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How to Build Your Own Cat Furniture

Wood
Nails
Saws
Carpet Staples
Staple Gun
Quik-Tubes
Sisal Rope
Wood Glue
Tape Measure
Carpeting

Having some sort of cat furniture for your feline friends to play in, sleep on and scratch on will make them very happy, and will also keep your posessions from being damaged by scratching and play. However large cat trees can be very expensive, and if you have a little bit of woodworking talent or are at all mechanically inclined, you can save a bundle by making one yourself. Another advantage is that you get to custom design everything to produce your dream cat tree!

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Decide if you will design the tree entirely on your own or select a pre-made design and purchase professionally made cat tree blueprints (recommended for beginners). You can use blueprints even if you want to pick the design of your tree - there are hundreds of designs available from companies that sell cat tree blueprints and plans. Many are under $20, with some as low as $5. Most also include a CD with on-screen instructions, or step by step written instructions, along with the plans themselves, materials list, etc. Decide where in your home you would like to put the tree; and measure how much space is available in that area so you know how big to make your tree.

Tip: Be Sure perches are close enough together for your cats to be able to jump from one level to the next; or that at least 1 post is wrapped in sisal so they can climb it to get between levels.

After you've figured the general size of the tree and acquired blueprints (purchased them or made your own), make a list of everything you need, including tools you don't already own; sisal rope for scratching posts, quik-tube for tunnels and circular condos, carpeting, wood pieces, nails, screws, brackets and staples. Determine the measurements needed of all wood pieces and of carpeting to cover the outsides of the tree and the insides of any houses, beds or tunnels. If possible get un-treated, natural wood. Think of it as making the tree "organic" - its healthier for your cats.

Tip: Cat trees look best all one solid color. Choosing a neutral earth-tone color will ensure the tree will match any room you put it in, and will also show less cat fur. Avoid white or very light colors.

When you've purchased all your materials, double check your list to make sure you have everything you need before you begin. If you were unable to purchase your wood & carpeting pieces in the exact lengths needed; measure all pieces twice and then cut to the needed size.

For sturdiness, ensure you have chosen a thick piece of wood for your base, which can be square or cirle in shape. Using a staple gun, cover the top and sides of the base with carpet. If needed also use the appropriate glue, but be sure it won't be toxic to your cats, and use in a well-ventilated area. It isn't necessary to carpet the side that will face the floor.

Tightly wrap and use woodglue to secure sisal rope around any posts you want to be scratching posts, and carpet other posts. Do not carpet the tops or bottoms of the posts.

Note: Allow glued posts to dry in a ventilated area for several hours before allowing your cats to use the tree. Also remember they will be climbing & putting weight on the rope so it must be tight and very securely attached.

Check the layout of your support posts and distribute them evenly so the tree will be sturdy. From the bottom under-side of the base; use several screws to fasten posts to the base. For this step you may need someone to hold posts in place while you put in the screws.

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