How to Build a Cat Perch

A cat perch is similar to a cat tree except that it's much simpler. A cat tree typically has multiple levels of perches and a few "apartments" for cats to cuddle up in. A cat perch consists of a base, support posts and a semi circular perch. Instead of spending hundreds of dollars on a cat perch, you can make your own.

Things You'll Need

  • 2x4 inch board, 6-feet long
  • Saw (hand or power)
  • 12 nails
  • Hammer
  • 200 feet of wide sisal rope
  • Utility knife
  • 24x18 inch plywood board
  • 5x6 feet of low pile carpet
  • Construction glue
  • Quik-Tube, 12 inches round by 18 inches long
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cut your 2x4 into two pieces that are 36 inches in length. These will be the supports for the perch and will attach vertically to the base. Nail the end of a length of sisal rope to the bottom of the 2x4 to secure it, and start wrapping the rope around the board. You should wrap it tightly so that no wood is exposed. When you get to the end, nail the sisal rope to the end of the board and cut off any excess.

    • 2

      Use a utility knife to trim a piece of carpet to about 50 inches long by 19 inches wide. Carpet the base, starting in the middle of the side that will be the bottom. Squeeze heavy construction glue onto the plywood and apply the carpet so it completely covers the base on all sides. Trim any excess.

    • 3

      Take your Quik-Tube and cut it all the way around its circumference, so you have a piece measuring 18 inches long. Cut that piece down the sides to give you a half circle. This is what you'll use for the perch itself. Cut a piece of carpet to 40 inches wide and 19 inches long; glue carpet onto the entire perch as you did to the base in Step 2, and then trim any excess.

    • 4

      Attach the wrapped 2x4 supports to the base by nailing into the 2x4s from the bottom of the base; use two nails per board. Space the supports approximately 12 inches apart, centered lengthwise and widthwise on the base for balance. You should position the supports with the four-inch sides facing the 18-inch long sides of the base.

    • 5

      Place the carpeted perch lengthwise onto the supports. Attach it by nailing through the base of the perch into the ends of the 2x4s, again using two nails per board. Sink all nail heads a bit into the carpet so they are secure and inaccessible to the cats.

    • 6

      Cut small pieces of carpet to cover the nail heads. Glue them into place.

    • 7

      Let the glue dry. Then move the perch into an area of your home where your cat can enjoy his new lounge.