Cats are arguably among the best house pets that one could ask for because they are easy to raise and very charming. One of the few things that they need is a reliable scratching post. However, not everybody can afford to buy a new scratching post even time, which is why it is important that you know how to wrap a cat scratching post.
A cat scratching post is a simple concept—make something high enough that it would get the cat interested in it and cover it in an abrasive material to give them the chance to get some grooming done on the side. While the concept is simple, it is very efficient, which is why the market for it blew up over the past few years.
Cats need their grooming as much as humans do, and a reliable cat scratching post would allow them to do just that. Not only that, but it would also keep them moving and allow them to exercise their cute little paws.
Lucky for you, with a bit of DIY knowledge and dedication, you can actually breathe new life into your cat’s scratching post. In that way, you can provide your pet with a haven in which they can exercise and practice their habits.
Plus, you also get to do something nice for your furry friend.
What You Need Before Starting to Wrap a Cat Post
In order to get down to business and refurbish that old and janky cat scratching post, here are a few things that are essential to doing a good job:
- A pair of scissors
- Sisal rope
- Glue (and a hot glue gun)
- A staple gun
- Pliers
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How to Wrap a Cat Scratching Post
Once you have gathered all the essential things that we have mentioned above, then you can start the project.
Simply follow this step-by-step guide, and you will have a nicely wrapped cat scratching post in no time.
Step 1: Remove the top stand from the scratching post using the tool that came with the setup kit. It’s usually an imbus, so just use one that fits if the tool that came with the kit is no longer available.
Step 2: Look for any sort of nails or staples that are keeping the ends of the rope in place. If there are any, use some pliers to remove them from the wood. Make sure to get them out, as exposed sharp metal objects can really damage a kitty’s paws.
Step 3: After removing the staples or nails, start taking out the old rope. It might’ve been glued on, so you might need to put some effort into it. By this point, feel free to give the pole a light cleaning with a brush or anything else that’s dry. Don’t get it wet.
Step 4: It’s time to get the rope. Before buying one, think about getting a thicker rope. This will mean that there’s going to be less work, as it will cover more surface. In addition, it will also be more durable, which means that it would take a longer time before you would need to change it again.
Step 5: Staple the rope on the base of the pole. Use one two-inch spaced staples to make sure that the first level of rope is really tight in place. Feel free to use a small hammer to bash it in further if the staple gun isn’t strong enough.
Step 6: Afterward, start wrapping the rope towards the top. For each line of rope, apply hot glue before wrapping it around the pole.
Step 7: When you have reached the top layer, repeat the process and apply hot glue and staples to secure it in place. Again, feel free to hammer the rope flat on the pole if the staple gun isn’t doing the job that well.
Step 8: Take the top and screw it back in place.
Step 9: The process is done, and all that is left is a brand-new cat scratching pole.
Some Tips on How to Do it Correctly
While it may look like a really easy thing to do, not all of us are handy enough to do it.
For that reason, take a look at these tried-and-tested tips and tricks on how to wrap a cat scratching post the right way:
- Make sure that this project is doable. If the carpet is in bad condition, the best bet would be to invest in a new cat scratcher. The carpet is almost always all glued securely to the wood, so it’s very hard and messy to replace it.
- Additionally, it is also very important to clean the whole pole and the platforms before starting the job. These areas will most likely be filled with cat hair and other factors that can really stick to the glue. If there are too many fine particles that get between the rope and the pole, then the glue won’t do as good of a job, and the rope will need replacing much, much sooner.
- Before starting the job, take a few moments to make sure that everything works properly. If you’re using an extra thick rope, make sure that the scissors can handle its thickness. Most household scissors will have a tough time with very thick sisal rope.
- Under any circumstance, don’t use a knife to cut the rope if the scissors can’t get the job done. Just go out and get better scissors; it’s much, much safer.
- As you wrap the rope around, make sure that everything is kept as tight as possible. Even if it’s getting glued to the pole, it’s hard to avoid loose rope if one doesn’t keep it nice and tight. Maybe ask for some help. Two heads are always better than one, the same being true for two pairs of hands.
- While this will clearly be a money-saving project, don’t go too cheap on the products used in refurbishing the old cat post. See, a low-grade glue will degrade in faster and will be a very poor investment.
- Ask the hardware store workers for advice on which type of hot glue will work best for the project and get ready to spend a bit of extra cash to make sure that the job is done properly.
Final Thoughts – Wrapping it Up
Owning a pet is a responsibility. It’s easy to just feed and pet a kitten, but keeping it happy and healthy is the real challenge. Providing a cat with a post and a place where it can feel in charge is a great feat, and it’s essential for it having a place in the family.
Complete Cat Care Manual: The Essential, Practical Guide to All Aspects of Caring for Your Cat
Take a few hours to refurbish the old post and your kitten will surely be grateful, even if it won’t ever show it. The more important thing is that you know that it is well-taken care of.
