How to Make a Cat Tree (Cat Climber)

Train kitties early on to use a cat tree.

Building a cat tree is a wise way to save furniture, drapes and other valuable objects from the wrath of feline claws. Cats naturally scratch to mark their territory. Scratching occurs on objects such as doorways or tables, near space that is important to the cat -- including relaxation areas and litter trays. Cats also will scratch to remove aged nail sheathes. Building a cat tree -- or climber -- gives your cat a place to scratch and climb without ruining your home in the process.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Work gloves
• Dust mask
• Safety glasses
• Measuring tape
• Pencil
• Plywood sheets (4)
• PVC pipe (3) or 2-by-4 wood planks (3)
• 2-by-2 wood planks (5)
• Saw
• Sandpaper (80 to 120 grit)
• Drill
• Screws
• Metal brackets
• Wood glue
• 3/8-inch sisal rope
• Knife

1. Measure and cut all the wood and PVC pieces. Measure and cut a 24-by-24 inch plywood platform on which the tree will sit. Measure and cut three 12-by-12 inch pieces and one 10-by-16 inch piece. Measure and cut the PVC pipe -- or the 2-by-4s -- into two 20-inch long pieces and one 30-inch piece. Measure and cut all five 2-by-2s into 10-inch long pieces.

2. Sand all pieces with 80 to 120 grit paper, to remove burrs and smooth edges.

3. Evenly space and secure the three PVC or 2-by-4 pieces in a vertical position to the large plywood platform. Align the two smaller pieces on the same plane. Position the larger piece at center, 6 inches behind the smaller pieces. Secure each piece to the platform with three brackets and six wood screws.

4. Lay each of the three 12-by-12 plywood platform pieces at center atop one of the vertical PVC or 2-by-4 pieces. Secure each plywood piece to the vertical pieces with three brackets and six wood screws.

5. Build a cat ramp with the 10-by-16 plywood pieces and 2-by-2 pieces. Lay the board out flat. Position one 2-by-2 piece on top, flush with one of the board's edges. Bond the pieces with wood glue. Move up 2 inches and repeat for the next 2-by-2 piece. Repeat this step for all remaining pieces. Lay each of the three 12-by-12 plywood pieces at center atop the PVC or 2-by-4 pieces. Position the bottom ramp on one of the lower elevated platforms and the top to the high elevated platform. Secure the ramp -- 2-by-2 pieces facing upwards -- with four brackets and eight screws.

6. Screw one end of a piece of 3/8-inch sisal rope to the top of one of the PVC or 2-by-4 pieces. Tightly wrap the sisal rope around the entire surface of the piece until it is covered completely. Cut the piece off at the bottom. Screw the bottom end into the piece to permanently secure it. Repeat for the two other PVC or 2-by-4 pieces.

Tips & Warnings

• Either the PVC pipes or the 2-by-4s can be used for the same purpose.

• Have extra brackets and screws on hand.

References

• Cozy Cat Furniture: Why Cats Scratch
• Google: How to Build a Cat Climber; Kent Ninomiya

Resources

• Cozy Cat Furniture: How to Make Your Cat Scratch Her Scratching Post