also wrap a thick twine around the base.
When making such a nail polisher, the main condition is the weight and stability of the device so that it does not drag on the floor when the cat decides to sharpen its claws.
To do this, it should be no narrower than 20 cm and no shorter than 50 cm. A step on one side will not allow it to swing on the upholstery elements. In this case, this is a piece of the same board up to 10 cm in size. It is convenient to fasten wooden parts with self-tapping screws. In my opinion, the step should not be fixed to the end of the board, but placed under it. In this case, we will not break the product if we accidentally step on it.
You can cover the craft with carpet and secure it with staples. You can also wrap it with a thick cord. To secure the ends of the twine, wrap it with electrical tape and secure it to the wood with a self-tapping screw. Twine over a large area can be fixed with PVA glue or hot glue from polomogetev.
Wall-mounted scratching post options
Instinct tells the cat that its claws can be sharpened on wood. So don't be surprised if your purr stands up on his hind legs and wants to ruin the wallpaper. Help him and yourself too...
If on the reverse side you need to provide a hanger, which should be glued to the plywood or to the plywood. In this case, the product, fixed at one point, will swing on the wall and can ruin the equipment.
The same sheet of plywood can be coated with white acrylic paint, treated with cord or carpet, as described above, and securely fastened to the wall and below. In this case, the heads of the screws must be closed so that the cat does not get injured by getting caught in the clip.
It’s even better to wrap the cord on a board measuring about 15x60 cm, fasten it to two transverse planks measuring about 15x60 cm, fasten it to two transverse strips - This circumstance will also protect the wall from erroneous movements of the cat.
Wall-mounted scratching post for upholstered furniture
This model is especially for a cat who does not want to change his favorite sofa for anything else.
You will need 3 wooden boards. One is for wrapping with sisal rope, the second is slightly wider in size than the sofa armrest, the third will hang from the inside of the sofa as a retainer. In general terms, the design resembles the letter G and is hung on the side back of the sofa.
Scratching post house
You can make a cat scratching post with a house with your own hands using one of the following methods:
- Develop two separate elements (house and stand), and then connect them together.
- Another simpler method is to design the cat scratching post and the house together as a single whole.
The second option has an advantage.
It’s easy to make a house with a scratching post for a cat:
- The walls are cut out according to the intended dimensions.
- To make the structure harmonious, the interior space can be divided into two floors - pinamnekotekotekotekotekimek
- It is necessary to provide at least two exits in different directions - one of them is recommended.
- All structural elements are connected with metal corners or using wooden slats.
- The roof must be removable - later cleaning and disinfection are carried out through it.
- The inner walls must be covered with any thick fabric, and the outer walls must be covered with material suitable for scratching posts (for example, carpet trimmings).
Important.
Scratching post niche
This structure can become a home and place for your pet to play. If you have several boards lying around in the garage or utility room, you can use them to assemble a small booth. To make the building look beautiful, each wall can also be wrapped in sisal. What do you need:
- rope;
- hammer;
- some nails;
- furniture stapler.
Scratching post in the form of a pillow
A claw pad is the simplest and cheapest option. The surface is finished with felt, and the product itself is mounted on the wall. The disadvantage of such scratching posts is that playful cats are unlikely to find this device interesting and playful.
Road version of scratching post
Mini versions of scratching posts are perfect for traveling. Most often, owners take flat devices with them, because they do not take up much space. Small cone-shaped models are also suitable.
Original scratching post
“They will make an original product and give it any look and purpose that you desire.
These could be scratching posts in the shape of a winding tree with hammocks for cats; devices that serve as both a claw holder and a floor vase; You can make a scratching post-cabinet, inside of which you can store any items.
Vase-claw
Such an item can perform two functions at once: to distract the cat’s attention from the flowers ich slukoget vektekotekoget vectov ich slugavekoget Dried flowers can be stored inside, as they do not need water. Even if the cat knocks over the vase, there will be no problems.
You can use a plastic or glass vase as a base. Then it is simply wrapped with sisal rope. For stability, it can be glued to the surface of the floor structure.
The size of the scratching post for cats depends on the age of the pet. A vase that is too large may scare the kitten away.
