Scratching posts for cats with their hands: a way to protect the surface

Many in the conditions of the apartment prefer to start a cat, which is not necessary to walk on the street and which is easier to maintain. Thus cats can damage not only furniture, but the walls as one of the basic instincts is stitching claws. Animals used for this purpose, door trim, protruding corners, but most often it suffers from upholstered furniture. Scratching posts for cats with their own hands is considered an effective way of helping to save the situation.

Why scratching posts for the cat and why animals spoil surface

Whatever may seem cute house cat, still initially applied to wild animals, so many instincts are preserved and domesticated animals. Even cats who live permanently in the apartment, but for some reason, get out into the street, with the risk of trying to climb a tree or on any other surface vysokoraspolozhennuyu. Street Cats use claws, not only for climbing but also to hunt for prey. That sharp claws allow the animal to cling to a stranglehold on another animal.

It is interesting! Recently, among the owners of the cats became popular operation "soft paw", which is the complete removal of the nail phalanx. However, most veterinarians are categorically against such manipulations, because after the animal, in fact, becomes disabled. Complete removal of the claws can be compared with the amputation of fingers in humans.

By itself, the claw is considered a sensitive element whose surface is continuously updated. Man has the ability to cut his nails as they grow, and the animal removes the horny layer using any suitable surface for this purpose, whether it be a tree trunk or roots. As for wildlife, while sharpening the claws of the cat family representatives secrete special substances that leave a smell on the surface. It is this method is considered to be one of the options allows the animals mark territory.

Cat, constantly living in the home, is not able to grind down the nails on a hard surface of asphalt or wood, so in the absence of Scratchy Cat animal for this purpose will use any favorite her surface. If the cat does not offer an alternative, it may well come to what will have to change the upholstery of furniture or wallpaper glue.

What requirements must meet scratching posts for cats with their own hands

Before making a scratching post for the cat with his own hands, you need to know what requirements must meet the design:

1. Robust. The cat could easily remove the stratum corneum, the product in the first place should be firm, but not overly so, because the damage claws pretty easy.
2. Rough and fibrous. The material used for stitched, should not easily be torn, otherwise there is the likelihood that the animal will get confused.
3. Anti-static. If the surface is electrified, most likely, your pet will not be used for construction purposes. Particularly sensitive to static currents are considered furry pets.

In general we can say that the ideal kogtedralka for cats must be made of natural materials, among which the most popular are:

• wood;
• hemp rope;
• sackcloth;
• thick cardboard;
• quality natural fabrics.

Not recommended for the production of houses with their own hands for cats with kittens acquire synthetic materials, because they are often characterized by high strength, which can lead to complete loss of claws in cleaning.

Very important!When creating sharpeners claws of cats is not recommended as the fastening screws used with big hats or staples because they often cause pulling out of wool and claws.

What do scratching with their hands and what materials it is better not to use

Due to the fact that cats are excessively sensitive to smells, it is recommended cat scratching posts do just from natural materials that do not have a strong flavor. In general, in order not to miscalculate, you should watch for a pet whose behavior can tell what kind of stuff he likes more.

Some cats like to use as a sharpener of cardboard boxes, others prefer carpets or upholstered furniture surfaces. Therefore, one suitable improvised variants of cardboard, and the second as an alternative can be proposed jute or sisal rope, and in this case will fit carpet. But to twist design synthetic ropes is not recommended for the following reasons:

• pungent smell that can scare the animal;
• rapid wear;
• unsafe structure.

With regard to the latter point, it at first glance, it does not seem a problem, because the product is used only for cleaning claws. However, it should be borne in mind that the pieces of material will inevitably fall under the claws that cat licks. In this way, the plastic and will enter the body's favorite, it is unlikely that a positive impact on his health. Often permanent impact plastic and synthetic dyes on the body causes the development of pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory diseases. Some specialists associated permanent synthetic ingress into the animal to form tumors.

