DIY: Cat Trees

The first step in building a tree for your cat is to determine if you want an open tree, or a cat condominium. By searching the internet, you can find plans for all types of cat trees, and cat condominiums.

Cat trees are easy to construct with simple tools and things found around the home or workshop, if you are lucky enough to have one. If not, a trip to your local home and garden shop is all you need.

One site for plans is http://amby.com/cat_site/cattree.html.
  1. Plans

    • There are many websites where you can obtain blueprints for cat trees and cat condominiums. This is fine if you want to go that route. If not, construct your own blueprint for what you want.

      This is important because the materials needed will be different. In either case, you will need lumber and some remnant carpet so your cat can use if at a scratching area as well. The cat also will like the carpet for warmth and comfort.

      You will have to determine how many shelves or levels you want on your tree.

      How far apart do you want the shelves to be in a vertical stack?

      How wide do you want the shelves?

      Do you want the shelves flat or curved?

      You will have to know these measurements to purchase the wood or to cut the wood you have to the proper size. For curved shelves, you may have to visit a home and garden store for cardboard molds that you pour concrete into. This will help shape and give some substance to the shelves.

    Construction

    • Take your blueprint and follow the construction details starting with your base and adding the levels one by one connecting them with screws. Be sure to countersink the crews; this will leave them below the wood level and will be safer for the cat.

    Finishing

    • Once the plan is put together, cover with remnant carpet and tack to bottom of the shelves and base with a staple gun or tacks.

      Test for stability. Introduce your cat to the tree.