How to Bulid a Cat Bed Up High

Cats often enjoy having a vantage point high above the ground. Your cat may want to get away from other pets, or he may just want to feel safer. Select a spot that is easy for your cat to get to, yet high enough to give him a good view of the room. The most important part of an elevated cat bed is making sure it is securely fastened to the wall so it can support your cat's weight.

Things You'll Need

  • One 2-inch by 2-inch piece of lumber, 8 feet long
  • Saw
  • 1/8-inch drill bit
  • Electric drill gun
  • Four 1 1/4-inch No. 8 screws
  • Eight 2 1/4-inch No. 8 screws
  • 1 yard upholstery fabric
  • Scissors
  • Construction staple gun
  • 1/2-inch staples
  • Stud finder
  • Two 16-inch heavy-duty shelf brackets
  • Four wall fasteners
  • Level
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cut the 2-by-2 into two 16-inch lengths and two 13-inch lengths with a hand or power saw.

    • 2

      Lay out the two-16 inch pieces parallel to each other, 13 inches apart. Slide the 13-inch pieces in between them to form a 16-inch square.

    • 3

      Drill two pilot holes through the side of the 16-inch piece of wood into the end of the 13-inch piece at each corner. Once the pilot holes are drilled, fasten your square together with 2 1/4-inch screws. The pilot holes keep the wood from splitting.

    • 4

      Cut a 24-inch square out of your upholstery fabric. Upholstery fabric is stronger than other fabrics and will support the weight of your cat. Cut a 4-inch square out of each corner so the fabric piece looks like a fat plus sign.

    • 5

      Lay the fabric right side down and center the wood frame on top of it. Fabric should overhang each side of the wood by 4 inches

    • 6

      Fold one side of the overhanging fabric down by 1 inch, then fold it again by 1 inch so you have three layers of fabric 1-inch wide, plus an inch of single layer fabric nearest the wood.

    • 7

      Wrap the folded part of the fabric around the frame until the folded edge is along the side of the frame that is facing up. Staple it to the wood, using one staple every 3 inches.

    • 8

      Fold and staple the fabric on the opposite side of the wood, pulling it tight as you staple. It will loosen somewhat under your cat's weight. Fold and staple the remaining sides.

    • 9

      Use a stud finder to locate studs within your walls. Hang one shelf bracket on the wall, using the provided fasteners or other wall fasteners rated for at least 35 lbs. to attach the bracket directly to the stud. Hang your second shelf bracket on the next stud, which should be 16 inches from the first. Use a level to make sure your brackets are parallel.

    • 10

      Set the fabric cat bed on the brackets and screw it into place from the underside of the shelf brackets with 1 1/4-inch screws.