How to Build a Cat Perch in a Tree

Cats love to climb. Not realizing that it is often harder to get down than to go up, cats often find themselves stuck among the branches of a tree, with nowhere to grip to make their way back to the ground. However, it would not be fair to your cat to keep him from doing what he loves--climbing. A good way to promote exercise for your feline is by building a cat perch in his favorite climbing tree. Not only will this make it easier for your pet to come back down, but it will also give him a place to pursue something else cats love--lounging.

Things You'll Need

  • 1" plywood
  • Tape measure
  • Pencil
  • Ruler
  • Saw
  • Scissors
  • Carpet scraps (optional)
  • Glue
  • Staple gun
  • Step ladder
  • Hammer
  • Nails
Show More

Instructions

  1. Getting Started

    • 1

      Find a location in the tree that allows for a flat surface to be nailed to it. Preferably, this should be two branches spaced no more than 12 inches apart. However, you can also use a horizontal or near-horizontal branch at least six inches thick around. Do not choose a location so high that you will not be able to reach it easily with a step ladder.

    • 2

      Measure the distance between the two branches. Note this when deciding the length of the perch.

    • 3

      Pencil out the rectangular perch onto the plywood using a ruler.The length should be at least six inches longer than the measurement between the branches to allow for a three-inch buffer on either side. The width is your choice, but do not make the perch wider than the length. If you are putting the cat perch onto a single six-inch wide branch, the length of the perch can vary, but it should be no more than eight inches wide for stability reasons.

    • 4

      Cut out the rectangle using a power saw, following along the pencil lines.

    Carpeting

    • 5

      Cut the carpet scrap to fit over the plywood rectangle. Add at least four inches to each side of the carpet rectangle to allow folding. If you do not want to carpet the perch, skip this section and make sure to sand the sharp edges of the plywood.

    • 6

      Squeeze a heavy-duty glue onto the top of the plywood rectangle and set the carpet scrap face down on a flat surface.

    • 7

      Place glue side of the perch onto the carpet scrap bottom, ensuring that the plywood is centered. Press down and let dry.

    • 8

      Keeping the carpet face down, cut a diagonal slit in each corner of the carpet square. Fold each flap over the back of the plywood tightly, stapling it into place.

    Positioning

    • 9

      Place the step ladder against the tree. Ensure the ground is flat and you can easily raise both arms without wobbling. A spotter should be present.

    • 10

      Place the perch, carpeted side up, onto the branches or branch.

    • 11

      Nail the perch into place.