A DIY cat scratching post for under $20
A sturdy scratching post can save your sofa, skirting boards and door frames while giving your cat a healthy way to stretch, scratch and mark its territory. You do not need a fancy cat tower to meet those needs. A simple homemade scratcher can work just as well when it is tall, stable and wrapped securely.
This low-cost design uses a timber offcut, a solid base and sisal rope. Most of the materials can be found at Bunnings Warehouse, a local hardware shop or an op shop. Prices vary between states and suburbs, but using leftover wood and a small roll of rope can keep the total close to $20.
The best scratching posts allow a cat to stand on its back legs and pull downwards with its front paws. They should also resist wobbling, because a post that tips over may frighten a cautious cat and quickly lose its appeal.
Before cutting or drilling, check the size of your available space. This project suits a flat, tiled area in a unit, a carpeted living room or a sheltered spot on an Australian veranda, provided the materials remain dry and the base cannot slide.
Choose safe, inexpensive materials
You will need a timber post or thick untreated pine, a square piece of plywood for the base, sisal rope, screws and a drill. A piece of carpet, rubber matting or felt under the base can reduce slipping and protect timber floors. Look for offcuts in the bargain bin, as a smaller piece of wood is usually enough for a cat scratcher.
For a useful height, aim for a post around 60 to 75 centimetres long. A base measuring roughly 35 by 35 centimetres gives many cats enough stability. Sisal rope between 6 and 10 millimetres thick is easy for claws to grip and is commonly sold in hardware and craft sections.
Avoid treated outdoor timber, loose staples, sharp screw tips and peeling synthetic materials. Some cats chew rope, so supervise the first few days and replace the scratcher if strands become dangerously loose. Do not use essential oils, strong adhesives or chemical cleaners to attract your cat.
Prepare the timber and base
Cut the base into a square and sand every edge until it feels smooth. If you are buying timber in Australia, many Bunnings stores will make basic cuts for a small fee or as part of their cutting service, although policies can differ. A local men’s shed, community workshop or friendly neighbour may also have the tools for a quick cut.
Place the post in the centre of the base and mark its position underneath. Drill pilot holes before driving in two or four long screws from the underside. Countersink the holes if possible, so screw heads sit below the floor and cannot scratch tiles or timber.
Test the structure by pressing against the post from several directions. If it rocks, add a second layer of plywood, widen the base or fit small rubber feet underneath. Stability matters more than appearance, particularly for a large cat or an energetic kitten.
Wrap the scratching surface
Start at the bottom of the post and secure the sisal rope with a screw placed into the side of the timber. Wind the rope tightly around the post, pushing each loop firmly against the one below it. Gaps make the surface less satisfying to scratch and allow claws to catch unevenly.
Every few rows, press the rope down with your fingers or tap it gently with a small block of wood. Finish at the top with another screw, keeping the head flush and covered by a tight section of rope. A small amount of pet-safe adhesive can help, but the rope should not depend on glue alone.
Leave the base uncovered or attach a replaceable carpet square with short screws and washers. Carpet remnants can be useful, but avoid loops that may catch claws. Flat, tightly woven material is a safer choice than shaggy carpet.
Keep the total below $20
The final price depends on what you already have at home. People in Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth or regional towns may see different hardware prices, while postage can make online rope more expensive than buying locally. An op-shop timber board or a recycled shelf can make the project significantly cheaper.
| Material | Budget option | Approximate cost |
|---|---|---|
| Timber post or offcut | Recycled pine or hardware offcut | $3–$6 |
| Plywood base | Scrap or small cut piece | $4–$7 |
| Sisal rope | Small roll from hardware or craft shop | $6–$9 |
| Screws and floor protection | Existing supplies or budget pack | $0–$4 |
| Estimated total | Using some materials already available | $13–$20 |
Do not reduce the base size simply to save a few dollars. A stable scratcher is more useful than a tall, narrow one. If the cost rises slightly, spend the extra money on a wider base or thicker rope rather than decorative features.
Encourage your cat to use it
Place the post near the area your cat already scratches, such as beside the lounge, a hallway corner or the edge of a bed. Cats often scratch after waking, so positioning it near a favourite sleeping spot can work well. In a rental, this is a practical way to redirect claws away from painted walls and timber trim.
Rub a small amount of catnip onto the rope if your cat responds to it, or play with a wand toy beside the post. Praise calm investigation and scratching, but avoid forcing your cat’s paws onto the surface. Some cats prefer vertical sisal, while others favour a horizontal cardboard scratcher, so observe the scratching angle your pet naturally chooses.
Inspect the post weekly. Tighten screws, trim loose strands and check that the base remains level. In homes with several cats, place more than one scratcher in separate areas so a confident cat cannot monopolise the only option.
Make the finished post last
Keep the scratcher away from outdoor rain, damp laundry areas and intense summer sun. In hotter parts of Australia, rope exposed to heat and moisture can deteriorate faster, while sandy grit tracked indoors may wear down the fibres. A shaded indoor position usually gives the post a longer life.
When the rope becomes smooth or heavily frayed, replace that section rather than throwing away the whole structure. Remove the old material, check the timber for damage and wrap a fresh length tightly around the post. With a solid base, a safe surface and regular checks, this inexpensive homemade cat scratching post can provide months of useful enrichment for less than the price of a replacement cushion. The practical takeaway is simple: use a wide, stable base, wrap the sisal tightly and place the finished scratcher where your cat already wants to scratch.