5 DIY Cat Scratching Posts To Stop Furniture Damage

Q: Should I have more than one scratching post?

Yes. Place scratchers near sleeping areas, near entrances, and where cats already scratch.

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If your cat is shredding your couch, carpet, or door frames, it’s not bad behavior — it’s instinct. Get them something to scratch on or make one on your own diy cat scratching post. You know why?

Scratching helps cats:

Stretch Their Muscles

Scratching allows cats to stretch their bodies, especially their front legs and spine. It’s like yoga for cats, helping them stay flexible and healthy.

Mark Territory

Cats have scent glands in their paws. When they scratch, they’re leaving both visual marks and scent signals, claiming their space safely.

Relieve Stress

Scratching helps cats release pent-up energy and emotions. It’s a coping mechanism that helps them feel secure and relaxed in their home.

Maintain Healthy Claws

Scratching removes the dead outer layer of claws, keeping them sharp and healthy. It’s their natural way of “manicuring” their nails.

The real problem? Many store-bought scratching posts are overpriced, flimsy, or ignored by cats completely.

That’s why DIY cat scratching posts have become so popular in the U.S. They’re:

More durable
Customizable to your home style
Far more appealing to cats
Budget-friendly

In this guide, you’ll discover 5 DIY cat scratching post ideas that actually work, based on what cats naturally prefer — texture, height, stability, and placement.

Why DIY Cat Scratching Posts Are Better Than Store-Bought Ones

Before jumping into the ideas, it’s important to understand why many commercial scratchers fail.

Common Problems With Store-Bought Scratchers

Problem	Why Cats Ignore It
↓ Too short	Cats need vertical stretch
⚡ Lightweight	Wobbly = unsafe
□ Cheap cardboard	Wears out fast
✋ Wrong texture	Cats prefer sisal, wood, or rough surfaces
📍 Poor placement	Hidden corners = unused

DIY scratchers solve these problems by allowing you to:

Control Height and Stability

Cat furniture should be tall enough for climbing but stable enough to prevent tipping. A wide base and solid construction ensure safety for adventurous felines.

Choose Cat-Approved Materials

Cats prefer rough textures for scratching and soft materials for lounging. Natural sisal, carpet, and untreated wood appeal to their instincts while being durable.

Match Your Home Décor

Modern cat furniture comes in various styles and colors. Choose pieces that complement your interior design so they blend seamlessly with your living space.

Build Something Cats Actually Use

Observe your cat’s behavior to design furniture they’ll love. Include multiple levels, hiding spots, and scratching surfaces to satisfy their natural instincts.

🐾 1. Rustic Tree Branch Cat Scratching Post (Natural & Instinct-Driven)

rustic tree branch diy cat scratching post

Why This Scratcher Works So Well

Cats are naturally drawn to tree bark textures. A real wood branch mimics outdoor scratching behavior, making this one of the most instinct-approved scratching posts you can build.

This Design Is Especially Popular In:

Homes with a rustic, farmhouse, or boho aesthetic
Households with strong adult cats
Multi-cat homes

Best For:

Aggressive scratchers
Cats that ignore carpet or cardboard
Owners who want a natural, decorative look

Materials Needed

Thick tree branch or log

4–6 feet tall
Heavy wooden base

Plywood or reclaimed wood
Sisal rope

For added texture Optional
Wood screws & drill

For assembly
Sandpaper

For smoothing surfaces
Clear matte sealant

Pet-safe option recommended

Safety Note

Always ensure all materials used are pet-safe and non-toxic. When selecting wood, avoid pressure-treated varieties that may contain harmful chemicals.

Pro Build Tips

Keep some natural bark texture exposed
Sand sharp edges, not rough areas
Base must be wide and heavy to prevent tipping

Best Placement

Near:

A window
Entryways cats pass daily
Areas where furniture scratching already happens

🧶 2. Sisal Rope Wrapped Vertical Scratching Post (Classic & Effective)

Why This Scratcher Is a Cat Favorite

Sisal rope is the gold standard for cat scratching. It’s tough, fibrous, and deeply satisfying for claws.

This Design Works Because It:

Allows full vertical stretch
Offers consistent texture
Is incredibly durable

Best For:

Apartment cats
Minimalist homes
Budget DIY projects

Materials Needed

Wooden post or 4×4 beam

3–4 feet tall
Sisal rope

Thick, natural fiber
Strong adhesive or staple gun

For securing rope
Square wooden base

For stability
Felt or carpet

For top perch Optional

Pro Tip

Choose natural, untreated sisal rope rather than synthetic alternatives for the most appealing texture for your cat.

