First, consider your space limitations. Determine where your cat tree will be placed, and what size will fit well into that space. It’s a good idea to take measurements to ensure your finished product will fit the space. You should also consider your cat’s personality. If your cat likes to climb, consider building a tall cat tree with several perches. If your cat would like a private place to hide or sleep, consider building in a covered sleeping nook. [2] X Research source Jean Johnson. Cat Expert. Finally, you should keep your carpentry skills in mind. If you are relatively inexperienced with building things and using tools, keep your design simple so that you aren’t overwhelmed. If you’re at a loss for where to begin, there are several websites that have pictures of do-it-yourself cat trees you can use for inspiration, or even patterns for cat trees other people have made. [3] X Research source
A drill and some wood screws An electric stapler A table saw and a handsaw A Hammer and nails A carpet or utility knife Wood glue or another powerful adhesive If you want to create covered areas for your cat to perch, you may also want to pick up a concrete form tube. These heavy-duty cardboard tubes make great perches and tunnels for cats. [6] X Research source These can also be cut lengthwise using a utility knife to create concave platforms or open-topped beds for your cat.
A simple hand saw works well for cutting dimensional lumber, while a handheld circular saw or table saw is better for cutting sheets of plywood. Sand rough edges if desired.
A 24" (60 cm) square works well for a basic cat tree, but the taller your tree, the larger you’ll want to make the base, to ensure it is sturdy.
Cut the carpet to size, making it a few inches larger than the base on all sides. Then, wrap its edges over the edges of the plywood base, and staple it in place on the underside of the base with a staple gun. You may need to cut small notches in the carpet at the corners to make it fold neatly beneath the base. [9] X Research source
Flip the base over so the carpeted side is face down. Then, drill holes through the underside of the base in the spots where you want the supports to be. Attach the supports by inserting screws or nails through the holes and driving them into the supports. [10] X Research source You may want to cover the supports with carpet before attaching them, as this will be easier than doing it after they are already secured in place. To make your cat tree double as a scratching post, wrap one or more of the supports in sisal rope, securing each end with wire brads or staples, placed where they will be out view and won’t be scratched by the cat. If you use staples, you may need to tap them down with a hammer to make sure they don’t stick out too much. [11] X Research source
Wrap them in carpet or fabric after affixing them, so that the screws aren’t visible through the carpet, and staple the carpet in place on the underside as you did with the base. [12] X Research source
Adjustments to your design can be made as you go to account for stability issues, new ideas, or incorrect measurements.
Choose an old-fashioned ladder that looks like an upside-down “v” with several steps on either side that are at matching levels. It’s fine if the wood looks old, but make sure the foundation of the ladder isn’t too rickety. You want to be certain your cat tree won’t tip over and hurt your cat. Try to find a ladder that’s around four feet tall. A very tall ladder my be less stable or too tall for your cat.
A piece of plywood long and wide enough to rest on two rungs of the ladder at the same level. This will provide a platform for your cat. If you want more than one platform, you’ll need more than one piece of plywood. A hammer and 2" nails Carpet An electric staple gun A piece of canvas, denim, or other sturdy fabric you can use to create a hammock between the two bottom rungs A can of paint (optional) A toy that hangs from a piece of rope or string Sisal rope to wrap around the legs of the ladder
Paint the ladder and plywood pieces with a coat or two of paint, if you’re using it. Let the paint dry completely. Use your imagination when it comes time to paint. You could just paint the ladder to match your existing decor. But you could also paint it brown and green to make it look like a tree, or use stencils to make designs up and down the sides. Instead of painting the platforms, you can make them more comfortable for you cat by covering them in carpet, attaching it to to the platforms after nailing them into place. Use your staple gun and affix the carpet with staples in the perimeter and in the center. [13] X Research source Make sure they don’t stick up from the platform, tapping them down with a hammer if necessary.
Make sure the platforms are very secure when you’re finished nailing them down. You may wish to use more nails, or substitute wood screws for a firmer hold. If you have a second piece of plywood to create another level, use the same procedure to nail it down.
Be sure the fabric you use for the hammock is thick enough to hold the weight of your cat. You can double the fabric or hem the edges before nailing it down to make it sturdier. Fabric that stretches a little is ideal for cat hammocks. Make sure nails or staples do not protrude in such a way that your cat could be scratched or cut. Tap your staples with hammer if necessary. Instead of a hammock, you can also use a carpeted concrete form tube, fastened to the ladder by attaching it to two 2X4 pieces of lumber secured to the base of the ladder with bolts, nails, or screws, between the legs. This will make your cat tree less portable, but also sturdier.
Cut the rope in four pieces. Use staples to secure the end of the first piece of rope to the inside of the base of one of the legs. Wrap the leg tightly with rope, tapping it down with a hammer if necessary. Secure the other end with a staple, making sure it is away from any areas the cat is most likely to scratch often. [14] X Research source Repeat with the other four legs. If you want to, you can cover the legs entirely with rope, from top to bottom, using a new piece of rope between each rung of the ladder. This will allow your cat access to a scratchable surface nearly anywhere on its new cat tree.