Design features
Scratching posts for cats can have different designs. You've probably seen both ordinary planks and complex multi-level houses in pet stores. But these are not all possible forms. The information below will help you understand what shape a scratching post comes in.
Column with platform .
This is a scratching post that has a special platform on the top, designed for the pet to rest comfortably. Usually it has a fairly stable base, a high column wrapped in a thick cord, and on top there is a platform. To sharpen the claws, a post about 70 cm high is used, and it is better to make the platform soft with a hard base. Wall variation . The simplest version of a scratching post. It has the shape of a board wrapped with cord or trimmed with carpet. It is fixed directly on the wall, most often on the door frame at the height required for the cat. It doesn’t take up much space, it’s inexpensive, and it’s very easy to do it yourself. Suitable for pets who prefer to sharpen their claws on walls.
Claw houses . The most expensive and difficult option to make yourself. This is a large structure, especially if it is multi-tiered, and is not suitable for installation in every apartment. It is quite expensive in the store - the price of some models can be more than 10 thousand rubles. However, there is no guarantee that the cat will appreciate such costs and will use the product.
Angle sharpener .
This scratching post has the shape of a corner or a book, as is not difficult to understand from the name. Suitable for those whose cats tend to tear off the corners of furniture or walls. The product will definitely “lie” on the corner in the place chosen by the animal and cover the fabric or paper covering. An improved version of the usual wall-mounted scratching post. Floor scratching post . This scratching post is simply installed on the floor; it can be a board with a wrapping/carpet or a wave-shaped product with a surface for sharpening claws. Suitable for those breeds that do not like to climb somewhere and stretch upward while sharpening their claws.
Scratching post-shelf for cats
On a note! Experienced cat owners report that it is not worth combining a scratching post with a house. Most cats will not appreciate this option, since the place where they sleep and the place where they mark their territory and sharpen their claws should be in different places. This is laid down on an instinctive level. For safety reasons, wild animals do not mark their dens.
More complex options for scratching posts
Separately, we can say about cardboard scratching posts . These are the simplest and cheapest products that are ideal for small kittens as they are soft enough for their claws. They are made from thick packaging cardboard. You can make them yourself very quickly. There are such products on sale, they are very cheap, but you can’t find them in every store.
Cardboard cat scratching post
And now we suggest you study several master classes on making different types of scratching posts. Thanks to the photo, you will be able to evaluate how difficult/easy it is to create this or that model, understand your financial and time costs, and choose the best option for yourself.
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Cardboard scratching post: the simplest
Let's start with a simple and budget option - a cardboard sharpener. It can be done if a small kitten has just appeared in your house. Moreover, you can complete the production of the product in literally half an hour.
Step 1. Take regular cardboard packaging boxes with wide and fairly thick corrugation (look at the end of the box wall and you will understand what we are talking about). Take them apart. Preparing cardboard boxes
Step 2: Using a ruler and marker, mark each box 12cm wide.
Stripes 12 cm wide are drawn
Step 3. Using the same ruler and utility knife, cut the cardboard into strips according to the previously drawn ones. Cut the cardboard on a solid base that you don't mind damaging, or use scissors. Cardboard is cut into strips
Step 4. Start twisting individual pieces of cardboard into a tube, turn by turn.
The pieces are rolled into a tube
Step 5. To prevent the cardboard from unwinding, secure the strips with tape or glue. Individual lanes need to be fixed
Step 6. When you get the “bobbin” of the desired size, you can stop winding. You will get a large cardboard scratching post that your cat will definitely appreciate. DIY cardboard scratching post for cats
DIY carpet scratching post
Step 1. First of all, prepare the base. This can be a piece of board or several bars connected to each other, as in the photo. We recommend taking a solid board - it’s easier and faster.
It will take several bars
Step 2.
The bars are connected with self-tapping screws
3. After this, take thin foam rubber, attach a piece of wood to it and measure out a piece of foam rubber the same width as the future scratching post. Cut it off.
You need to measure a piece of foam rubber
Step 4. Next, take a small rug or a piece of old carpet, the remnants of the carpet after repair.
Step 5. Place a piece of wood on the underside of the rug first, then a piece of foam rubber.
