Homemade Cat Furniture: Building a Cat Tree, Scratching Post, and More

Creating homemade cat furniture is a fantastic way to provide your feline friend with fun, exercise, and a space of their own. Not only is it often more cost-effective than store-bought options, but it also allows you to customize pieces to suit your cat's preferences and your home's decor. Here's a guide to building a cat tree, scratching post, and other cat furniture.

 

Building a Cat Tree

Materials Needed:

Plywood or sturdy wooden boards for the base and platforms

 

PVC pipes or thick wooden dowels for the posts

 

Carpet remnants or heavy-duty fabric

 

Sisal rope for scratching posts

 

Screws, nails, and a staple gun

 

Optional: Soft furnishings, hanging toys

 

Steps:

Design Your Cat Tree: Sketch out your design, considering the number of levels, height, and the size of the base for stability.

 

Construct the Base and Platforms: Cut the plywood or wooden boards to your desired size. Ensure the base is heavy and wide enough to prevent tipping.

 

Prepare the Posts: Cut PVC pipes or wooden dowels to create vertical supports. Wrap them with sisal rope for scratching surfaces.

 

Assemble the Structure: Attach the posts to the base and platforms using screws. Ensure everything is secure and stable.

 

Add Carpet or Fabric: Cover the platforms with carpet or fabric for comfort, using a staple gun to secure the material.

 

Add Extras: Attach soft furnishings for napping and hanging toys for play.

 

Crafting a Scratching Post

Materials Needed:

A wooden post or a thick cardboard tube

 

Sisal rope or carpet remnants

 

Wooden base

 

Screws and staple gun

 

Steps:

Secure the Post to the Base: Attach the post to a sturdy wooden base using screws. The base should be wide enough to prevent the post from tipping over.

 

Wrap the Post: Wrap the post tightly with sisal rope or cover it with carpet, securing it with a staple gun or glue.

 

Optional Additions: Add a small platform on top or toys hanging from the post for added interest.

 

Additional Homemade Cat Furniture Ideas

Window Perch: Create a comfortable window perch using a shelf and soft cushioning, allowing your cat to enjoy the view.

 

Cat Tunnel: Use heavy-duty fabric or carpet to create a tunnel for your cat to explore.

 

Wall Shelves: Install wall shelves at varying heights to create a climbing area. Add carpet for traction.

 

Cat Bed: Repurpose an old sweater or small basket into a cozy cat bed with cushions and blankets.

 

Tips for Success

Safety First: Ensure all furniture is stable and free of sharp edges or small parts that could be swallowed.

 

Consider Your Cat's Preferences: Some cats prefer high perches, while others like enclosed spaces. Tailor your designs to your cat's habits.

 

Use Durable Materials: Choose materials that can withstand scratching and frequent use.

 

Easy to Clean: Opt for materials that are easy to clean and maintain.

 

Conclusion

Building homemade cat furniture can be a rewarding project that enriches your cat's environment. By considering your cat's needs and preferences, you can create functional and enjoyable pieces that will provide endless entertainment and comfort for your feline friend. Remember, the key is to create safe, sturdy, and engaging furniture that your cat will love.