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February 26, 2008
World's Best Scratching Post
We got a cat recently, but had never got around to purchasing a scratching post. I heard her sharpening her claws on the couch a few times and I thought....probably better get a scratching post before she tears the house to ribbons. The larger cat scratching posts I found were around $200.00 though. I wanted to create a good scratching post for her, but on the cheap. So, I went out and whacked down a mature ponderosa pine tree, limbed it, and cut it down to size. The tree is 94" tall, and about 12" diameter at the base.
Total cost so far is only the gas in the chainsaw and the electricity in the drill, skill saw, and jig saw. So, I'd estimate I have about $2.00 worth of material in it at this point.
I'm working now on making her some circular stairs so that she can go up the tree without using her claws, as she's not crazy about climbing up and down it for some reason. When it's finished, it will have a nice, broad perch for her to watch the bird bath and bird feeder out the front window.
Posted by Rob Kiser on February 26, 2008 at 3:03 PM
Comments
"Total cost so far is only the gas in the chainsaw and the electricity in the drill, skill saw, and jig saw. So, I'd estimate I have about $2.00 worth of material in it at this point."
You obviously have not yet received the bill for my consulting fee.
Posted by: Robert R. on February 26, 2008 at 8:13 PM
Oh right. I forgot to mention that Robert showed up at exactly the wrong time and got strong-armed into helping me carry and position the tree. Thanks Robert. :)
Posted by: Rob Kiser on February 26, 2008 at 9:13 PM
House Beautiful may be ringing your doorbell as you read this, for who would have thought to decorate with a trimmed pine tree. I heard via the grapevine your mom is threatening to come visit. Better start decorating the pine and tossing out the green refrigerator slime.
Posted by: sl on February 26, 2008 at 10:57 PM
Is that there one of those beetle kill trees?
u may want to strip the bark off the tree b4 u put the circular stairs on.
Posted by: Cal on February 27, 2008 at 8:02 PM
Yes, this is a beetle kill tree. I'm just attaching the steps with wood screws, so if the bark comes off, I'll just re-attach them. The cat hasn't taken a shine to it just yet, unfortunately.
Posted by: Rob Kiser on February 28, 2008 at 10:55 AM