Cat trees which are also called cat climbers are very important in an indoor cat’s life. They serve many purposes that will help your kitty. First of all, cats like to climb trees in the real world. They like to be higher than their prey, and they use climbing as a way to sharpen their fingernails and use their muscles.
I have a three cats but they are strictly indoor cats. I live in an area where coyotes visit on land and red-tailed hawks fly above. Those two predators would love a kitty for an afternoon snack. Keeping the cat indoors ensures it’s safety against these creatures, but they will always want a place to climb and jump as part of their nature.
Just like humans, our feline friends need exercise. While chasing toys can be fun, it typically means you have to do it with them. Having a cat tree for the kitties when you are away at work will give them time on their own to work on their muscles or just find a high place to relax. Creating a place for this activity for your cat will also help keep your furniture scratch-free. (Or at least it helps!)
You Will Need:
- Faux sheepskin rugs (or any other fabric)
- Either 2 identical wood ladders or find a towel rack that already comes with a hinges.
- If you get one that’s is already attached, you can skip these steps and pick up at the last item on the materials list.
- If you are using two ladders, you will need some small cabinet hinges.
- Small scrap wood (you can attach 1×2’s together or use a 1×8 as a base for each level)
- Twine (I used 8mm thickness)
- Indoor/outdoor carpet (get a thin kind at your hardware store – I bought a 6’x8’ for under $20)
- Hot glue and glue gun
- Straps or fasteners to the wall.
How-To:
- Evaluate the size(s) of your cat(s). I know that I’ve got a big range – from 8 pounds to 20 pounds, so for me, a 4-tiered cat tree would be the best. That way, they could have room to play, and each kitty would have room to stay and relax.
- If you use two ladders, fasten the two ladders at the top with your hinges.
- With your scrap wood, make levels across the ladder by laying wood across each rung. Secure these in place with screws or nails.
- Take the faux sheepskin rug and cut it to the size of each rung you have.
- Attach with hot glue. Set aside.
- Take your twine and start at the bottom and begin wrapping the sides with twine. Secure with hot glue every few rows up. Your kitties will be using this to scratch, so make sure that you wrap it tights.
- Take your carpet and wrap a piece of wood. You can place this wherever you would like – even the floor would help! I will be attaching it to one side of my structure for my cats to scratch their nails.
- Find a place that your kitties would enjoy frolicking and relaxing at set it there. IMPORTANT: You MUST attach this to the wall. You can use brackets, straps or even long screws. Find a stud on the wall and attach it to that so your kitties cannot knock it over. If they don’t feel that it is secure, they won’t use it!
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