How to Build a Cat Tree Using a Real Tree

Cat trees generally consist of carpet-wrapped wood structures that allow an indoor cat to climb, scratch her nails and play. Usually these structures are made of 4 x 4 lumber, carpet scraps and rope, and often they are not the most attractive features in a room. A crafty person can re-purpose a real tree for cats to use and enjoy, and the tree will bring an organic, natural element into the room.

Things You'll Need

  • Driftwood
  • Power washer
  • Scrub brush
  • Tree saw
  • Pruning shears
  • 2 24-inch wood circles
  • Liquid Nails adhesive
  • Drill
  • Power screwdriver
  • Long wood screws
  • Orbital sander
  • Natural rope
  • Heavy duty staples
  • Hammer
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Instructions

    • 1

      Select a large piece of well-weathered, very contorted driftwood in the size you want for your cat tree. Choose a tree that is no longer leaking sap and one that is not housing bugs. Clean your driftwood with a power washer and scrub brush to remove any remaining debris. Allow the wood to dry completely.

    • 2

      Cut unsafe sections off using a tree saw and pruning shears. No part of the tree should come to a point, and there shouldn't be any jagged areas that may splinter.

    • 3

      Determine the area of the driftwood that will be the base. Find the center of balance and mark along where you want to cut for a flat base. Taller trees that are out of balance will tip over.

    • 4

      Cut the waste wood off using a tree saw. Make sure your base cut is flat so the driftwood piece will secure well to the support boards.

    • 5

      Apply beads of Liquid Nails construction adhesive to one of the two large plywood circles. Press the second circle over the first. Your flat base should be 1.5 inches thick and as wide as about 2/3 the height of the tree. Allow four hours for the glue to set up well.

    • 6

      Mark an "X" at the center of your circle. Find the center of your driftwood piece's base, and position it at the center of the circle base, where it will be well supported. Draw an outline around the driftwood base where it meets the plywood circle base. Add some Liquid Nails adhesive inside your outline. Turn the driftwood and the plywood on their sides.

    • 7

      Align the driftwood to the outline, and drill through the bottom of the plywood circle into the driftwood using a drill. Run a 3- to 4-inch wood screw through the plywood into the bottom of the driftwood. Repeat three to four, times spacing screws at locations where they will support the cat tree. The screws should compress the driftwood into the adhesive and tightly to the plywood. Once the base and tree are attached, stand the unit up. Allow 24 hours for the glue to dry.

    • 8

      Sand the tree and base thoroughly using an orbital sander to remove any rough, splintery or sharp areas. Sand around the plywood base to smooth out the edges.

    • 9

      Wrap a section of the tree with natural rope, and attach the rope to the trunk with heavy duty staples nailed in with a hammer.