Build Tips

Wrap rope tightly — no gaps
Secure every few inches
Finish top with a soft resting surface

Best Placement

Consider placing it:

Near the couch or TV area
Next to cat sleeping spots

🏡 3. Cinder Block & Wood Cat Scratching Post (Heavy-Duty & Modern)

Why This Design Is Surprisingly Effective

Cinder blocks add serious weight, which cats instinctively trust. Combined with wood and rope, this creates one of the most stable DIY scratching posts possible.

It’s Especially Loved By:

Large cats
Multi-cat households
Owners tired of tipping posts

Best For:

Maine Coons, Bengals, strong breeds
Modern or industrial interiors

Materials Needed

2–3 cinder blocks

For stability and weight
Wooden plank

For scratching surface
Sisal rope or carpet

For scratching texture
Adhesive & screws

For assembly
Paint or stain

For customization Optional

Safety Note

Ensure all materials are pet-safe and non-toxic. Sand any rough edges on the wood to prevent splinters.

Build Tips

Stack blocks securely
Thread rope through block holes
Add rubber pads under base for floors

Design Ideas

Consider:

Painting blocks to match decor
Adding a shelf on top for lounging
Creating a modular design with multiple blocks

📦 4. Upcycled Cardboard Cat Scratching Station (Budget & Eco-Friendly)

Why Cats Go Crazy for Cardboard

Cats love cardboard because it feels good under claws, retains scent markings, and offers resistance without hardness. This option is perfect for kittens and indoor cats.

Best For:

Budget builds
Apartment living
Eco-conscious homes

Ideal For:

Kittens and young cats
Indoor-only cats
First-time cat owners

Materials Needed

Corrugated cardboard

Multiple sheets for layering
Box cutter

For precise cutting
Non-toxic wood glue

Pet-safe option recommended
Heavy book or clamp

For pressing layers together

Eco-Friendly Tip

Look for used cardboard boxes from local stores or recycling centers to make this project even more sustainable and budget-friendly.

Design Ideas

Spiral layers
Vertical stack blocks
Low lounge scratchers

Build Tips

Cut cardboard with the grain for better durability
Alternate corrugation direction between layers
Replace every few months for best results

🪟 5. Window-Mounted Cat Scratching Post (Scratching + Entertainment)

Why This Is a Game-Changer

Cats love scratching, sunlight, and watching birds. This design combines all three into one perfect activity center that keeps cats entertained for hours.

Best For:

Indoor cats
Small homes
Cats that scratch window frames

Ideal For:

Cats with high curiosity
Apartments with good views
Cats who love sunbathing

Materials Needed

Wall-mounted bracket

Heavy-duty and secure
Sisal mat or rope

For scratching surface
Wooden platform

For lounging
Cushion or pad

For comfort

Installation Tip

Consider using suction cup mounts for rental properties where drilling into walls isn’t an option.

Safety Tips

Mount into studs for maximum stability
Test weight capacity before allowing cats to use
Keep height comfortable for your cat’s jumping ability

Pro Tips

Position near bird feeders for entertainment
Add a small suction cup bird feeder outside window
Consider adding a removable shade for sunny days

🧠 Quick Comparison: Which Is Best Suited To You?

Scratcher Type	Best For	Difficulty	Durability
🌳 Tree Branch	Natural instinct	Medium	Very High
🧵 Sisal Column	Everyday use	Easy	High
🧱 Cinder Block	Heavy cats	Medium	Extremely High
📦 Cardboard	Budget & kittens	Easy	Low–Medium
🪟 Window Mounted	Small spaces	Medium	High

Frequently Asked Questions

Cat Scratching Post FAQ

How tall should a cat scratching post be?

At least 30–36 inches so cats can fully stretch.

What material do cats prefer most?

Natural sisal rope and rough wood rank highest.

Should I have more than one scratching post?

Yes. Place scratchers:

Near sleeping areas
Near entrances
Where cats already scratch

Final Thoughts

A good cat scratching post isn’t about looks — it’s about meeting natural feline instincts.

When you build scratchers that are:

Tall
Stable
Textured
Strategically placed

Cats stop destroying furniture and start using what you provide. If your cat won’t stop scratching—no matter what you try—it may be time to invest in cat-proof furniture

These DIY cat scratching post ideas are proof that simple, thoughtful designs outperform expensive store-bought options every time.

Abigail Smith