How to make a cat scratching post

Sisal material, not sisal rope, is the best cat scratching substrate. It doesn’t catch cats‘ claws, is rough, and holds up well to intense scratching. Learn more here: “Sisal Fabric: the Best Material for Cat Scratching Posts.”

Good cat scratching surfaces for many cats include sisal rope or fabric, cardboard, and even uncovered wood.

Use a hand saw to cut the lumber and a table saw or handheld circular saw for the plywood. Smooth the cut edges with sandpaper. Cardboard and cardboard boxes make great cat houses and cubbies. Build a sturdy base that won’t tip over by making it larger than the platform.

Make the cat tree a center of attention.

If your cat has a close relationship with you and enjoys your interaction, one of the best ways to encourage her to use the climbing area is to give her affection, praise and petting while she’s on the climbing area.

Another reason to avoid used cat trees and similar items is that they may cause adverse reactions in your cats and other pets. “I wouldn’t use cat trees secondhand as they’ll have the odor of the other cat, and the cat now using it could start urine marking it,” Dr. Truitt says.

So are cat trees worth it? Yes. A good cat tree provides a cat with ample space for scratching, a higher seat for them to the world, and a little bit of color into their lives according to their personality.

If an indoor cat does not enjoy lying on a cat tree, there must be something that prevents him from doing so. Stress and fear. Cats are curious animals, yet they also can be too stressed to let their curiosity loose. A cat may be afraid of the cat tree itself, or from objects that are nearby.

Your best options are to try and widen the base of the cat tree or to add something heavy to the bottom. Both these will increase the overall stability of the cat tree without requiring too much technical know-how.

A warm place, next to a radiator or in the sun, is usually ideal. Some cats also prefer to sleep high up; don’t hesitate to place their bed on a piece of furniture where they will feel safe.

Make sure the post is stable.

To make sure your cat’s scratching post is stable, try fixing it to a surface or making sure the post has a sturdy base so it won’t budge when the cat scratches it. If your cat feels the post move or shift, she won’t feel secure and may refuse to use the post.

Use Cat Scratch Spray

You can purchase a spray to stop cats from scratching furniture, but it’s easy to make your own homemade cat scratching spray using vinegar, essential citrus oils, or even garlic and peppermint!

The best tactic when dealing with scratching is not to try to stop your cat from scratching, but instead to teach her where and what to scratch. An excellent approach is to provide her with appropriate, cat-attractive surfaces and objects to scratch, such as scratching posts.

You could also try a tea bath with catnip or aloe to soothe your cat’s skin.

Apply Topical Treatments

Treatments like topical organic compound creams can help reduce itchiness and prevent scratching or biting at the site. You can get topical treatments over the counter or through your veterinary office.

The most common causes of itching are parasites, infections, and allergies. There are many skin diseases that do not initially cause itching. However, itching may develop with these diseases due to secondary bacterial or yeast infections. It is possible that by the time itching develops the initial cause is long gone.

Your veterinarian may prescribe a short course of anti-inflammatory drugs such as corticosteroids to make the cat feel more comfortable and reduce the constant itching while the specific treatment takes effect. Other treatments may include antihistamines, essential fatty acids, and cyclosporine (brand name Atopica®).

To prepare it, add four tablespoons of white vinegar to one gallon of water. Massage this through the fur, then rinse again with plain water and air dry. If you still notice dry skin on your cat, try a leave-on moisturizer with aloe vera and alpha keri, Dr. Osborne suggests.

With veterinarian approval, it is fine to use Neosporin on dogs. However, Neosporin should not be used on cats because of the potential of a life-threatening anaphylactic reaction. For dogs, Neosporin can help prevent and fight infections.