How to Build a Cat Climber

Cats love to climb. They will climb whether you provide them with something to climb on or not. Cats do not really care what they climb on as long as it’s stable. It is natural for them to do this, and they will really appreciate it if you build them a cat climber. You might even value it more. They may even stop climbing on every thing else, and that will be a relief. You will not only save yourself a lot of money when you build it yourself, it will very possibly be made better than the ones you can buy. The following details how to build a cat climber.

Things You'll Need

• Pen
• Paper
• Computer
• Internet Connection
• Wood
• Nails and Screws
• Hammer
• Screwdriver
• Staple Gun (optional)
• Drill (optional)
• Saw (optional)
• Wood Glue
• L Brackets (optional)
• Rope (optional)
• Carpet (or other material)
• Measurement Tape
• Cat(s)

Instructions

1. Design your cat climber. It does not matter if you have a particular cat climber in mind or not. You can get several ideas by doing a search online for “cat climber” or “cat tree” to find quite a lot of great pictures to use for your design. You could also look at pet stores or other businesses that sell cat supplies either locally or online. Decide what you want your cat climber to look like and draw it. Once you have it drawn, you will have to figure the dimensions of it. This will give you a good idea as to how many supplies you will need to purchase. Your cat climber can be as big (or as little), as complicated (or as simple) and as cheap (or as expensive) as you desire it to be.

2. Buy all of your cat climber materials. Purchase any supplies you will need. When you figure how much wood you need, you may want to purchase extra to allow for adjustments. You could use plywood or chipboard for all parts of it or you may get some 2 x 4s or 4 x 4s to use for the columns. You can use various types of wood depending on your design and budget. Make sure you have an extra heavy and large wood base for your cat climber to keep it stable. You can use “L” brackets to attach your cat climber to the wall (floor or ceiling) for extra support. It is also a good idea to use large L brackets on the columns and bottom of any platforms you add. Estimate how much carpet or material you will need to cover at least the platforms and maybe also the columns and any ramps. If you want to have rope around one or more of the columns, purchase it. Make sure you have plenty of nails and screws, wood glue and any other items.

3. Assemble your cat climber. If you have not had your wood cut into needed pieces, do this before you begin. Start from the base and work up with your design and check it for strength as you build. You can use both glue and screws (nails) to connect the various pieces of wood. Add more support as needed. Verify that all screws and nails do not extend beyond the wood. You can either cover it with material as you go or wait until you are done assembling it. You can use either glue or staples to secure the carpet. If you use staples, check to make sure they do not stick out.

4. Inspect your cat climber carefully. Before you allow your cat on the cat climber, inspect it thoroughly for any sharp edges, splinters or anything else that could harm them. Make sure it is completely dry and totally stable also. Fix any problems found.

5. Observe your cat enjoying your creation.

Tips & Warnings

• Let your imagination go wild in the placement and design of your cat climber.

• Don't let small children wander around when you are doing the project. The pieces of it can create a very big hazard.