Making Cat Trees

Cat trees are structures you place indoors to give your cat something to climb. You can find pre-made cat trees at pet stores and some home stores, but they are pricey. However, you can save money by making your own tree. Most of the supplies you need to build your own cat tree can be found around your home such as plywood, carpet scraps and tree branches.

Things You'll Need

  • 1-inch-thick plywood
  • Large tree branch
  • Hand saw
  • Paint brush
  • Household bleach
  • Fungicide
  • Acrylic wood sealer
  • Wood screws
  • Carpet scraps
  • Carpet glue
  • Staple gun
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cut a base for your cat tree out of a piece of plywood that is a minimum of 1-inch thick. The measurements of your base are determined by the dimensions you want for your finished tree. The base should be at least one-third the size the top of your tree will be. For example, if the top of your tree will be 9 feet in width, the base should be 3 feet squared.

    • 2

      Pick a large tree branch from outside with a minimum diameter of 6 inches. This will be the main structure of your tree and provide the different perches. Use a hand saw to cut away any limb from the branch that is not a minimum of 2 inches in diameter. Cut the bottom of the branch to make it flat.

    • 3

      Disinfect your tree branch using a paint brush that has been dipped in household bleach. Bleach will kill any mold or bugs that are on the branch. Soak the entire branch with the bleach. Place the branch outside to dry completely in the sun.

    • 4

      Treat your tree branch with a paint brush dipped in a store-bought fungicide. Fungicides can be found at your local home improvement store. This prevents any fungus from growing on the branch. Soak the entire branch with the fungicide and then place the branch outside to dry completely in the sun.

    • 5

      Cover your treated tree branch with an acrylic wood sealer. Paint the entire branch to seal and protect it. Allow the branch to dry completely.

    • 6

      Place the cut end of the branch against the center of your plywood base. Use wood screws to attach the tree branch to the plywood base.

    • 7

      Cut several perch platforms for your cat tree. You can use any number of platforms. Each platform should be a minimum of 18 inches square.

    • 8

      Use wood screws to attach each of your perch platforms to your tree branch. The platforms rest on the limbs of the tree branch. Place the platforms on the tree limbs. Use wood screws to attach the platforms to the tree limbs. Place one screw every four inches where the platform comes in contact with the tree limb.

    • 9

      Cover the platforms with carpet scraps. Use carpet glue and a staple gun to secure the scraps and finish your cat tree.