How To Build Cat Trees

Cat trees are free-standing structures built specifically to satisfy a cat's desire to climb, scratch, claw, play and rest. Having a cat tree in your home gives your cats a place just for them, where they can use their claws and scratch to their hearts' content, saving your furniture from certain doom. Cat trees are pretty expensive to buy at pet stores or online, but with a bit of elbow grease and some easily found materials, you can build your cats a great structure that they'll love to use.

Designs

Before you begin building your cat tree, you'll have to choose a design. Hardware and pet stores sell planning sheets and books to use, or you can search online for pictures and plans.

The cat tree can sit on the floor on a flat base or large box, topped with a pole and platforms at various levels. You could also build a tall, slim, rectangular structure with the platforms enclosed in it. Consider the size of the space where you'll put the cat tree, and determine the appropriate dimensions for the structure.

Basic Materials

When you figure out what sort of cat tree you'll need, make a list of necessary materials. The following basic items could be used.

• Plywood - Use this for the base and the top, or to make a large box. You can also use plywood to create supports for the perches.
• Tubing - Use something sturdy and wide, like Sono Tube or PVC pipe. You can find both types of tubing at any hardware store. Cut the tubing in half lengthwise to create platforms, or cut a piece of the whole tube for a tunnel.
• Posts - Find sturdy pieces of lumber, generally 8' x 2" x 4". Cut your posts to fit your design.
• Bolts
• Wood screws
• Staple gun and staples
• Corner brackets
• Wood glue
• Sisal rope
• Old carpeting
• Cat toys to hang (if desired)

You'll also need basic tools like a hammer, saw, drill, screwdriver, wood clamps, measuring tape and a pencil.

Tips for Building a Cat Tree

There are a few things to keep in mind when building your cat tree. If you're working from an existing plan or directions, follow them carefully for the basic structure. If you're creating your plan from your own imagination, consider the following:

1. The base of your cat tree has to be strong and sturdy, especially if you have multiple cats in your household. Ensure that the structure won't tip or bend with the weight of your cat on the top, or if the cat decides to leap at the tree from a piece of nearby furniture.
2. Cover the base, a couple of the posts and the perches with carpeting to give your cat something to scratch and to provide comfort and warmth for those numerous catnaps. Secure the carpeting with a staple gun.
3. Use brackets and plywood to reinforce the perches. These will give added strength to your cat tree. As you work, use both wood glue and wood screws with bolts to ensure the pieces will hold. Test each addition to the tree to ensure the structure remains properly strong.
4. Wrap a couple of your posts with sisal rope. Cats love to scratch this stuff, and it's easily replaceable once it becomes worn and frayed. Make sure the rope is firmly attached.
5. If you wish, hang favorite cat toys from the perches -- cats love to play and bat at the swinging toys. If possible, try to use toys that won't cause your cat to get her claws caught. You can also secure a length of brush bristles to one of the posts on your cat tree to help your cat groom himself