Got an old, small-sized tree in your yard that needs to be cut down? Instead of chopping it down into small pieces and getting rid of it, you can turn the entire tree into a classy cat tower! Any cat, yours included, would love this resting/playground area ;)
People mostly live in a horizontal world – but cats aren’t limited to the horizontal. They also love the vertical aspects of their environment. They rely on vertical objects for safety, comfort – and, yes, fun. All of those are crucial parts of feline life.
This project is one of the simpler cat towers you can build. The first step is to imagine and decide how your cat tree would look. Take into account the weight distribution or balance, so it doesn’t easily fall on anything and anyone!
“Clean” the tree by cutting off unnecessary branches, then brush and sand it down to get rid of splinters. Create the platforms by cutting customized shapes and attaching them to the tree using lag screws. You can use a laser level for cutting the branches into a perfect horizontal line.
Last but not the least, your cats would need rope-covered branches for climbing or scratching, as well as a carpet on the platforms to make for a warm and cozy resting place. You can also create platforms in tube shape so they can have some crawl space to curl into (you know how cats just love to squeeze themselves into tiny spaces!).
And that’s it! You now have a classy cat tower for your furbabies!
Do you know any cat lovers out there who would love this idea? We’re sure your cat would!
Contents
Turning an Old Tree Into a Cat Tower
Materials
- Old Tree
- Plywood
- Oak Trim
- Manilla Rope
- Lag Screws
- Wood Screws
- Cardboard (for template)
- Wood Glue
- Finish Nails
- Carpet
- Oil-based Urethane
- Carpet Tape
- Greenhouse Staple
Tools
- Sabre Saw
- Cordless Drill
- Jigsaw
- Laser Level
- Cutter
- Belt Sander
- Router
- Spindle Sander
- Steam Cleaner
- Scissors
- Band Clamp
- Hammer
- Nail Gun
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Tree
- Inspect the tree for any signs of disease or pests. Ensure it is sturdy and in good condition.
- Trim and clean the tree: Use a sabre saw to remove any unwanted branches. Clean the trunk and remaining branches with a steam cleaner to eliminate any dirt and pests.
- Sand the tree: Smooth the trunk and branches with a belt sander to remove rough spots and splinters, ensuring it’s safe for your cat to climb.
Step 2: Designing the Structure
- Create a design template: Use cardboard to sketch out the shapes of the platforms you want to create. This will serve as a guide when cutting the plywood.
- Cut the plywood: Using a jigsaw, cut the plywood based on your templates to form the platforms.
- Sand the edges: Smooth the edges of the plywood platforms with a spindle sander to prevent splinters.
Step 3: Assembling the Platforms
- Attach oak trim: Use a router to shape the oak trim, then attach it around the edges of the plywood platforms using wood glue and finish nails. This adds a decorative touch and extra strength.
- Drill holes for screws: Using a cordless drill, make holes in the tree where each platform will be attached.
- Secure the platforms: Attach each platform to the tree using lag screws and a nail gun for extra stability.
Step 4: Adding Features for Functionality
- Wrap branches with manilla rope: Use the rope to wrap around the tree’s branches. This will provide a rough surface for your cat to scratch and climb. Secure the ends with wood glue and greenhouse staples.
- Install the carpet: Cut the carpet to fit the top of each platform. Use carpet tape to secure the carpet in place, making the platforms a comfortable resting area.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
- Apply oil-based urethane: Coat the entire tree, including the platforms, with oil-based urethane using a brush. This will seal the wood, making it more durable and giving it a finished look.
- Let it dry: Allow the urethane to dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Step 6: Safety and Placement
- Check for stability: Ensure that the tree is stable and won’t tip over when your cat climbs on it. Adjust the weight distribution if necessary.
- Choose a location: Place your cat tower in a cat-friendly area where your pet likes to spend time, preferably near a window or in a quiet corner.
Step 7: Introduction to Your Cat
- Introduce your cat to the new tower: Encourage your cat to explore the tower by placing treats or toys on various levels.
