How to Build a Cat Tree

From LoveToKnow Cats

Learning how to build a cat tree is a something almost anyone can do. As long as you have a basic understanding of tools, materials and construction, you can build a cat tower in no time at all.

cat hideaway

Tools and Materials List

Even though there are many types and styles of cat trees and cat condos, the same basic tools and materials are used for each. By looking for scrap lumber and carpet you can keep your costs down and help environment at the same time. Before you begin your project, select your plans and read through them carefully. Collect the tools and materials that you will need.

Tools

Nearly all cat tree plans call for these basic tools, but double check your own plans to make sure you'll have everything you need to complete the project.

  • Hammer
  • Drill
  • Saw
  • Measuring tape
  • Utility knife
  • Glue gun
  • Glue sticks (wood glue, or heavy duty types)
  • Level
  • Nails
  • Pencil

Materials

The materials list for a plan is usually quite specific in order to produce a particular size tree, but that list typically includes variations of the following:

  • Carpet
  • Plywood for base
  • Quik-tube (or Sono-tube) concrete mold (for perches)
  • Sisal rope
  • Brackets
  • Wood screws
  • Two by four lumber
  • Plywood (for enclosed areas as well as platforms)
  • Hanging toys
  • Other items specified in the plans

Putting Your Cat Tree Together

Again, your own plan will have specific directions, but here is a general outline of how to proceed.

Start with the base. Depending on how tall the cat tree is, the base should be at least 24 inches wide by 24 inches deep by 4 inches tall. It is absolutely imperative that the base is wide enough and sturdy enough to keep the finished tree from tipping and injuring your pet.

  1. Cover the base with carpet. Do this by gluing the carpet carefully to the plywood base.
  2. The two-by-fours make up the legs. You can choose to have three or four legs on your cat tree. Depending on the size of the tree, you may want to make more but it is unnecessary. Decide how tall you want the legs and cut the two-by-fours to size. Always measure twice before you cut.
  3. Nail one end of the sisal rope to the bottom edge of a leg. Wind it around the two by four, securing it with hot glue. Cover the leg with the rope about half way up. When you have enough of the leg covered with rope, cut it and tack the end into place with a nail.
  4. Using the glue, cover the rest of the leg with carpet.
  5. Repeat with each leg.
  6. Cut the Quik-tube in three pieces horizontally so that there are three curved platforms. Cut each about 24 inches long. Cover these with carpet.
  7. Glue the carpet to the various platforms and perches. Set them aside.
  8. Build the enclosed areas. You can do this easily by cutting plywood to create a box with one side left open.
  9. Cover the box with carpet. Lay a piece of carpet on the interior floor of the enclosure.
  10. Nail the legs to the base. Keep them spaced to the edges of the base. You can also use wood screws to attach these.
  11. It is good to have a platform that all of the legs attach to for stability. You can put this about halfway up. Attach with wood screws.
  12. Now you can attach the enclosed area, the perches and platforms in any order that you wish. Use the brackets to add stability. It is best if the perches are at a variety of heights.
  13. Add hanging toys, ladders, ramps and other items for your cat to play on and enjoy.
  14. Run your hands over the perches and enclosed areas to be sure that there are no nails or screw tips sticking through that might hurt your pet.

Other Websites with Instructions on How to Build a Cat Tree

There are many sites that have instructions detailing how to build a cat tree. From videos to printable plans, you can find numerous variations. Some of them are:

Building a cat tower for your pet is a satisfying activity. Although the instructions might look confusing, they will make sense as you go along. Just be sure to look at several cat condos to give you an idea of how they should be put together.

By building a cat tree, you will be able to create a multitude of variations as well as save a large amount of money. Now that you have a basic idea of what is involved, it's time to select your plans and get to work!

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