Learning how to make a cat tree is a great opportunity to get creative and save up to $250 at the same time. With many costing $75 on the low side and over $350 on the high side, it’s no wonder that do-it-yourselfers are looking to make their own using a good set of cat tree plans.
The tradeoff, of course, is a bit of your time, but the reward is well worth it. With the right tools and a good set of plans, most cat trees can be completed from start to finish in a few days or less. You will be excited to see the finished product, knowing that you created it with your own hands. Involves the whole family. Children love to design things for their pets.
Things to consider when building your own cat tree
As you begin the design and build process, understand that a cat tree must adequately address some of your cat’s key needs. Cats love to play, sleep and scratch.
First of all, you need to provide a place of safety and protection. If you have a larger cat (over 20 pounds), it’s important to use sturdy materials and a construction design that provides additional support. Otherwise, the entire structure may tip over when your cat climbs to the upper levels.
Likewise, if you have an older cat, you’ll want to make the cat tree more accessible by including ramps and/or steps. The addition of a den-type cat condo can provide a place for your cat to feel more comfortable and secure. You never know when your favorite furry feline will need to get away from the family dog or hide from overzealous kids.
Next, your kitty will want places to romp and play. He’ll also want a place to stretch out when he gets tired after tossing mice and feather toys all over the living room. You can meet these needs by building in layers consisting of a variety of different sizes and shapes of platforms/shelves. Cats like to be up high, so don’t be afraid to build both up and out.
Build some cat peepholes and passageways with an adventurous side. Don’t forget to hang toys from the bottom of the top shelves for your kitty to play at will. Change them from time to time to prevent your kitty from getting bored.
Lastly, if you want to save your couch arms and legs, it’s important to include scratching posts when making a cat tree. The same posts that provide structural support for decks can easily be modified to function as scratching posts by wrapping sisal rope around them.