Cat scratching posts, as we all know… can be quite expensive, and the price rises in proportion to their size. It isn't always possible to afford one that is large enough, sturdy and good quality. That's where DIY comes in. Let's find out how to build a cat scratching post using a simple ladder.
Our cat, as we know, is a skilled predator — a hunter by nature, built for the ambush. You'll often see them fix their gaze on an object, real or imaginary, and then launch into attack mode. More often than not, what they set their sights on is our sofa, a wicker chair, some piece of furniture, a rug, a curtain… probably the most cherished thing we own. They don't do it on purpose — it's pure instinct. They pounce on the sofa, dig their claws into the corner and start sharpening their nails. Sometimes with maddening calm, other times with the fury of a whirlwind, leaving our sofa in tatters — and our vision of a perfect home along with it. Who wants a rug that's completely frayed? Or a curtain scratched down to ribbons? That is precisely why cat scratching posts were invented!
There are countless models available on the market — every shape and size, from towering cat trees to compact little posts — but the question, as always, comes down to one thing: how much does a scratching post cost, and how do we tell a well-made one from a poor one? Building a cat scratching post isn't exactly simple, but it's far from impossible. The key is to start with a clear plan and not get carried away with unnecessary embellishments — at least not straight away.
How to build a scratching post from a ladder
Let's take the idea of a scratching post built from a ladder — one of the easiest to make and also one of the most fun. We start by gathering all the materials, beginning, naturally, with the ladder itself. It needs to be a wooden stepladder, the old-fashioned kind that opens out like a book; you can usually find one easily at any second-hand market. It doesn't matter if the paint is worn, but it is essential that the structure is stable and sturdy.
The ladder should be no taller than 1.2 m — anything higher could be dangerous for your cat. Next, get some plywood, cut to size so that pieces can rest between the rungs at the same height on both sides; these will become platforms for your cat to sit on. You can choose to add one or several. You'll also need some carpet offcuts — recycled ones are perfectly fine — along with a hammer, nails, a staple gun and paint. On top of that, a piece of hessian or denim, a long rope made of hemp, and a cat toy tied to a short length of cord.
The first thing to do is sand the ladder carefully and repaint it completely, choosing a bright colour and perhaps adding some little designs to catch your cat's attention. Paint the edges of the plywood pieces too, then cover the platform surfaces with carpet cut to fit. Use staples to fix the carpet to the base, taking care to check that none are poking through on the other side, as these could injure your cat. Then attach the platforms to the rungs of the ladder, starting from the highest level so that the very top of the ladder also becomes a platform.
DIY cat hammock
Create levels that your little friend can explore and use to sharpen their claws — destroying the carpet instead of your beloved sofa! Before moving on, make sure each platform is perfectly level and firmly fixed to the ladder; don't hold back on the nails. Now it's time for the hammock. Cut a generous rectangle of denim or hessian and fix the corners to the inside of the ladder legs, beneath the last rung on each side, again using staples. Leave a little slack so it hangs like a hammock — your cat will climb into it and most likely curl up for a nap.
Make sure the fabric is securely attached and can support your cat's weight. Now it's time to wrap the ladder legs with rope. Start at the bottom on the inside of the first leg, fixing the end of the rope with staples. Wind the rope tightly and closely along the full length of the leg, then fix the other end again with staples. Repeat this process on all four legs of the ladder. For the finishing touch, hang the toy from the top of the ladder, just beneath the upper platform.
Final tips for your DIY cat scratching post
Your DIY scratching post is ready! Now use a spirit level to check that the platforms are horizontal, and make sure the whole structure is stable. If it wobbles at all, use nails or wood screws to secure it further, always checking that nothing is poking through on the other side. One little secret… sometimes, after all that hard work, your cat will serenely choose to ignore your masterpiece and carry on wreaking havoc on sofas, rugs and curtains. So what then?
Try rubbing a little catnip on the surfaces and ropes of your scratching post, and position it to cover the spots where your cat most often sharpens their claws — for example, at the corner of the sofa. Once they've got used to their new playground, you can move it to wherever suits you best.
Given that making a cat scratching post isn't exactly straightforward — especially for a beginner — we'd recommend following a tutorial. There are plenty available online, where you can pick up practical techniques and discover alternative methods. Happy building!