Many owners report that their pets prefer to sharpen claws on the wooden surface. In this case, for the manufacture of scratching posts fit lasting health and grained wood. Hardwood most successful variant is considered to birch and softwood fit any tree, except eating.

If you decide to do with their hands scratching post for the cat out of the timber, it is necessary to make sure that the material was well dried and eroded. Keep blanks should work on the street as long as the smell will evaporate. About ready to use shows a color change to gray, while conifers emerges bedding.

It is interesting! If the tree is designed to operate, it has a small yellow plaque, do not be afraid, because this is likely to lichen, which is considered harmless and will not cause harm to the caudate.

Some prefer to minimize the effort and just bring the animal part of the felled tree trunk, so-called chock, and the cat from him in delight. Of course, the installation will have to select the room section, but there is no need to build an additional stand or platform. It is important to choose options such wood fragments to them was free of knots portion equal to the growth of the animal standing on its hind legs.

What else do you need to consider when creating your own hands scratching posts

If desired, it is quite possible to save as kogtedralki just take the board, but the animal is much more to their liking would have a high bench, equipped with a place for sharpening. Most cats prefer to spend time on the hill, because there opens an overview on what is happening. Every cat owner paid attention to the fact that a popular pet site can serve as a window sill, overlooking the street.

There is an opposite point of view. Some experts say that you should not combine scratching posts with houses, because the animals prefer not to leave their own mark on the den. In addition, before making a scratching post for the cat, you need to take into account other parameters, which must comply with the design:

1. Stability. It is important to bear in mind that during a jump animal has on the surface of the load, is 2-3 times greater than the weight, so the product must be designed for it. Otherwise, if a cat falls, there is a likelihood that it will no longer use the scratching post.
2. Appropriate size. Kittens should not take the lion's share of the area of ​​the room where it is installed. It is best placed in a small room in the corner of the device or in another place where it will not interfere. If allowed by the dimensions of the house, and you can create a large cat scratching post house with his own hands.
3. Durability. The material must withstand the torment claws tereblenie and constant exposure to the teeth.
4. Appeal. The design should be a full part of the interior, so and in appearance it should be combined with other objects in the room.

The main types of kogtetochek for cats: photos of different options

Kittens-bar cat is considered the most common form, suitable for individual processing. The product is a vertical column, wrapped around the perimeter of the selected pictures. With regard to classification, the design of the form is divided into these types:

• floor;
• suspended;
• angle;
• a pad;
• ringlets.

Scratching posts designed for wall mounting, are planar plates, firmly fixed on the surface. If we turn to kogtetochek photo, you can see that the product is attached to the place where the animal prefers to stretch (it's easy to see the wallpaper). For the winding used sisal or jute. The main benefits of installing wall kogtedralki:

• It occupies minimal space in the room;
• You can be installed in any place;
• there is no likelihood of overturning;
• It is simple to self-production.

Helpful information! Wall scratching posts are popular because they fulfill an aesthetic function in the apartment: it is similar products will close the damaged wallpaper section.

Another important advantage of the wall option is that the product is suitable for installation even in the room other than a minimum size. the complexity of migration can be distinguished among the disadvantages of such a structure from place to place, because the product fixed to the wall with nails or other strong attachments, which somehow detracts from the appearance walls. But it can cause difficulties except when moving, because if the cat is accustomed to sharpen claws in one place, it is unlikely that he oblyubuet for this new angle.

Related article:

Beds for cats with their hands: how to arrange a place for pet

Product purpose. What types of demand. What material is better to build. Instructions for self-production.

Floor and corner scratching posts for a kitten and an adult animal

Another option scratching posts on the wall - corner, which is considered to be an improved version of the previous product. Scratchy mounted on two perpendicularly projecting angle adjacent walls. The design is different flat shape that is considered relevant in choosing the product in small housing. The main advantages of compactness and efficiency are considered, but, as usual wall sharpener, angular version will be difficult to transfer to a new place. Due to the fact that it is protruding corners elected pets, kittens corner warn the need for unscheduled repairs.

