DIY Cat Scratcher That Looks So Good (Cats Love It!)

cat scratcher ikea kallax hack
Photo Credit: Laura

This is really not a very difficult hack, but I thought it may be useful to the many cat-owned IKEA hackers out there. Plus I just couldn’t resist showing off my beautiful furry boys.

Like many others, I think cat accessories almost invariably look dreadful, with much brown carpet and awful shapes. So I was trying to find a nice-looking solution.

I found this good idea online but … hello, $604?!

Besides, I’m in London, UK, and my furniture is gloss white in the dining area where I wanted to put the scratch post/snug. EXPEDIT was just the ideal solution.

Materials Used:

  • EXPEDIT single shelving unit (now known as KALLAX)
  • Sisal rope (20 meters, from Homebase)
  • Cushions (already owned)
  • Adhesive Velcro
  • U-shaped nails

Here’s How I Did It:

DIY cat scratcher and cat bed

1. Build the Unit: I assembled the EXPEDIT (or KALLAX) shelf as instructed.

2. Wrap with Sisal Rope: I took 20 meters of sisal rope and anchored it to one side of the unit using a U-shaped nail. Then I wrapped it VERY tightly all the way around, securing the end with another nail. I added a couple more nails at the top and bottom of the scratching side to stop the rope from sliding when my two big boys get wild with it. (They’re two big boys!)

3. Anchor the Unit: I used adhesive Velcro strips underneath to help keep the unit from slipping, but still easy to move when I need to clean.

4. Add Cushions: I topped the shelf with two small cushions I already had. To stop the top one from slipping off, I Velcroed it down.

As you can see, it was an instant hit! (Byron at the top, Pushkin at the bottom.)

So glad to have made this sturdy, multi-purpose scratcher, perch, and nap spot all in one.

Bonus Tip:
If you want something larger or a different look, you can try this with a LACK table too. Just skip the castors unless they lock.

~ by Laura, London, UK

NEXT: View more IKEA hacks for cats.

Completed an IKEA hack for your furry one? We’d love to see it. Here’s how to send it in.


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