How to Make a Cat Tree Tube

Setting up a cat tree tube can provide your feline companion with a safe place to play̵1;or hide, if that is what your cat prefers. Adding more components later on can help create a maze of fun and a stimulating environment for the cat. While even a basic cat tree tube can be an expensive purchase, building one yourself is an easy, inexpensive and fun project you can complete in one afternoon.

Things You'll Need

  • Measuring tape
  • Cardboard tubing
  • Saw̵1;saber or keyhole
  • Pencil
  • 1/4-inch Masonite or clear acrylic plastic
  • Industrial-style carpet
  • Drill
  • Pop rivet gun
  • Pop rivets/washers
  • Box cutter knife
  • Shims (optional)
  • Floor pillow or padding
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Instructions

  1. Instructions

    • 1

      Prepare materials. Measure height from floor to ceiling and cut cardboard tube with a saw to fit snugly from floor to ceiling. An option you may want to consider is placing a soft surface, such as a floor pillow underneath the cat tree tube in case your cat takes a tumble. If you decide to do this, cut the tube a little shorter to allow for pillow thickness.

      Cut out landing platforms. Cut one 5-inch by 24-inch semi-circle from the Masonite or clear acrylic plastic for each landing platform. Each access hole should have a platform; add as many extra as you like.

    • 2

      Measure for access holes and platforms and then mark their placements and cut out. Access holes should be large enough for the cat to stand up and turn around. Trace a pattern on the tube and cut out with a saw. Avoid placing access holes directly on top of each other. A better idea is to place them in a helical pattern going all the way up the tube. This will allow your cat to climb the tree by moving from landing platform to landing platform.

      Cut a slit for each landing platform. Place a platform 1 inch under each access hole and wherever else you want. An alternative is to place a platform in between each access hole. The platform must fit snugly within the slit because this the only method you will use to secure each landing platform. Start by measuring a 5-inch-wide slit opening and just a bit less than its width Test the first opening and then match the dimensions for the remaining slits.

    • 3

      Cover the cat tree tube with carpeting and cut openings. Cut the carpet approximately 3 inches wider than the circumference of the tube. Roll the carpet around the tube and overlap edges. Secure the carpet to the tube by placing a pop rivet every 2 to 3 inches. To secure with a pop rivet, drill a hole through the carpet and tube in the location you want to place the rivet. Insert the rivet into the pop rivet gun and then insert into the hole and squeeze the trigger.

      Feel for the locations of pre-cut holes and slits and mark their location. Use a box cutter to cut away the carpeting but do not trim edges. Fold the carpet edges of access hole openings to the inside of the tube and secure with pop rivets.

    • 4

      Insert landing platforms. Wedge the landing platforms in place, taking care to ensure carpet edges push inward. If the fit is not tight enough, insert a shim underneath the landing platform for additional support.

    • 5

      Set the floor pad in place if you are using one, and stand the cat tree tube upright. Wedge into place.