Foam rubber is laid on top of the wooden blank
Step 6. Simply roll the foam board into the mat, being careful to roll it very tightly.
Step 7. Secure the mat with self-tapping screws in several places so that it does not unfold. It is important to take short self-tapping screws so that their ends do not come out through the wood.
The scratching post is created and ready to be fixed on the wall. Additionally, you can add several laces to its upper part, which will attract attention.
Scratching post made from plumbing pipe and rope
In this master class you will see how quickly and easily you can make a post-claw claw.
1. The socket is cut from the pipe
Step 2. The length of the pipe blank should be 70 cm. If the pipe is too long, cut it off.
The pipe must be 70 cm long
Step 3. Take 4 ordinary furniture corners and, attaching them to the pipe, make marks on it in accordance with the fastening holes on the corners. Drill holes with a suitable drill bit.
Holes are drilled in the pipe
Step 4. Attach the furniture corners to the pipe using bolts and nuts. Be sure to tighten them well to keep the connections strong. Furniture corners attached
Step 5. Take a sheet of plywood or chipboard and cut a piece of it measuring 50x55 cm.
Cut chipboard sheet
Step 6. Turn the plywood piece over and mark the middle.
The center of the workpiece is marked
Step 7. Place the pipe so that the center of its holes and the center of the plywood sheet coincide. Mark the places that coincide with the holes in the furniture corners. Marking holes in furniture corners
Step 8: Drill holes in the plywood using a drill and then screw the base to the pipe. The pipe will be held in a vertical position thanks to the corners that securely hold it.
The pipe is screwed to the base
Step 9. Now take a piece of carpet and mark the middle. The piece should be approximately 60x65 cm in size.
The middle of a piece of carpet is marked
Step 10. Next, cut a round hole in the middle of the same diameter as the pipe. It is most convenient to cut with a stationery knife.
The hole is cut with a stationery knife
Step 11. Pass the pipe through the hole in the carpet so that the pile of the carpet faces up.
The pipe is threaded into the hole
Step 12: Glue the carpet to the wood base.
The carpet is glued to the base
13.
Sanding the pipe
Step 14. Prepare two pieces of carpet about 10-15 cm high and a length equal to the circumference of the pipe. Wrap them around the pipe at the top and bottom, and glue them in place using a glue gun. A piece of carpet is glued
Step 15. Cut a circle of pipe with an equal diameter from the carpet.
A circle is cut out of the carpet
Step 16: Glue the carpet circle as a plug onto the top of the pipe. You can glue with a glue gun. The circle is glued as a plug
Step 17. Return to the base. To ensure that the carpet curls well, cut off the excess as shown in the picture. Excess carpet is cut off
Step 18. Fold the edges of the carpet and secure them with a stapler. Curved edges are fixed with a stapler
Step 19. The base is completely ready. Now take a jute rope with a diameter of 12 mm. Such a scratching post will require about 18 m. Next, using a glue gun to fix the harness at the beginning, wrap it around the bracelet.
Jute wrapped around a pipe
Step 20: Wrap the pipe completely with rope. At the top, secure the edge of the rope with a glue gun. To be sure, you can glue a few turns in the middle.
several turns can be glued
Step 21. The scratching post is ready. Using the same principle, you can make a claw sharpener not from pipes, but from a thick block. An example can be seen in the video below.
Do-it-yourself finished scratching post from a pipe
How to make a scratching post house
You will spend much less money on creating such a house than buying a ready-made one in a store. True, be prepared for several hours of your free time. The speed of production of such products directly depends on the availability of appropriate skills.
Step 1. First of all, let's deal with the base. Plywood or chipboard is suitable for it. Using a jigsaw, cut out a fairly large rectangle with rounded edges.
The corners of the workpiece need to be rounded
Step 2. Next, cut out a partial circle from the same material using a jigsaw. You will need 2 pieces of such parts.
An incomplete circle is cut out
An incomplete circle is being cut out. An incomplete circle is ready.
Step 3. Now you will need a sheet of fiberboard. Attach your partial circle to it, circle it and cut out the resulting part. You need 2 such parts.
