8 DIY Cat Scratching Posts for Every Skill Level

Let’s be real: store-bought cat scratch posts are expensive, at least the tall and fully loaded ones. If you want to save money or are looking for an entirely customized play tree for your cat, why not do it yourself? These DIY cat scratching posts vary in size, material, and skill level, so there’s something here for everyone. Pick the one that’ll work best for you and your special kitty, then get to work. 

Does your cat like to scratch on your favorite chair? This DIY cat scratch post tutorial might be perfect for you. In this video, Evan and Katelyn offer step-by-step instructions on how to turn a chair into a scratching post that your cats will flock to. And with their very own designated scratching chair, they’ll be less likely to sink their claws into your other furniture. Win-win for everyone!

Sure, a cat scratcher is for your feline friend, but it’s something you need to live with, too. If you’re going to DIY a cat scratching post anyway, why not make it one that makes your home aesthetic?

This cactus-style scratcher uses PVC pipes and joints to create the shape of a saguaro cactus, plus green sisal and cute little pompom “flowers” as the finishing touches. Can you get any more adorable than that??

Related: 8 DIY Catnip Toys Your Feline Friend Will Fawn Over

A cat scratcher out of a traffic cone?? Yep, you heard us right. This step-by-step tutorial guides you through how to cover an old traffic cone with ombre-dyed sisal to create a unique DIY cat scratching post.

Working with wood can be intimidating for some (absolutely no shame!). If you’re looking for something you can make on your kitchen floor, check out this adorable DIY cardboard tunnel. All you need are a pair of scissors, hot glue, and a bunch of recycled cardboard. Your cats will love scratching on it and running through it as much as the kitties in this tutorial video!

Related: 5 Reasons Why Your Cat Gets the Zoomies (Plus Pictures!)

If you have a tiered cat scratch post complete with a kitty cubby in mind, Home Depot has you covered. This how-to video tutorial shows you how to create a cat scratching tree that rivals the ones you can find online or in stores. And for a fraction of the cost.

A PVC pipe is the perfect diameter for a cat scratching post, and Vicki and Steph agree. They show you exactly how to turn a piece of PVC pipe into an attractive and functional scratcher. They do mention at the end that they should have probably made it a bit taller, but you can absolutely learn from their mistakes and craft a post that is the perfect size for your kitty.

Related: Why Cats Scratch Furniture (& Other Weird Cat Behaviors)

There’s something about corners that cats are attracted to. They love to rub up against them, stretch on them, and give them a good scratching. If your cat is a corner fiend, make them this awesome corner scratching post. It does require a bit of carpentry know-how and equipment, but the end result is an attractive scratcher that would cost a whole lot more in stores.

Image having a custom castle (cat-stle, if you will) that your cats can lounge on and scratch in whenever they please. If you’re willing to put in the time and effort, it could be your reality!

This DIY cat castle is practically a work of art, but it’s also an awesome source of enrichment for your feline friends. Just know this tutorial is not for the faint of heart. But if you consider yourself a skilled carpenter, you should definitely give it a try. 

Related: 16 Cat Enrichment Ideas to Make Their Days More Exciting

There’s no way around it: a cat’s gotta scratch. And they should. Scratching keeps your kitty’s ever-growing nails healthy and is one of the ways they express their emotions. Make a DIY cat scratcher that they love so they can enjoy their scratching, and you can rest easy knowing your favorite furniture is free of picks.