Build a Cat Tree DIY
Whether you are an ailurophile (cat lover) or not, as long as you have a cat you need a cat tree. Do you have a knack with tools and handiwork? Then save yourself hundreds of dollars by building your own cat tree. Your cat tree need not be expensive and you should start looking for materials that you do not need to buy. This article will show you how you can build a cat tree at little to no cost at all.
First, design your cat tree by drawing it down. A cat tree can be two-tiered or three-tiered. If you love your cat, make your feline friend feel your love him by making him a personalized cat tree. Make your creative juices running. Choosing a color that both you and your cat love will strengthen your bond with your pet. Experiment with shapes and sizes. But, be sure it would also fit the place where you will put your cat tree. Make your creative juices running. You do not want it to be just like everybody else’s cat tree. We are talking about your own. So get creative!
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Second, analyze your plan if it were structured good enough to get make your pet get its needed exercise. Make the height of each level strategic enough that will enable your cat to make quite a few jumps. Make sure there is a scratching post so your cat will not be scratching you nor your furniture. Though your cat needs exercise, make sure that there are also places where your cat can just perch and laze about. Remember that a cat tree should be a fun activity place as well as a good resting place.
Third, based from the drawing, identify the materials that you are going to need. Most of the time, you are going to need the following materials:
- Scrap carpet or fake fur
- Circular boxes or carpet tubes (go to the nearest carpet warehouse and ask for the ones that they no longer need or about to throw away)
- Scrap lumber
- Scrap plywood
- Sono-tube (can be used in making perches)
- Sisal rope (often used to make scratching post)
- Wood screws
- Toys for cats
- Catnip
Most of the materials listed above can be gathered for free or at low cost. You may already even have them in your garage. At times, you can ask neighbors or go to junk shops for scraps.
Fourth, after gathering all the materials you need, prepare your tools. These are:
- Hammer
- Saw
- Screw driver
- Drill
- Measuring tape
- Pencil
- Glue gun
- Wood glue
- Nails
Fifth, build the cat tree by making a base first. Then create the posts. The post will be based on your design. Attach the posts to the base of the cat tree. Then, put together the perches. Wrap the designated scratching post with sisal rope. Hang the toys of your cats in the cat tree.
Sixth, make sure that the cat tree is clean and free from pointed materials like nails and fragments of wood or it might injure your cat.
Lastly, sprinkle some catnip on the cat tree so that your feline friend will be attracted to its scent.
All in all, to build a cat tree can be as easy as pie if you will let your creativity work for you. Often, it would take five to seven days to build a cat tree. It really depends on your schedule.