There is always the opportunity to supplement the product on the upstream area. First, the cat will be interesting to look down at all, secondly, the kittens will not interfere with the cleaning of the apartment.

Not all pets love to sharpen its claws on the wall surface. Some choose for this purpose rugs or other objects mounted horizontally. Such animals should be made kogtedralki outdoor version. Considering photo kogtetochek (made with his own hands), you can pay attention to these forms of products:

1. Flat. Are simply stacked on the floor boards, covered with sisal. The main advantages - compact size, simple installation and ease of use.
2. Convex-concave. Design look like a wave, it enables not only the cat sharpening claws, but also to play with the subject. In the manufacture of this variant is somewhat more complicated, in addition, be required to install a lot of space.
3. Scratching post with a toy. Such articles generally stud carpet or other suitable material, while the upper part is fixed an artificial arm. Thus perform your own hands toy for kittens that narezvivshis, happy to begin to sharpen its claws on the bottom of the pad attached.
4. Simple cardboard products. The main advantages of this kogtedralki - low price and easy way of manufacturing. Scratching posts made of cardboard will like most pets, but must be prepared to ensure that fragments of material will be scattered around the sharpener, and it will have to change 2-3 times a year.

Other options kogtetochek cat with his own hands: photo

The greatest demand in the pet stores are racks for cats in the form of columns with platforms. With self-manufacturing should carefully approach the selection of the optimum height. Kitten recommended to choose an option of up to 0.5 meters, but it must be borne in mind that all 6-8 months baby in turn present the adult cat for which the product will need a minimum height of 70 cm.

It is interesting! Correctly selected height scratching posts will allow the kitten safely perform his favorite sipping that help develop not only back, but also the joints.

Depending on the planned budget and the features that you can perform a variety of options, such as:

1. A pillar with a platform. Economy, not only in financial terms but also in terms of the occupied territory. That the product will last longer, do not save on a selection of quality rope for scratching posts.
2. Angular. It takes up very little space. It has the shape of a semicircle, thereby scratching easily fit into an empty corner. If necessary, the product can be transferred to the right place.
3. Kittens with a house. Their own hands to make a product will have a little more complicated, but the result is a favorite get not only a place to play, but also his own lair, where it will feel safe. If an animal of medium size, it is quite enough to house a standard-size (35x35 cm).

We should also mention the big game animal complexes which have two or more levels. Similar designs are typically composed of such elements:

• house;
• couches or hammock;
• ladders;
• tunnel;
• hanging toys.

Such complexes are suitable for playful cats, and they are recommended when the house is home to several animals. In this case, each individual can be chosen for themselves the shelf, where it will be convenient to watch.

Before you make the hands scratching post with a house cat, keep in mind that the assembled structure will take up much space, so this option is ideal for large apartments or private houses. It is important to understand that no matter how attractive any product, it should always be kept clean, because the cat - an animal cleanliness. If kogtedralka will be unattractive state, the cat can ignore it.

Basic rules to securely install a scratching post

Wall and floor products must be properly attached to the surface. If the attachment is weak, then under the influence of the weight of the cat in the process of sharpening the nail design can fall and scare the animal. Chances are that the animal is not only injured, but will lose interest in the product.

also check the stability of the installation of outdoor options, because if not enough kittens well worth it and is not attached to the floor in addition, the construction process may move games and spook animal. The main installation tips sharpeners:

1. As the fixture to perform with their hands out of scrap materials scratching posts should not use nails. Screws are considered more reliable, and the design of them will be more stable.
2. If you have to use nails or staples, you should not do it on the front part, because the cat will cling to them and can get hurt. It is best to hide the fasteners on the back side.
3. Process of Warn mold formation and propagation of pathogenic microorganisms will laid under an upholstery or mint leaves catnip. In addition, plants are able to attract the animal's attention.
4. Wall construction is recommended to perform with two loops at the corners. In this case, the construction will be securely attached, so that the cat is in the process of sharpening can not move it.

