How to Build an Indoor Cat climb

The basic design (see diagram): The cat climb consists of a four foot by four foot 1/2 inch thick plywood base with an center post made of a 4" by 4" six feet post that is fastened to the base by four 6" wood screws with washers. These are fastened from the bottom of the base directly into the 4" by 4" center post. The upright 4" by 4" is fastened off center to allow the placing of a cardboard concrete tube cut to 3 feet in length and fastened to the center post with two six inch wood screws.

All shelves are 2' by 2' by 1/2" plywood squares with a section cut out for the center post, they are supported by two 2" by 4" by 2 foot studs screwed to the center post. These are secured to the support studs by wood screws.

The center post is wrapped in natural fiber rope from the base to the top. This allows the cats to climb safely, gives a good appearance and allows the post to be used for scratching. Dried catnip can be rubbed into the rope as an added to encourage scratching.

The Base:

Cut your sheet of plywood in half so that you have two 4' by 4' sections. One will be your base and the other will be cut into four 2' by 2' squares. (suggestion: your home center may make these cuts for you, check your lumber department).

Center the center post three feet from the edge of the base and centered on the bottom of the plywood base. Draw around the 4' by 4' post with a pencil. Remove the center post. Drill four holes through the base with a wood bit slightly smaller than the diameter of your wood screws in the square box where the center post will go.

Once the holes are drilled, position the center post in position and mark the drill hole locations on the bottom of the center post. Drill starter holes with the same drill bit. Once completed, put a metal washer on each of your 6" wood screws and fasten the base to the center post. The metal washers must have holes just bigger than the diameter of your wood screw. The wider the washer the better the hold on your base. (The washers prevent the wood screws from pulling through the plywood base.)

Once securely attached turn your base and center pole upright. Your pole should be secure and not wobble. If you have wobble, get some L brackets at your hardware store and place one on each side of the upright and fasten them securely.

Now that your pole and base are secure, you should cover the base with indoor / outdoor carpet (holds up and cleans up well if your cat has a hairball or accident). You need a piece slightly larger than 4' by 4'. You need enough overlap to tuck under your base and secure with heavy duty upholstery staples or tacks. Once you cut your carpet to size find the location of your center pole. Cut an "X" in your carpet for where the center pole will go. Place the carpet over the center pole, pushing the center pole through the "X". Once your carpet is flat on the base, you can apply Liquid Nails construction adhesive to the top of the base and roll your carpet over it to stick. Then fasten the edges of carpet on the bottom of your base so that the carpet material covers the edges of the wood. (hint: you may have to trim the corners of the carpet to make it lay flat and fit.)

Now you should have your base and center post attached and the base covered with carpet.

Adding the Tube:

At your home center there are cardboard tubes that are sold for pouring concrete columns. These work great for cat hiding areas. You need one approximately three feet long. These can be cut with a saw, but are sold in different lengths and widths.

Once you have your tube, cover it with indoor outdoor carpet using the Liquid Nails construction adhesive. Cut your carpet to fit, then cover the tube in adhesive and tie the carpet in place with string and set it on end to dry. You can also place a piece of carpet in the bottom for the cats to lay on (hint: the bottom is the inside area that is above the carpet seam which you want to hide.

Allow the carpet to dry and be firmly attached before continuing.

Attach the tube to the upright in the position shown in the diagram. Make certain your seam for the carpet is at the bottom of the tube and hidden in the base carpeting. Drill two pilot holes through the tube into the center post. Use wood screws to attach from the side of the tube to the center post.

Adding the Shelves:

Each of the shelves is held by two 2" by 2" by 2 foot studs fastened to the center pole. Place one two foot long stud on each side of the center post and fasten with wood screws. Drill pilot holes before attaching to prevent splitting of the wood.

Attach all three shelf supports. Take your shelves, 2 foot by 2 foot plywood, and measure and cut out a square for the center pole to fit on one edge of the shelf. Check fit, then attach to the supports with 2" wood screws. When finished put one 2 foot square shelf centered on the top of the center pole attaching it through the center with wood screws.

On completing construction of all the shelves, cut carpet to fit around the center pole, check fit, then spread Liquid Nails adhesive and place your carpet. Once again allow overlap to secure the carpet under the shelves with upholstery staples or tacks.

Wrapping the pole: Starting at the bottom of the pole use a wood screw to fasten one end of your natural fiber rope to the center pole. Then spread Liquid Nails adhesive on the center pole to the first shelf bottom. Take your natural fiber rope and wrap your pole from the bottom to the first shelf. Keep the rope tight. Put another wood screw through the rope to secure it, this should be under the shelf where it is not seen.

Now repeat this process until you get all the way to the top shelf. Cut off any excess rope. Let adhesive dry before letting the cats use. Spread dry catnip on the ropes to encourage scratching.