Things You'll Need
- 30-by-23-inch sheet of 1/2-inch thick, exterior plywood
- Chalk
- Ruler
- Electric saw
- Sand paper
- 3-by-1-foot sheet of 1/2-inch thick, exterior plywood
- 2 11-by-2-by-3-inch posts
- 66 flat head wood screws, 2 inches in length
- Electric screwdriver
- 36-by-18-inch sheet of 1/2-inch thick, exterior plywood
- 2 17-by-2-by-3-inch posts
- 3-by-2-foot sheet of 1/2-inch thick, exterior plywood
- 39-by-31-inch sheet of 1/2-inch thick, exterior plywood
- Exterior-grade paint
- Straw
- Cat bed
- Blanket
Instructions
Mark a 30-by-23-inch sheet of 1/2-inch thick exterior plywood for cutting. Measure 12 inches from the bottom of the 30-inch side and mark it with chalk. Measure 18 inches from the bottom of the side across from it and mark it with chalk. Draw a straight line, using a ruler, between the two points to saw.
Saw the plywood into two pieces following the chalk lines to make two sloping side pieces.
Sand all of the pieces to remove any roughness or splinters.
Hold the back panel, a 3-by-1-foot sheet of 1/2-inch thick exterior plywood, upright and place one of the sloped side panels perpendicular to it, along the 12-inch side to form an L-shape. Place an 11-inch tall, 2-by-3-inch post inside the corner of the 90 degree angle formed by the panels.
Screw each of the two panels into the post with 3 2-inch, flat-head wood screws, placed 3 1/2 inches apart along the height of the post.
Hold the other sloping side panel parallel to the first one and perpendicular to the other side of the 3-by-1-foot back panel, along the 12-inch side. Place the other 11-inch tall post inside the 90 degree angle formed by the side panel and back panel.
Screw each of the two panels into the post with four 2-inch, flat-head wood screws, placed 2 1/2 inches apart along the height of the post. You now have a C-shape box with no bottom, front or top panel.
Measure a 7-by-7-inch square out of the corner of the front piece, a 36-by-18-inch sheet of 1/2-inch thick exterior plywood, which is the front panel. Mark it off with chalk.
Saw the 7-by-7-inch square out of the corner of the panel to create the entrance for the cat into the shelter.
Position the front panel parallel to the back panel, with the cut-out portion on the bottom. The panel should be perpendicular to the 18-inch side of the shelter's side panels. Place each of the two 17-inch tall, 2-by-3-inch posts, inside each corner.
Screw both the left- and right-hand panels into the post with five 2-inch, flat-head wood screws, placed 3 inches apart along the height of the post. Screw both sides of the front panel into the posts using the same method. You now have a four-sided box with no top or bottom.
Turn the shelter upside-down. Place the bottom panel, a 3-by-2-foot, 1/2-inch thick exterior plywood panel, over the four sides. Center it directly over the sides.
Connect the bottom to the sides by screwing in a 2-inch flat-head wood screw into each corner post. With the remaining wood screws, place one every 4 inches along the sides and screw them into the bottom of the side panels. Make sure that the screws go into the panels, not outside of the wood so you do not have any screws sticking out when you are finished.
Center the upside-down shelter over the roof panel, the 39-by-31-inch sheet of 1/2-inch thick, exterior plywood. It will slope an angle along the sides. There should be some overhang for all of the sides.
Attach the shelter along the taller side to the roof panel with two medium-sized hinges. Screw them into place on the outside of the front panel and underside of the roof, which is facing up.
Turn the shelter right-side up. Paint the shelter with exterior-grade paint if desired.
Line the inside of the shelter with straw to protect the cat from the elements and insulate the shelter. You can also add a soft pillow or blanket inside for warmth and comfort.