There is an incomplete circle circled on the fiberboard
Step 4: Next, attach one fiberboard semicircle to the plywood semicircle. Fiberboard blank glued to plywood
Step 5. In the second semicircle, cut a hole the same shape as the semicircle. A hole is cut in the second incomplete circle
Step 6. Take the rectangular base, fix both semicircles as shown in the figure (do not screw it with screws yet). Between them, make a jumper from a block.
timber lintel is installed
Step 7. Next, find the resulting structure and cover it with padding polyester, and then with finishing fabric. It is convenient to fix the material with a stapler. The structure is covered with padding polyester
The structure is covered with padding polyester Fixing the finishing fabric
Step 8: Take a piece of trim fabric and place it right side down on the round piece. Next, secure the material with a stapler. Place padding polyester on top of it. The fabric is fixed with a stapler
Step 9. After this, cover the house with plywood, fixing the material well on the semicircular base. The house is covered with plywood
Step 10. Straighten the padding polyester and finishing fabric, stretching them over the “roof” of the house. Fix it on the back side of the house on a wooden base. Make sure that the materials are well stretched. Materials must be well tensioned
Materials must be well tensioned How to fix materials
Step 11. Using a glue gun, glue the materials along the lower edges of the sides of the house.
Glue gun used
Step 12. Take the second semicircle of fiberboard and cover it with finishing material. The second semicircle is tightened
Step 13. Using a glue gun, glue this semicircle of fiberboard to the back wall of the house.
The semicircle is glued to the back wall
Step 14. Using the same principle - using a stapler and a glue gun - cover the bottom of the structure and prekikikimokimamekiremamanik It's ready.
The bottom of the house is attached
Step 15 Now get to work on the scratching post. Use a plumbing pipe or linoleum reel as a base. Place it on a piece of wood (chipboard, plywood) and draw two circles. A circle is drawn
Step 16: Using a jigsaw, cut out two wooden circles. Grind down the edges to make them smooth.
A round workpiece is turned
Step 17. The resulting circles serve as plugs for the pipe. Insert them inside the pipe and secure with self-tapping screws. The plugs are fixed with self-tapping screws
Step 18. Begin wrapping the pipe with rope, securing its end at the bottom using ropes. The pipe is wrapped with rope
Step 19: Do not block the top end of the rope once you have wrapped the entire pipe. Upper end of the rope
Step 20. You will need long screws
Step 21. This will be the top resting area for the cat. This will be the top platform
Step 22 Screw the circle to the pipe. But over the first side down. The diameter of a circle made of fabric is the diameter of a circle made of wood.
The circle is screwed to the pipe
Step 23. Cover the top of the circle with fabric and padding polyester using a glue gun and stapler.
Covering the upper platform
24. Upper playground
Upper play area DIY scratching post house
The scratching post is ready. If desired, the upper platform can be supplemented with a side, and a toy can also be attached to it.
Carpet scratch board
You can quickly and easily make your own carpet scratching post. To do this you will need:
- Wooden board or piece of chipboard.
- A piece of carpet or old carpet.
- Nails.
- Hammer.
The size of the wooden canvas is selected based on the size of the cat, because the structure made can be used as a bed and as a claw sharpener.
How to make a nail clipper:
- Place the rug with the wrong side up.
- Stepping back from the edge of the carpet, place the board.
- Wrap part of the carpet over the board and secure with nails along the entire edge.
- Carry out the same actions with the second part of the carpet. If the two layers overlap, they can be cut off with a knife or left as this will create an extra springy feel for the cat.
For the cat to start using the scratching post, just turn it over to the other side. If a fairly heavy tree is chosen for the scratcher, then it may not be secured, and the cat will still not turn it over.
How long will a scratching post last?
Any, even the most expensive branded scratching post, wears out over time and loses its original appearance. The frequency of replacement of the scratching post depends primarily on:
- Product quality.
- Conditions of its operation.
- Caring for her.
So which one should you choose? Advice from cat owners will come to the rescue. The rating is based on customer reviews:
- Sisal scratching post. Can last up to 3 years. This is a conditional figure. The thicker the sisal rope, the longer it will last.
