Cats like to scratch, and Willow is no exception. So, having a scratching post in the van was going to be essential – for Willow’s wellbeing and the condition of the van!

I had placed Willow’s old seagrass scratching post on the floor of the van but it was taking up a lot of space. I needed a better solution.

Then I had an idea. I removed the seagrass rope and threw away the post. The seagrass was then wound around the leg of our ladder – the ladder we use to get onto the roof of the van.

Well it wasn’t long before Willow had pulled apart the already much frayed seagrass rope.

I shopped around to see what I could find to replace it.

I was hoping to find some 6mm seagrass but couldn’t find any at a good price. Then I found 10m sisal rope at a big chain hardware store for $8.50.

I started at the top and wound the rope firmly downwards in between the two bottom steps, tying it off at the bottom. It was the perfect thickness.

But what does Willow think of her new scratching post?

I was concerned that she might have gotten too comfortable with the seagrass – but right away she was in to test it out. There’s one happy cat!

I think it helped that we had a transition from the seagrass she was familiar scratching, to the new sisal rope.

I’m also very happy that we don’t have a bulky scratching post taking up space in the van. So now I know that anything can be made into a scratching post for just $8.50. Maybe a leg of a chair or table at home, perhaps?

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