How to Construct a Cat Condo

Cat condos are a great way to provide cats with the height and viewing platform they prefer. These carpeted constructions keep kitty's boredom at bay while providing a hardy scratching surface but they can be costly. Save money by going the DIY route.

Things You'll Need

  • Wooden pole, 4-inches by 4-inches
  • Pieces of sturdy carpet
  • Galvanized bolt
  • Carpet tacks
  • Angle brackets
  • Carpet blade or utility knife
  • Sisal rope
  • Table saw
  • Nails
Show More

Instructions

  1. How to Construct a Cat Condo

    • 1

      Locate a sturdy pole of wood that's 4-inches by 4-inches or wider. Scout for this item at yard sales or purchase one at a local hardware store. This will become the cat condo's center pole you'll attach viewing platforms to, so make sure it can handle extra weight.

    • 2

      Select a slab of wood at least 4-feet by 4-feet for the base. Cover this base with carpet. Secure the carpet with the carpet tacks. You'll want to cut a hole in the center of the carpet with the carpet blade to fit the wooden pole into.

    • 3

      Attach the base to the wooden pole with a galvanized bolt. Drill the bolt from the bottom of the base into the wooden pole then secure the pole with the angle brackets. Make sure there are angle brackets on each side of the pole.

    • 4

      Select three or four slabs of wood wide enough and sturdy enough to be used as platforms. Carpet these, then cut out 4-inch by 4-inch notches in them with a table saw. This is where they'll be attached to the pole.

    • 5

      Position platforms north, east and south and make sure there is at least a foot of height in between each one. Use three angle brackets to attach each platform.

    • 6

      Cover the exposed wooden pole with a thick rope such as a 3/8-inch sisal rope. Wrap the rope around the pole and nail it in after every few turns around the pole. This will secure the rope and provide scratching material for your cat.