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You can get more step-by-step instructions here…
Selecting the Right Tree for Your Cat Tower
Turning an old tree into a cat tower is a creative and eco-friendly way to enhance your pet’s living space. The key to a successful DIY cat tower is starting with the right type of tree. Here’s how to select the best tree for your project:
Consider the Size and Shape
- Height: Choose a tree that is tall enough to provide ample climbing space but fits comfortably within your ceiling height when placed indoors.
- Stability: The trunk should be thick and sturdy to support the weight of the cat without tipping. Look for trees with a solid base.
- Branch Configuration: Opt for a tree with multiple branches at various angles. These natural perches will be ideal for your cat to climb and rest on.
Check the Wood Type
- Non-Toxic Wood: Ensure the tree is non-toxic and safe for cats. Common safe woods include oak, apple, and ash. Avoid toxic varieties like cherry, lilac, and yew.
- Durability: Hardwoods, such as oak or maple, are preferable due to their durability and resistance to scratching.
Inspect for Health
- Disease-Free: Carefully examine the tree for signs of disease or infestation. Healthy wood should not have cracks, splits, or signs of rot.
- Pest-Free: Look for any indications of insect infestation. Holes, sawdust, and weakened wood are red flags.
By selecting the right tree, you ensure the safety and longevity of your cat tower, creating a fun and secure environment for your cat to enjoy.
Behavioral Benefits for Cats
Integrating a cat tower into your home isn’t just about fun; it’s about fostering a healthy, stimulating environment for your feline friend. Here’s how a cat tower can significantly benefit your cat’s behavior:
Promotes Exercise
- Encourages Climbing: Cats have a natural urge to climb, and a cat tower provides the perfect outlet for this behavior. It helps them stay active and agile, reducing the risk of obesity.
- Enhances Coordination: Regular use of a cat tower helps improve a cat’s coordination and balance as they learn to navigate different levels and obstacles.
Supports Natural Instincts
- Safe Refuge: Cats often seek high vantage points for safety and observation. A cat tower offers a secure place where they can watch their surroundings without disturbance.
- Territorial Marking: Cats use scratching to mark their territory. A cat tower with built-in scratching posts allows them to express this natural behavior healthily, saving your furniture in the process.
Reduces Stress
- Personal Space: Having a designated space like a cat tower can significantly reduce stress in cats by giving them a retreat when the household becomes too busy or overwhelming.
- Mental Stimulation: Cat towers often feature various components such as hanging toys and multiple levels which keep cats mentally stimulated and engaged.
Enhances Social Interaction
- Multi-Cat Homes: In homes with more than one cat, a cat tower can provide multiple tiers and spaces for each cat, reducing conflicts and promoting peaceful cohabitation.
- Interaction with Owners: Cat towers can become a focal point for playtime between you and your cat, strengthening your bond.
Enhances Comfort
- Warmth and Comfort: Many cat towers are equipped with cozy platforms or nests lined with soft materials, offering cats a comfortable spot to rest and sleep. This can be especially beneficial for older cats that need a soft surface for their joints.
Facilitates Health Monitoring
- Observation Point: As cats spend a lot of time on their cat tower, it provides pet owners with a consistent location to observe their cat’s behaviors and habits. This can be crucial for early detection of health issues, as changes in behavior can indicate a need for a veterinary visit.
Promotes Confidence
- Boosts Confidence: Shy or timid cats can gain confidence as they explore and conquer the various levels of a cat tower. This increased confidence can translate into less anxiety and more social interaction with humans and other pets.
Encourages Natural Behaviors
- Enriched Environment: A cat tower can mimic the stimulating environment cats would have in the wild, encouraging them to engage in natural behaviors like climbing, leaping, and observing from a height. This enrichment helps keep their minds sharp and their bodies healthy.
Improves Household Dynamics
- Reduces Destructive Behaviors: By providing a designated area for play and exercise, a cat tower can help minimize destructive behaviors in cats. This is particularly beneficial in keeping cats from clawing at household furniture or engaging in other unwanted behaviors.
More than just giving your cat a piece of furniture, a cat tower improves their quality of life in many ways.
Conclusion
Turning an old tree into a cat tower is an inventive and sustainable way to enhance your cat’s life while repurposing natural materials. This project not only provides a unique play and rest area for your cat but also adds a charming, rustic element to your home decor. By engaging in this DIY endeavor, you create a personalized space that supports your cat’s health and happiness.
