How to Make a Homemade Cat Jungle Gym

Just because the economy is bad doesn't mean our feline friends need to suffer. To keep your cat entertained without spending hundreds of dollars on a cat tree or cat jungle gym, head to the local hardware store for a few inexpensive items to make one yourself.

Things You'll Need

• 3 24-inch square particle board, 1 inch thick
• PVC pipe, 4 to 5 inches diameter or carpet tube
• 100 feet of jute rope
• Bristled welcome mat
• Hot glue gun
• Staples
• 2 yards fake fur
• Hammer
• 3-inch nails
• Catnip

Instructions

1. Cut the carpet tube or PVC pipe into 18-inch lengths. You may wish to go smaller if you have an older cat or one that has trouble jumping.

2. Wrap the jute rope around the end of one of the lengths of pipe, securing it in place with hot glue. Add subsequent circles of jute rope, making sure each is flush with the previous round. Continue until the entire length is covered. This will make the primary scratching surface for your cat.

3. Wrap the welcome mat around a second length of tube, securing it with either staples or hot glue, depending on whether you are using a carpet roll or PVC pipe. Trim the excess mat so that the edges lie flush with one another on the pipe.

4. Divide the fake fur into 28-inch wide strips that are about 30 inches long. Lay the fake fur soft side down and then center the first board about 2 inches from one end. Fold over the end and secure with staples. Wrap the other end around the board and staple in place. Fold the sides up and staple them down as well. Repeat on the other two boards.

5. Attach the tubes to the bases, using long nails driven through the board and into the pipe. The tube with the rope will be a scratching post, and the welcome mat will provide a place for your cat to scratch her back and groom unruly fur.

6. Rub catnip on the surfaces of the new tree to attract your cat.

References

• Freecycle a Cat Tree