- Jute model - up to 2 years. Also depends on the thickness of the rope.
- Carpet - about 1.5 years.
- Faux fur, which can often be found in cat complexes - up to a year. And this is subject to regular cleaning.
- There are two types of cardboard. Whole cellulose, higher quality, lasts up to six months, double-sided cellulose - up to 12 months. Waste cardboard, the cheapest, is thrown away 2 months after purchase.
The sisal scratching post lasts the longest!
Mistakes when making a cat scratching post
The most common mistakes when making a scratching post yourself are related to the wrong choice of step-by-step instructions:
- To create a vertical scratching post, use a rope that is too thin and weak - the cat will quickly tear it apart.
- Horizontal rugs are covered with poor quality fabric.
- Instability of the posts - if the structure falls and frightens the cat, it will no longer approach the cat.
- Exposed elements of metal fasteners, screw heads or other similar parts can be rubbed off.
- The use of synthetic fabrics and adhesives can cause poisoning.
DIY scratching post repair
Most often, owners have to deal with the restoration of fabric and rope elements of construction:
- It is better to completely remove the weak and thin cord from the vertical posts and replace it with dutons.
- Damaged new fabric upholstery is replaced.
- Corrugated cardboard scratching posts are not worth repairing - they are simply thrown away and repaired.
- With wooden houses you have to tinker - you need to disassemble the entire structure; you have to tinker - you need to disassemble the entire structure, correct defects. If the project is installed with high quality, then there are no problems with it, I’ll stick to it.
Scratching post houses cause trouble only in one case - if they are assembled with self-tapping screws, bolegez uker Large cats weaken the structure and it quickly fails.
The most common models of claw sharpeners
There are two main types of scratchers: floor and wall. And each of them has its own varieties. Floor accessories can be flat (placed horizontally or at a certain angle), in the form of vertical columns, with additional elements: houses, ladders, etc.
According to most owners, vertical posts are the most convenient to use. They are often equipped with play accessories, this is especially true for kittens. The structure itself can be installed on any surface: floor, walls and even ceiling.
How to train a cat to use a scratching post
An animal should be accustomed to a scratching post from the first days of its appearance in the house. Same as for the potty. If the baby is taken from the mother, then there will be much fewer problems with him. In the new home, not only will he already know where to go to satisfy his physiological needs, but he will be able to more easily cope with his feelings of the familiar smell from the scratching post.
Pets from a shelter are often familiar with a scratching post, so at home it’s enough to build an analogue of the house. But with cats picked up on the street, who are also quite old, you will have to tinker. Animals accustomed to complete freedom often refuse to take anything into account even after dosozantegunogozantegunogaun - the owner will have to work hard.
You shouldn't have high hopes for valerian or catnip. Animals, like people, each have their own character. And what is sweeter for one does not evoke any emotions for another. If herbs and spells do not help, observe where your pet prefers to sharpen its claws. What kind of surface is it - horizontal or vertical? What does he like best - wallpaper, upholstered furniture, door upholstery or wall plasterboard. And then all you need is a little imagination, and love for this shaggy terminator, just a little imagination, and love for this shaggy terminator, which you can also play on his primary instincts. Place a scratching post that smells like another cat in the right place - success is guaranteed from the first days. The animal will carefully “scratch” the marks of a competitor who has encroached on its territory.
Toys for adult animals
A bad owner is one who doesn't play with his cat. As already mentioned, play for a domestic predator is the most important part of a full life. Of course, an adult, respectable cat does not need as much running and jumping as a young creature. However, without regular active leisure, the animal quickly loses its shape. You don’t want your pet to become lazy, overweight, and end up in the record books as the fattest cat.
This is the fattest cat in Mexico, he doesn't care about games anymore
Entertainment for big cats is no different: use the same ideas of teasers, puzzles, rattles and scratchers that you have already worked out for the kitten. But don't forget to add something new that your pet hasn't played with yet. Old toys can get boring, but the unknown awakens curiosity.
A healthy cat is always ready to play
But sometimes it happens that there is a pause in the games, and the cat has lost the habit of hunting habits. He does not react to the old proven mice, feather dusters, pompoms and other exciting objects. At the same time, you know for sure that the animal is healthy. This means that we will have to teach him to play again.
