How to Refurbish Posts on a Cat Tree

Written By: Chloe VandenBosch

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Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

Time Required

30 - 45 minutes

Introduction

Cat trees are expensive and over time will inevitably wear out from constant use by your furry friends. Instead of throwing away the entire tree after a little wear and tear, this guide will help walk you through how to refurbish the posts on your tree, so your furry friends can keep playing.

When posts are constantly scratched and played with, it is common for the fabric to tear and the scratching rope to fray, damaged posts can make a cat tree an eyesore in any home. By refurbishing damaged posts, you can save a great deal of money by not having to replace the entire cat tree, which often runs anywhere from $50 to $170.

While refurbishing may seem like a daunting task, there are no special skills required to complete this guide. Make sure to exercise caution when using a utility knife and a hot glue gun.

Tools

Parts

Step 1

Use an allen wrench to unscrew the post from the tree base.

Step 2

Using needle-nose pliers, pull and remove the staples that attach the rope to the post.
After the staples are removed, unwind and discard the old rope from the post.

Step 3

Using a utility knife, carefully cut the old fabric and pull it off each end of the post.

Step 4

After the fabric and rope are removed, use a soft tape measure to measure the length and circumference of the post.
Write the measurements down for the next step.

Step 5

Using the soft tape measure, mark the desired length on the fabric.
Cut the fabric to the length of the post.

Step 6

Using the soft tape measure, mark the circumference of the post.
Cut the fabric to the desired length.

Step 7

Place a strip of hot glue along the bottom of the fabric and fold over to hem it.
Line the edges of the fabric with strips of hot glue.

Step 8

Place the post on the edge of the hot glued fabric.
Press down to attach the fabric to the post.
Tightly wrap the fabric all around the post, making press the glue into it.

Step 9

Add a drop of hot glue to the secure piece of fabric.
Secure the top layer to the other piece of fabric by pressing down firmly until it dries.

Step 10

Line the area between the two edges of the fabric with hot glue.
Press down firmly to attach the two together, creating a seam.

Step 11

Place a drop of hot glue on the post where you would like the rope to begin.
Attach the new sisal rope by pressing it into the hot glue.
Wrap the sisal rope tightly around the post. Adding extra hot glue every few layers.
It is important to wrap the rope as tightly as possible around the post. This will keep it from coming off as your cat scratches it.

Step 12

Once the desired amount of rope is around the post, cut the excess off.
Place a final dab of hot glue onto the post to hold the end of the rope in place.