DIY Cat Tree

A cat hammock, whether hung near the ceiling or underneath a sturdy chair, is sure to attach curious felines. A quick way to make a cat hammock is to cut slits in each corner of a big piece square of soft, strong fabric. Add string or cord and hang it underneath a chair. Or use the slit ends to tie one corner of the fabric to each chair leg. Tie the hammock securely and as far above the floor as you want. 

Another option to make your own DIY cat hammock is by using a big, sturdy cardboard box. 

• Tape it securely shut on the top and bottom, and use a utility knife to carefully cut a large window on each side. If desired, paint the box and let it dry.
• Next, put the bottom of the box on top of an old blanket or other soft piece of fabric and trace around it, adding four inches to each side.
• Cut along the traced lines and make a 3-inch slit in each corner of the fabric. Cut slits in each corner of the box, too, several inches above the bottom of the box, so the hammock has room to hang.
• Pull one corner of the fabric through each slit in the box and tie the fabric securely.

Cats love to curl up in leafy spots, so give your fur-friend a DIY cat tree with artificial tree branches. 

Start with a premade cat tree or build your own cat tree following the directions in step 1. Then build a simple, wooden box around the base of an artificial tree or other support. The base must be heavy enough that it won’t tip over from the weight of the cat when she climbs it. Add one or more platforms between the artificial branches or add some artifical trees around the cat tree. 

Tip: Some artificial plants and real plants can be toxic to cats. If your cat likes to lick or chew, or you’re not sure which materials or plants are safe to use, talk to your veterinarian before using them.

Once you know how to build a cat tree, you can modify it to make a cat tree tower. Simply add more platforms so your cat can climb higher when he’s ready, just as if he’s climbing a tall tree with multiple branches. Stagger the platforms so he can jump between them easily. 

If you cat likes to nap in cozy spaces, add a cube or cubby to some of the platforms on the tree. Build a cube by gluing together heavy pieces of cardboard or use a sturdy box. 

• Cut a round or square opening in one end so your pet can go in and out.
• Add some padding to the inside bottom of the box or cube and cover it with a soft blanket or other material for a comfortable bed. You may want to use a piece of carpet if your cat likes to scratch his bedding.
• Glue fabric over the outside of the cube, paint it with non-toxic paint or cover it with carpet using glue or staples. Bend over the ends of any staples that protrude into the box, so your cat won’t get injured.
• Make sure any glue or paint is completely dry before your cat uses the tree tower.

A DIY cat tree can be turned into a cat condo by adding enough plywood platforms to a basic cat tree to accommodate multiple felines. To make a simple cat condo with a scratching post, wind sisal rope from the top to the bottom of a vertical support and attach the support to studs in one wall. 

Another option for a cat condo: Use metal brackets to attach sturdy wicker baskets lined with soft padding up and down the length of a vertical support. Stagger them at different heights from one side of the support to the other. 

Tip: Make sure everything you use can support the weight of the basket, padding or other material, sisal rope and cats.  

Build a wall mounted cat tree in the same way you’d build a basic cat tree, using brackets to support it. Be sure the brackets can support the weight of the tree and cat, and attach the brackets to studs in the wall. Sheetrock alone is not strong enough to hold the weight of brackets, shelves and your cat. 

You can also install a series of shelves or cat boxes on one wall, staggering them to the left and right as they go up toward the ceiling. Eighteen and 24-inch shelves work nicely. Again, be sure the shelves come with hardware or brackets that can support the weight of your cat and the shelves and screw the brackets into studs in your wall. You may want to cover the shelves with carpet to give your cats firmer footing.

The easiest way to build a DIY cat house is simply to repurpose a sturdy cardboard or moving box. Reinforce any openings, if needed, with duct tape or clear packing tape, and leave or cut an opening for a door. Paint the house and let it dry completely before letting your cat use it and furnish it inside with a soft blanket, towel or cushion.

Before you begin, measure the piece of furniture your cat will be using with the cat steps. This will determine how wide and high to make them. Take into account your cat’s age and mobility. Use a circular saw to cut the sides of the steps, or stringers, from plywood project panels. Add a frame to the base and back of the stringers to support and attach them. 

Close the back of the steps, if desired, with another piece of plywood. Add the risers by gluing them down. After the glue dries, nail them securely with large finishing nails. Paint or stain the steps, if desired. Carpet the treads or leave them bare. 

If you’re not handy with woodworking, consider buying a simple ramp for your pet and covering it with carpet to provide a scratching spot and a good grip for walking.

Staple or nail carpet to the vertical supports on a DIY cat tree to make a cat scratching post. You can also wind rope around the support from the bottom to the top, keeping the loops close together and stapling them in place as you go. You’ll probably need to hammer the staples to get them all the way through the rope and into the supports. Change the carpet or rope when it’s badly frayed.