How to Make a Cat Tower at Home

Cats love to climb--the higher the better. Unfortunately, if you have not provided them with the proper cat furniture, the climbing (and subsequent scratching) happens on your furniture, curtains, woodwork and such. Cat furniture can be very pricey when purchased in pet stores, but if you're handy, you can build your own. Even if you are only somewhat experienced with tools, you can create your own cat tower using a few simple items and a step ladder.

Things You'll Need

  • 4-foot step ladder
  • Tape measure
  • Wood stud, 2 by 4 inches (cut to length)
  • Hammer
  • Nails
  • Concrete form, 12-inch diameter (any length preferred)
  • 1,000 feet sisal rope
  • Heavy duty staples and staple gun
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Instructions

    • 1

      Open the step ladder and set it up as if you were about to use it.

    • 2

      Measure the length between the legs of the ladder (at the bottom) using a tape measure. Make a note of the length.

    • 3

      Cut two pieces of 2-by-4 stud to the measurement you just recorded. (You can also have it cut to length where you purchase the 2-by-4 stud.)

    • 4

      Nail the 2-by-4 pieces to the bottom of the ladder to provide stability to your cat tower. The goal is for these pieces to keep the ladder open permanently.

    • 5

      Wrap the concrete form with sisal rope. You will be using the form as a tunnel for your tower, so the form can be as long or as short as you like. You may also opt to make "windows" or openings in the tunnel. To wrap, secure the end of the rope at one end of the tunnel using heavy duty staples. Tightly wind the sisal rope around the rest of the tunnel until it is completely covered.

    • 6

      Secure the tunnel to the tower by placing it on top of the 2-by-4 braces you previously installed. Nail the tunnel to the braces.

    • 7

      Wrap any exposed areas of the ladder (including the steps, sides, metal braces, 2-by-4 braces) with sisal rope, using the same tight winding technique you used on the tunnel. Wrapping the ladder with rope gives your cat plenty of areas to scratch. Remember to wrap the rope tightly so that it will be sturdy enough for your cat to climb on if she wants to. It is better to wrap tightly and have to buy more rope than to wrap too loosely and have to redo all of your wrapping when your cat tears it up.

    • 8

      Test the tower. Be certain it is sturdy. Make sure the rope is wrapped snugly in every place it is wrapped. Make sure the tunnel is secured to the 2-by-4 braces. Be certain that the 2-by-4 braces are secure and the ladder cannot close. Once all is checked, the tower is ready for your cat to climb on and enjoy.