The game increases the cat's mood
A large toy will help solve the problem. Give your cat a soft faux fur friend. It is better if the gift is a copy of a real animal rather than a cartoon one. That is, a cat, dog, rabbit or someone else in life size. To make friendship happen right away, try rubbing the toy with catnip (catnip) or spraying it with a spray containing an infusion of this herb. Let the cat get used to his new friend, and then make him come to life. Let him jump, run and attack with your help.
An adult cat will frolic like a kitten if you can stir him up
Catnip, or catnip, has a stimulating effect on animals, but not as strongly as valerian. The substance nepetalactone, which the plant contains, irritates the nervous system of cats. But, as scientists assure, catnip does not have an addictive effect and does not harm health. And approximately 30% of cats do not react to it at all. Kittens under the age of six months are also indifferent to it.
Catnip excites cats, but not as much as valerian
It is no coincidence that toys for cats are made in the form of mice, fish and birds. Little hunters instinctively react to the silhouette of their prey. If they are allowed to choose, they will prefer toys that are as similar as possible to real living creatures. When our kitten Timon was allowed to roam around the house, he chose a ferret from IKEA from a variety of soft toys. It turned out to be not quite the right size for him, but satisfied Tim gladly dragged the large booty into his house.
Of all the toys, the cat will prefer the one that most resembles a real animal.
If there are no soft toys or it’s a shame to give them up to be torn to pieces, make a traditional fish mouse for an adult and slightly lazy cat. And put a little dry catnip in the stuffing.
Don't forget to treat your pet with boxes and paper bags from time to time. Just leave them in sight. He himself will figure out what to do with them.
Adult cats, like babies, love tunnels, bags and boxes
A radical way to cheer up a bored cat is to make him a real friend, not a toy one. An aquarium with fish is the simplest thing. It will, of course, interest the animal, but it can put a passive pet in a contemplative mood. But another kitten in the house will definitely add play, fun and movement to the measured life of the fluffy lazy person.
Video: making felt toys with catnip
For cats, play is not entertainment, but a vital necessity. Predators must lie in wait and catch up with prey; for this they have keen eyes, strong muscles, sharp claws and teeth. Domestic cats are equipped with this formidable arsenal, but they live on everything ready-made, surrounded by care and comfort. Only play allows them to express their hunting essence, throw out accumulated energy, and give stress to their body and mind. If you regularly forget to play with your pet, don’t be surprised that he damages furniture and wallpaper, behaves provocatively, or, conversely, has become completely indifferent and passive. Cat games are also useful for the owner: while having fun with his pet, he receives a lot of positive emotions, develops dexterity and speed of reaction, otherwise you can fall under a hot clawed paw.
How to discourage a cat from sharpening its claws in a “forbidden” place
| First of all, a certain smell will help. Animals have a more highly developed sense of smell and some aromas are categorically unpleasant to them. The smell of alcohol, for example, or perfume.
Cats don't like the smell of all citrus fruits. You can purchase a special spray based on aromatic oils at the pet store. All rights reserved.
| Usually animals quickly abandon places where they are supposed to be in danger. A loud bang, a stern hail, and wrapping furniture in cellophane are also effective.
Many people recommend “water procedures” from a spray bottle, but this is possible if a cat is somewhere nearby trying to sharpen its claws, and the owner is sitting fully armed, waiting for her. Everyone can invent the ability to dare an animal themselves, knowing all its pros and cons.
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Suitable materials
What can you use to make a scratching post for your pet? It is advisable to select natural materials - some synthetic ones have a certain smell that is unpleasant to animals and repels them. But if the cat is calm about such scents, then you can use synthetics.
The easiest way to make such a device is to place pieces of cardboard on a pin
Any scratching post, even the simplest one, has some kind of base. It must be strong and stable enough so that the animal is not afraid to use the product and it is convenient for him to sharpen his claws. Wood is usually used as a base (for the simplest scratching posts or more complex options) or pipes used for arranging the sewer system (for scratching posts-houses). You can also take a cardboard reel from linoleum and other similar products. They should be thick enough to make a good base for a scratching post.
