Hotel managers and landlords aren't too keen on the idea that their beautiful furniture will become RC's favorite place to scratch and claw. Yet, dragging around a commercial scratching post wherever we go would tip the scales on our already overstuffed bags. Since we land in some remote parts of the world, where people think it's odd that we need litter for our cat -- "Why can't your cat just go outside like a dog!?!!" -- buying a scratching post after arrival is not always feasible.

We've discovered a very simple solution that seems workable almost anywhere in the world. You need a heavy piece of furniture (e.g., table, bed, chair). Ideally, the legs on the furniture are at least 1 inch in circumference and 12-18 inches tall. If you're using a bed's leg, this probably means that the bed frame extends above the mattress, but a little creative wrapping should still let this work.

Buy a piece of 1/2 inch thick rope, preferably hemp but any strong rope will do. First, take a plastic bag or piece of cloth and wrap it around the leg of the furniture so the rope doesn't damage it. Next, wrap the rope tightly around the leg so there are no gaps between each turn in the rope. Tie it off, top and bottom.

Presto -- an impromptu scratching post that can be disassembled in minutes when you're ready to hit the road again.