Building a cat tree can be a rewarding project to create a fun space for your pet. Felines love to climb high to achieve a vantage point above the rest of the room. Cat towers can also give your furry friend an opportunity to scratch and play, without destroying or damaging furniture. Plus, giving your feline friend the opportunity for regular physical activity means your cat will be happier and healthier.
A little elbow grease, a few hours and a good design are all that’s required to build your own cat tree tower. Read below for a quick breakdown of what this project entails.
Tools You Will Need
- Tape measure
- Hammer
- Hand saw
- Exacto knife
- Scissors
- Staple gun
Materials You Will Need
- Sandpaper
- Lumber
- Wood glue
- Duct tape
- Carpet
- Brackets and screws
Easily buy all materials on the Home Depot website here for convenient shopping. They can also cut the lumber to the size you need in store.
Steps for Building a Cat Tower
- Pick the design and location
- Purchase materials and cut wood to size
- Lay wood pieces out to confirm measurements and correct fit
- Start with the base and work up towards the top building the tree with the wood, brackets and screws
- Check for stability and tight connections
- When satisfied with the build, cover tree with carpet and secure
- Check for sharp corners, loose carpet and exposed screws
- Decorate with hanging toys or wrap support beans with scratching rope
- Introduce cats and entice them onto the tree with toys and treats
Tips for Stabilizing a Modern Cat Tree
An unstable cat tree can be scary and unappealing for felines. Creating a wide and sturdy base is a fairly common way to keep the tree from rocking, even when cats run full force at the tree. Ensuring that the tree is on a flat surface and no carpet is folded underneath the tower will keep it from tipping over. Screws need to be tight, and glue should be set before your furry friend gets to use his or her new tree.
If the tree seems top heavy, it may need to be attached to the wall or another support that can keep it from learning or, of course, tipping. Note that heavy cats may require a larger and sturdier base. Adding weight to the bottom of the cat tree, such as books or milk jugs full of sand, can keep the tree from tipping.
The bottom line? The safer the tree, the more relaxed both the cat and owner can be!
