Help with wobbly scratching post

So like, I got this plain old scratching post for Zoey for the bedroom, because she likes to scratch my mattress but the thing is she jumps up on it with all 4 claws and it starts to tip over. Even when she just scratches on it it kinda tips over a bit.

How the heck to I stop this? Anyone know? Tape some bricks to the bottom? lol

Here it is..

I would get a peice of plywood that is wider than the base and attach it with screws. The larger base will make it sturdier and a better fit for your kitty.

Originally posted by DragonLady
I would get a peice of plywood that is wider than the base and attach it with screws. The larger base will make it sturdier and a better fit for your kitty.

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Hey that's a good idea, thanks!

Your base size to height ratio is all wrong on that post. It needs a much wider base - the height looks to be about 3 feet - I would use a 3 foot base for that one. If you buy plywood, get it about 1 inch thick - adds more weight and prevents tipping.

We make our own posts and have experimented with all kinds of materials and proportions.....

God what idiot created these things anyway

Are you telling me 3 ft square? That's awfully big I was thinking like maybe 20 inches wide and 20 inches long (20 inches square.. however you want to say it )

Some idiot marketing major who never had a cat in his life!

OK - just measured the proportions on mine. It is 28 inches tall and 20 inches square at the base. They have actually knocked this one over, even with the 1 inch thick plywood at the base. Perhaps go 24 inches on the base.

Ok thanks

Zoey's helping fix the scratching post

Well, at least it is tall enough. Some of them are so short. Need a midget kitty to use it.

The base of mine, the one tree I made, is 24 inches square. I think that should keep it from tipping.

I am sure Zoey is a big help...lol Like Chewy was when I was trying to put together the new tree.

How did adding the new base do for you?

Hey thanks everyone, this worked out great! Kinda ugly but maybe we can find some carpet pieces to put around it

It now holds her weight just fine when she jumps on top

cool! what a good job you did!

Good job, Sicy and Zoey. Team work gets the job done every time!

Your repairs look good....

Its too bad your post did not come with a wider base. In the future, the minimum size should be a 24" x 24" base. I love the picture with Zoey next to the hammer !

I'm going to post a picture of my Gus sitting on top of the drill press in our shop in the near future.

I get carpet scraps from carpet stores. They often have remnant bins where you can pick something up for a couple of bucks. They also sometimes give away their old sample carpet squares and you don't need much to cover the wood.

Another idea now that you have the tools out. I put a round circle on the top of mine that they often perch on. If you have to get carpet to cover the base, you could balance out the new color on top and bottom (OK, I've been watching too many home design shows lately).

Zoey looks like a really good helper! Mine were helping me recover my tall cat tree last week. I'll post a pic once I finish it (tomorrow?).