Useful advice! Most tailed prefer to sharpen claws in the morning after waking up, so you should install kogtedralku near the place where the animal is accustomed to sleep.

As for other tips on where best to install a scratching post, the pet owners recommend to do this where the animal tears up the surface more often. If this salient angle wall and sharpener should be located there. The main thing - not the product of attaching too close to the surface, because the cat can use both surface.

Sharpeners as possible to install in all the places where the pet is left traces. Not only are advised to strengthen its safety sharpening on the doorframe to pet accidentally nobody pressed.

How to make your own hands for a cat scratching post suspended type

Before making scratching their hands, is necessary to prepare a piece of plywood or wooden panel of rectangular shape, whose width is in the range 40-45 cm. It is this distance enough to a favorite does not touch the wallpaper, surrounding the product, as will sharpen claws. By Scratchy length should be slightly in excess of animal growth, standing on their hind legs with forelegs stretched upward.

After a suitable base will be selected, to be determined for the upholstery material. Optimal fabric for scratching posts is considered tight corduroy. Dimensions of the material must exceed the dimensions of the rectangle prepared to be able to wrap the edges and to fix them well on the rear side using a construction adhesive or stapler.

Is considered to be more durable edge, covered with a carpet, turned inside out. For greater strength experts in manufacturing of such structures are advised to put upholstery in two layers. In addition to the basic options for this purpose it is also permissible to use a quilt, twine or jute rope.

For mounting on the wall previously recommend that you perform a few holes and attach a scratching post, using 4 rails of the same size and 8 screws - 4 of 4 corners and the center. Very simply manufactured and corner scratching their own hands. Step by step instructions as follows:

• take 2 identical piece of plywood: width - minimum 25 cm and the height is selected depending on the pet's growth;
• glued on both workpiece cloth or hemp upholstery;
• using screws secure the finished products on both sides of the speaker in the corner of the room.

It is interesting!If you do not have time for the manufacture of high-grade scratching posts, you can simply mounted on the wall, one or more pieces of carpet desired thickness and height.

Floor scratching posts for cats with their own hands: the scheme, the size of

Done by hand for the cat scratching the floor type is considered to be a rational solution, because the product easily transferred to any other place, as well as its installation does not need to spoil the wall mounting elements. The more that a large range of different models allows you to choose the best option for the independent production, depending on the skills and availability of tools.

The simplest option is the conventional horizontal kogtedralka, which may play a role, and the cat's couches. For the manufacture of needed to take a piece of plywood or a conventional board, pasted it on both sides with pieces of carpet that are larger than a couple of centimeters dimensions of the wood. It is necessary to sew both the upholstery section between a thick thread, after which the product manufacturing process is complete. If you have a little more time and inspiration, you can try to perform a more complex version of the horizontal sharpeners. Step by step instructions with their hands scratching posts will look like this:

1. Prepare rectangular boards (size of at least 30x60 cm).
2. Nailed or screwed with screws on each side of the wooden boards of the same size bar.
3. Check that the cap on the fasteners are not sticking. It is better for them to do a special recess.
4. Coat with the wood adhesive formulation and wrap twine, jute or sisal rope.

You can perform design with a slight slope so that it took the form of slides. To manufacture required two wooden planks, one of which will differ more in length. It is necessary to create the desired angle of the product.

For upholstery can be used as a carpet or other thick cloth. Secure the coating can be by means of adhesive applied to the internal side of the fabric stitched. Securely connect the parts to each other will use the seating area or tightly screwed screws. To design is more stable, it is recommended to fix at the wall.

