kitty condo help

i'm buying the supplies this weekend to make my kitty condo, iv'e saved a lot of money because i found a heap of carpet at the tip, it was only being dumped as we got there and it's in fantastic condition.

my question is, do you have to use sisal rope for the scratch poles and if so how do you stick it on?

i thought of using carpet but wouldn't this fray with continuous scratching?


thanks


felicia

I know someone who uses wood with the bark still attached for the scratching post area. The cat tree ends up looking very cool, and it lasts a long time. (Not sure what kind of wood she is using!)

My cats like to scratch sisal rugs like you put by the front door. If I ever make a cat condo, I will try to incorporate a sisal rug hanging at the right level.

i'm wanting to make something with pine though and bark would make a mess so my husband wouldn't let me use that, i think carpet might be okay but i'm just not sure...




felicia

hmm.. the carpet wouldnt fray quickly though, it will last atleast 2 years?

You really only have to attach the start and the end of the rope, the rest is wrapped very tightly around the poles. Personally, I whipped the ends of the rope and then whacked a roofing nail (has a large head) in the 2x4's through each end of the rope.

Cindy

i was only worried about the carpet because bonnie is a vigorus scratcher and has ruined the carpet near the laundrey in about ten minutes

thanks for the tips Cindy, i might use sisal rope, i just couldn't work out how they did it



felicia

You're more than welcome ! If she's that vigorous a scratcher, you might consider using a good sized screw and washer rather than a nail or some such to secure the ends. It would be easier to undo to replace the sisal once she's torn it up.

Cindy

she's good with the sisal on her current scratch post, infact she hardly touches it, she prefers my carpet to sharpen her claws with

it was only the carpet on the condo i was worried about but i'm sure it will be fine and i'll just use sisal on the poles, an all carpet condo wouldn't look the best i don't think




felicia

okay, i finally came to a decision after seeing a kitty condo made by one of the members here, she used all carpet and it looked great, i can't imagine why i thought it wouldn't, my husband thought it would have looked bad too but the photo's of this condo were great and we are now going to do it all in carpet

i have a huge job ahead of me, wish me luck




felicia