DIY Cat Tree Builds

Indoor cats need their own "furniture" so that they can exercise their claws, get a good stretch and relieve boredom. Without proper cat furniture, cats tend to perform those actions on your own, expensive furniture. Purchase cat furniture in pet stores, but be prepared to pay a high price. Making your own indoor cat tree saves money, as you can use materials you already have around the house, purchasing the rest for a minimal amount of cash.

Things You'll Need

  • 4-foot folding step ladder
  • Tape measure
  • 2-by-4 wood stud, cut to length
  • Hammer and nails
  • 12-inch diameter cardboard concrete mold, cut to length
  • Sisal rope
  • Glue (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Open the ladder as if you were going to climb it. The ladder is the structure of your cat tree. (See References 1.)

    • 2

      Measure the distance from the front right-hand leg to the back right-hand leg, at the bottom of the ladder. Make a note of this measurement. Repeat this procedure on the left-hand legs. (See References 1.)

    • 3

      Cut your wood stud (or have it cut) into two pieces that match the measurements you recorded. (See References 1.)

    • 4

      Nail one end of a wood stud to the right-hand front leg of the ladder, at the bottom. Nail the other end of that stud to the right-hand back leg of the ladder, at the bottom. Repeat this procedure with the other stud on the left-hand legs of the ladder. This creates braces to keep the ladder open at all times. Once finished, the ladder should look as though it were on skis. (See References 1.)

    • 5

      Cut your cardboard concrete mold into the length you desire to create a tunnel for your cat tree. Once cut, wrap the mold in sisal rope by attaching one end of the rope to one end of the tunnel with a nail or with glue. Wrap the rope tightly around the tunnel, attaching the other end of the rope to the opposite end of the tunnel with another nail or with more glue. (See References 1.)

    • 6

      Place the tunnel between the legs of the ladder, resting it on top of the braces you nailed onto the legs. Nail the tunnel into place from inside, driving the nails into the braces below to secure the tunnel to the structure. (See References 1.)

    • 7

      Wrap each surface of the ladder with sisal rope, attaching the ends of the rope to the ladder with nails or glue as you go. Cover the legs, steps, hinges and braces on the ladder with rope. The rope gives the cats a surface to scratch and facilitates easier climbing on the ladder. (See References 1 and 2.)

    • 8

      Test the finished cat tree for safety, making sure the braces and tunnel are secure, the nails are all nailed completely down with no sharp edges for your cat to be injured on, and that all glue (if used) is dry. Ensure that all rope is wrapped tightly (to prevent it from coming lose as your cat plays). Once the tree passes your safety check, allow your cats to begin playing.