Quickly made with his own hands made of cardboard scratching posts. However, it should take into account the significant negative articles - a short service life. For homemade need to prepare such materials:

• thick cardboard;
• scissors or a stationery knife;
• glue;
• Scotch.

Simple step by step instructions with their hands scratching posts suggests these steps:

1. Using any convenient cutting tool to cut cardboard sheets in the same size strips.
2. Alternately twist and glue them together.
3. As a result of this bonding is supposed to be a circle with a diameter of 45-60 cm - here will depend on the animal's size.
4. For giving the product a more attractive appearance, it is possible to further decorate different cloth.

Prior to the upholstery on the perimeter of the product should be pasted with adhesive tape. This will add kogtedralke strength and prolong its use.

Column-scratching with their hands: step by step instructions, photos of different options

This type of sharpener is popular not only among fans of home-made products, because make a scratching post for cats is quite simple, but also among animals that are happy to such goods enjoy. For work required to prepare a sheet of particleboard that will be used as a stand. If this is not available, suitable and old countertop or cabinet door is unnecessary. The main thing is that the ground has sufficient width and was stable - then the animal does not upset the structure during the game.

As to the form, here you can choose different options: rectangle, square, oval or any other bizarre configuration. It is important that the form attached sharpener stability and fit into the surrounding interior. Perform perfectly round base is quite simple with a compass, which is applied to the line. Cut the best jigsaw.

If desired, you can leave the base of a timber, especially when applied to manufacture a beautiful natural tree, but you can use any padding, because the probability is high that the animal oblyubuet product as lounger. The basis is easy to paste over jute rope, which is attached to the side and arranged in a spiral, moving to the center.

The bar is made of metal or PVC pipe, as well as suitable durable branch of a tree diameter of at least 7-10 cm. Some experts suggest to make a column of tin cans, inserted one into one and connected with glue. To weight design and better stability to the bottom of the first banks should put something heavy, such as a piece of concrete or steel. You can wrap all of the same carpet or rope. To connect the column and the base, suitable for furniture corners.

Useful advice! When using a wooden bar, it may be either circular or rectangular in shape - in the form of a bar. Considered optimal height of 60-80 cm. Most often the surface is left uncovered, but if the bar is not too attractive, it is further wrapped with cord.

If desired, and the presence of excess material may accommodate additional overhead shelf, which in size and shape corresponds to the base. It is easy to make and a three-story structure in which the shelves are interconnected columns. Thus Climbing is made for cats with their own hands, which is particularly relevant for the active animal.

However, in this case it is necessary to consider that at Jumping animal design will be subjected to considerable strain. To further highlight the top rope is fixed with a toy attached to it.

Especially the creation of the house for a cat with kittens

If ordinary Scratchy seems too simple, you can try on the circuit with their own hands scratching post for cats, consisting not only of the sharpener, but a full house and couches. Pre-designed a detailed plan will help not only to calculate the necessary materials, but did not make a mistake with the measurements in the course of work.

By and large, the process of creating their own hands at home for a cat with kittens represents several joint workshops, which previously discussed. The work should also begin with base, wherein bore holes for the installation bars. Then glued to the base cloth, which also prepared the holes for poles.

As the base may be used alone house, resulting in the structure be able to give significant resistance. To do this, you just want to consolidate several boards together to form a square or rectangle. If you set the house on the top, you must either be permanently attached to the base of the floor, or to apply for this weighting.

To the surface of the base pillars are screwed or nailed screws. Upstairs is most often recommended to set common couch, being on which, tailed able to observe the situation and to hunt. It is important to understand that the more complex the design of the game, the more attention should be paid to the organization of attachment.

Of course, much easier to buy a ready market kogtedralku, but in this case will not be fully convinced that only natural materials were used for its production. At independent performance can be, firstly, to take into account all of the animal's preferences in terms of materials and size, and secondly, to make a real scratching complement the room. It should be understood that even the most simple homemade version will help protect walls and furniture from the sharp claws pet.