How to Make a Cat Scratching Post at Home

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How to make a cat scratching post at home: build a sturdy post at least as tall as the cat stretches, wrap it in a material the cat will scratch, anchor the base so it cannot tip, and place it where the cat already wants to scratch. The Humane World guidance on stopping destructive scratching and the ASPCA destructive-scratching page both cover these basics. The sources say a post should be tall and stable, and they warn that a wobbly post can put a cat off. This guide explains how to apply those points at home.

Quick answer

Make the post tall enough for the cat to stretch fully, and heavy enough that it does not topple.
Wrap it in a material the cat is likely to scratch, such as rope, corrugated cardboard or carpet.
Use non-toxic glue and staples or tape that the cat cannot reach or chew.
Place it near where the cat already scratches or naps.
Offer more than one surface type and watch which one the cat prefers.

Height and stability

The Humane World guidance recommends sisal-covered posts at least 32 inches tall and warns against cheap, lightweight bases. The ASPCA destructive-scratching page says a cat wants a sturdy post that does not shift. Its reasoning is that a post that wobbles or topples when the cat uses it may teach the cat never to use it again.

General guidance: build the base wider than the post and add weight, such as a sand-filled or concrete base, so the post stays put when the cat pulls on it.

Choosing the covering

The ASPCA destructive-scratching page says cats differ in what they like, and that you should offer different materials such as cardboard, carpet, wood, sisal and upholstery. Some cats prefer horizontal scratching and others prefer vertical, so a flat cardboard pad can be a useful second option.

The Humane World guide points to sisal as a common choice for vertical posts. Wrap the post tightly so the cat cannot pull loose strands, and secure the ends with a non-toxic adhesive. The Ontario SPCA tips on preventing furniture scratching suggest making the post appealing with catnip or a hanging toy, and placing it where the cat already scratches.

Step-by-step build

Cut a sturdy post or tube to the height you want, at least as tall as the cat when it stretches.
Make a wide, heavy base from wood or a weighted board, and fix the post to it firmly.
Wrap the post with rope or cardboard, pulling it tight as you go.
Secure the ends with non-toxic glue, staples out of reach, or tape the cat cannot pull off.
Test the post by pushing and pulling it before you let the cat use it.
Place it near the cat’s favorite resting or scratching spot.

General guidance: check the post every few weeks for loose wrapping and replace worn material before it becomes a hazard.

Non-toxic materials and glue

The ASPCA DIY enrichment page lists non-toxic glue as the adhesive for home projects. Cornell advises avoiding toys and materials with small pieces or string-like parts that may separate and be swallowed. Those principles apply to a scratching post too. Avoid loose strings, fringe and small decorations on the post.

Placement

The Ontario SPCA tips say to place posts near where the cat naps, since cats often stretch and scratch after sleeping. Cornell also notes that scratching has a scent-marking component, so a cat is more likely to scratch again where its scent is already present. For that reason, placing the post in a spot the cat already uses can help.

For more on why scratching happens and how to redirect it, see why cats scratch furniture and choosing a scratcher material.

Redirecting scratching

If the cat is scratching furniture, the sources recommend redirecting it rather than punishing. The ASPCA’s destructive-scratching page says covering furniture with blankets, plastic or double-sided tape may deter scratching, which makes the furniture less appealing while the cat learns the post. Humane World and the Ontario SPCA suggest catnip or a hanging toy to draw a cat to a post. The sources we opened do not recommend punishment as a fix.

General guidance: place a cover or double-sided tape on furniture for a short time while the cat learns the post.

Common mistakes to avoid

General guidance: the most common mistake is placing a post in a quiet corner the cat never visits. Put it where the cat already scratches or rests instead. A second mistake is using a post that is too short, because a cat that cannot stretch fully may choose furniture instead. A third is choosing a base that tips when the cat pulls, which the Humane World guidance warns against. Finally, avoid using only one surface type. Offering two or three materials lets the cat show which one it prefers.

General guidance: after you place the post, watch which furniture the cat still scratches and move the post closer to that spot if you can. Reward the cat with a treat or a short play session when it uses the post, and do not reward it for scratching the sofa. Keep the post in use every day by refreshing the covering when it wears thin.

How we chose

We limited this guide to the ASPCA, Cornell, Humane World and Ontario SPCA pages we opened on 2026-10-27. We kept the advice those pages state directly and marked the rest as general guidance.

What we could not verify

The sources do not give a single best material or wrap thickness for every cat.
We did not find a source comparing how long homemade posts last compared with store-bought ones.
The sources do not give exact weights for bases.
Whether a particular adhesive suits a particular cat depends on the product label, so check it.

FAQ

How tall should a homemade scratching post be?

Humane World recommends at least 32 inches, and the ASPCA says a cat needs a sturdy post that does not shift.

What covering works best?

The sources say cats differ. Offer sisal, cardboard or carpet and see which one the cat uses.

Why does my cat ignore the post?

Check whether it wobbles, is in the wrong place, or smells unlike the cat’s usual spots. The Humane World guidance says a wobbly post may put a cat off.

Should I use catnip?

The Humane World and Ontario SPCA guidance suggests catnip to attract a cat to a post. Use it in moderation, and ask a vet if your cat reacts strangely to it.

Is declawing an alternative?

The Humane World site argues against declawing. Ask a vet about your cat’s needs rather than choosing a surgery for scratching.

When should I call a vet?

If the cat stops using the litter box, shows pain when stretching, or scratches so hard it bleeds, contact a vet.

Bottom line

A homemade scratching post works best when it is tall, stable, wrapped in a material the cat likes, glued with non-toxic products, and placed where the cat already scratches. The sources focus on stability and placement, so start with those basics and add variety over time.

Sources

Cornell Feline Health Center, Feline Behavior Problems: Destructive Behavior: https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/feline-behavior-problems-destructive-behavior (opened 2026-10-27)
ASPCA, Destructive Scratching: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/common-cat-behavior-issues/destructive-scratching (opened 2026-10-27)
ASPCA, Feline DIY Enrichment: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/feline-diy-enrichment (opened 2026-10-27)
Humane World for Animals, Stop Cat From Scratching Furniture With a Scratching Post: https://www.humaneworld.org/en/resources/how-stop-cats-destructive-scratching (opened 2026-10-27)
Ontario SPCA and Humane Society, Tips to prevent your cat from scratching furniture: https://ontariospca.ca/blog/tips-to-prevent-your-cat-from-scratching-furniture/ (opened 2026-10-27)