DIY wooden scratching post
But the most important element of any scratching post is the part on which the cat will sharpen its claws. This should be a fairly strong, but not rough material that will help the animal effectively remove the falling parts of the claw. It is best to choose fibrous materials, but such that there is no risk of the claw getting stuck in the pile. These can be materials such as cardboard, jute cord, carpet or a piece of an old woolen carpet, sisal, ordinary wood and much more .
A simple cat scratching post made from cardboard
Should I have an onychectomy?
Finally, we should remind you of the operation permitted in some countries to remove the claws of the Domanikomanina Yes, this procedure will save the owners from a lot of trouble and will preserve the furniture, but is it really that harmless? After all, along with the claws, the front phalanges of the fingers are removed, which affects the work of the entire support system.
A cat is a fairly mobile animal and without claws it is doomed to endless injuries - clinging is impossible. She will not be able to climb onto a low surface; it will be difficult for her to maintain balance. After the operation, you may suffer from pain for the rest of your life, which is due to a violation of the habitual state of the body.
Mouse is a number one hit
There is no need to even mention how popular this couple is - a cat and a mouse, so such a toy is an almost obligatory accessory. If the housewife knows how and loves to knit, then a rodent can be knitted, but products made from thick textiles are no less attractive to kittens and cats. The range of candidates for the role of a mouse is large. This:
- drape;
- suede (artificial);
- fur;
- felt;
- fleece
In addition to the fabric, you need to prepare:
- sewing supplies;
- holofiber, cotton wool or foam rubber; their replacement is leftover yarn.
The operation will not take much effort or much time.
- First, a triangle is cut out from the selected material, then its two sides are sewn together.
- One or more fillers are tightly stuffed into the resulting bag. The edge is basted, then the seam is pulled together and the thread is tied.
- Ears and a tail are cut out of the fabric, and these elements are sewn on very securely.
It is better to draw the eyes of the mouse, since the sewn beads will become a big threat to the baby. They can be replaced with small buttons, but only if it will be very difficult for the “naturalist” to get to the threads holding them in place.
A soft toy can be more than just a mouse, although ears and a tail make for an exciting journey through the rooms with the prey. With the same success they sew fish, birds, tigers or piglets. Small balls sewn together and yarn are used to make insects with legs, such as caterpillars.
Which is better - a purchased scratching post or a homemade one?
The range of scratching posts in pet stores is extensive: from simple to complex designs, from samagazired (3
The disadvantage of purchased scratching posts is that they are rarely stable. This is an important factor, because the structure must support the weight of a cat, even a large breed, if it suddenly decides to climb. In addition, the device must be made of strong and durable materials; scratching posts from pet stores rarely meet these criteria.
For the sake of a high-quality and durable design for sharpening cat claws, the owner will have to shell out a lot of money, which many cannot afford. It will cost more to build a scratching post with your own hands from scrap materials.
What's the use of it
There really are a lot of advantages to such an unusual toy. We'll deal with everyone. To put it very simply, a food puzzle is a food dispenser, that’s all. But…
Your pet will eat more slowly - and this is the key to his health and the foundation of longevity. And at the same time move a lot and invent ways to obtain food “hunting”.
By the way, zoologists agree that this type of nutrition is more correct than with free access to dry food.
- If your pet has problems with excess weight, this useful device will help reduce the amount of food eaten and ensure the burning of excess weight through greater physical activity.
- May help animals prone to vomiting from haste while eating. This toy feeder encourages leisurely eating of food or treats.
- It forces you not only to exert physical effort, but also trains your cat’s intelligence. A homemade food puzzle for a cat will make it more active, dexterous, and smarter.
The principle of operation is this: the cat needs to think and act on the toy in a certain way in order to get the treasured treat. Food puzzles perfectly develop logical thinking and the “hunter” instinct.
In the wild, it is unlikely that you will come across a bowl filled with mice. And with such a toy, a whole world of adventure is open to the cat.
Physical activity increases and a new hobby appears that will protect your curtains and sofa from an overly active animal. In addition, this is a great activity for those times when our cat is left to his own devices. For example, when it’s night outside or the owners leave and leave the animal alone.
