If you’re a cat owner, you know cats love climbing. They can’t help themselves! A cat tree is a perfect solution to keep your feline friend happy and occupied. And what’s even better than a store-bought cat tree? A DIY cat tree, of course!
So, what are some of the free DIY cat tree plans? The most obvious free DIY cat tree plan is a classic one that uses a real tree. This is an excellent option if you have a sturdy tree in your yard that you don’t mind your cat climbing on. Another brilliant choice for a DIY cat tree is repurposing some old furniture. An old bookshelf or end table can easily be turned into a cat tree with little effort.
This blog post discusses the top five free DIY cat tree plans. Read on to find out everything you need to know.
Why Do Cats Love to Climb?
Before we dive deep into the different free plans for cat trees, let’s take a moment to understand why cats love to climb.
You probably know that cats are natural predators. They use their agility and climbing ability in the wild to stalk and capture prey. While your pet cat may not be hunting for dinner, they still have those instincts.
When they see a bird or squirrel outside, their predatory instinct kicks in, and they want to chase. Of course, the cat won’t catch the animal, but climbing up high gives them a sense of satisfaction.
In addition to their predatory instincts, cats love to climb because it gives them a great view of their surroundings. They can see everything going on and feel like they’re in control. When up there, they can also keep an eye on you and ensure you’re doing what you’re supposed to be!
Finally, some cats enjoy the physical challenge of climbing. They love to stretch their muscles and test their limits. A cat tree is a perfect way to let them do this in a safe and controlled environment.
Free DIY Cat Tree Plans for You
Now that we understand why cats love to climb, let’s look at some free DIY plans you can use to make yours.
1. The Basic Cat Tree
This first plan is for a basic cat tree that can please any climbing kitty. It stands about four feet tall and features two platforms, a sisal rope for scratching, and a soft, plush cushion for napping. Best of all, it can be built in just a few hours with minimal tools and materials.
Here are the materials you will need to build a basic cat tree: two pieces of plywood, each measuring 24″ x 36″; one piece of carpeting measuring 24″ x 36″; one piece of Sisal rope measuring 4′ long; one-inch-thick foam measuring 24″ x 36″; one yard of fabric (optional); stapler; construction adhesive; and scissors.
To build the cat tree, start by cutting the plywood into four pieces, each measuring 24″ x 18″. Next, position two pieces upright on a flat surface so they are 18″ tall. Spread construction adhesive on one side of each piece and attach them to form a “T” shape.
Next, take the other two pieces of plywood and position them upright on a flat surface, so they are also 18″ tall. Spread construction adhesive on one side of each piece and attach them to the top of the “T” shape you just created. These will be the platforms that your cat will be climbing on.
Now it’s time to add the carpeting. Spread construction adhesive on one side of each piece of plywood and attach the carpeting. Trim off any excess with a sharp knife or scissors.
Add the sisal rope by wrapping one end around the cat tree’s base. Staple it in place, continue wrapping it around, and work your way up the tree. When you reach the top, trim off any excess and staple the end.
Finally, add a cushion to each platform. You can make a DIY cushion out of foam and fabric or use store-bought cushions. If you make your own, trace the platform onto the foam, cut it out, and cover it with fabric. Staple or glue the fabric in place and add the cushion to the platform.
2. The Classic Cat Tree Plan
One of the most popular and classic ways of making a cat tree is to use a real tree. This is an excellent option if you have a sturdy tree in your yard. Be sure to choose a strong tree to support your cat’s weight.
To make this cat tree, you will need a real tree, a saw, rope or twine, and optional cat toys.
Carefully cut the tree trunk into three equal pieces. These will be the three primary levels of your cat tree. Use a rope or twine to secure the three levels of the tree together. Ensure the rope is tight enough that your cat can’t push the levels apart.
If you have a de-clawed cat, you may want to use screws instead of a rope or twine to secure the levels together.
You can now decorate your tree with some cat toys or scratching posts. Be creative and have fun with it!
3. The Cat House Cat Tree
The cat house plan doubles as a cat house since it has an enclosed space for your cat to sleep. It has three platforms, a sisal rope, and a soft cushion. This is an excellent option if you want to give your cat its own little space to sleep or hide away.
To make this type of cat tree, you will need two sheets of plywood, one piece of carpeting, one piece of sisal rope, one-inch-thick foam, one yard of fabric (optional), a stapler, construction adhesive, and scissors.
Cut the plywood into four pieces, each measuring 24″ x 18″. Spread construction adhesive on one side of two pieces and attach them to form a rectangle. This will be the base of your cat tree.
Next, take the other two pieces of plywood and spread construction adhesive on one side of each piece. Attach them to the top of the rectangle you just created. These will be the platforms for your cat to climb.
Now it’s time to add the carpeting. Spread construction adhesive on one side of the piece of plywood and attach the carpeting.
Trim off any excess with a sharp knife or scissors. To make the enclosed space, spread construction adhesive on one side of two pieces of plywood and attach them to form a rectangle. This will be the back of the cat house.
Spread construction adhesive on one of the long sides of the rectangle and attach it to the top platform of your cat tree.
4. The Old Furniture Cat Tree Plan
If you have some old furniture that is not in use, you can quickly turn it into a cat tree. An old bookshelf or end table can easily be turned into a cat tree.
To make this type of cat tree, you will need some old furniture, a saw, screws, rope or twine, and cat toys, but these are optional.
First, use the saw to cut the furniture into three equal pieces. These will be the three primary levels of your cat tree.
Next, use the screws to secure the three levels together. Ensure the screws are fastened tightly so your cat can’t push the levels apart.
If you have a de-clawed cat, consider using rope or twine instead of screws to secure the levels together.
Finally, you can decorate your cat tree with cat-friendly toys or scratching posts. Just be creative and have fun with it!
Crucial Tips for Making a DIY Cat Tree
Here are some tips for making your cat tree:
1. Choose sturdy materials
Your cat tree must support your cat’s weight, so it’s essential to choose strong and durable materials. Good options include wood, plywood, and carpet. Avoid flimsy materials like cardboard, which could collapse under your cat’s weight.
2. Ensure the base is stable
The base of your cat tree should be broad and heavy enough to prevent tipping. If you’re using a lightweight material like cardboard, reinforce the base with additional supports.
3. Cover all the surfaces with carpet
The carpet will provide a good surface for your cat to scratch and climb on. Covering any exposed nails or sharp edges with carpet is also essential to prevent injury. You can find a rug at most home improvement stores.
4. Add some fun features
Make your cat tree more fun and inviting by adding features like ramps, tunnels, perches, and toy hangers. Be creative, and let your imagination run wild!
Conclusion
Creating your DIY cat tree is a great way to save money while giving your cat a fun place to play. We hope these plans have inspired you to create your cat tree. Follow the tips in the last section to ensure a safe and fun experience for you and your cat. Thanks for reading!
Last update on 2023-07-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
