Create Your Own Cat Tree: A Simple, Cost-Effective DIY Guide

How to easily make a cat tree by yourself? Every cat fan knows how many cat trees they need at home. For a cat, it is an item that helps satisfy natural instincts for the caregiver – a way to save furniture from a pet’s nails. However, cat trees are not the cheapest items in a cat leash. How to make a cat tree yourself?

When starting to build a scraper on your own, you should consider your pet’s habits. In order for an accessory to perform its function, it must be designed with the cat’s wishes in mind. Otherwise, it may turn out that despite all our efforts, the pet is still tearing into the corner of the couch.

What should be considered when scratching a cat?

Cats have an instinctive desire to scratch because:

• they abrade dead nail fragments;
• they stretch, exercise the muscles of the paws and ligaments responsible for straightening the nails;
• notes the area of ​​pheromones from the glands between the pads;
• leaves information on other animals in their environment;
• unleashes emotions.

The knowledge provided is important advice in developing a cat scratcher. Should be:

• made of a suitable durable material and at the same time soft enough for the pet to insert its nails;
• high enough (or long enough) for the pet to stretch;
• stable enough not to tip over when the cat’s body is pressed;
• located in a place frequented by a pet.

An attractive place is necessary for a pet to want to use the cat tree built for him. With a favorite armchair, and the ability to choose a wonderful but secluded scraper, the cat will definitely choose to scratch the armchair. A good solution may be to cover the exact area the pet has drawn so far with a scratch column. By the way, this will cover the damaged furniture.

How to make a simple cat tree?

Cats don’t need a designer cat trees covered in colorful fur. Of course, there are no contraindications to make the accessory look beautiful in your apartment. You can invest some time and resources in the production of a cat tree, and it will not be different from those that can be purchased at pet stores. However, a simple scraper that meets the criteria described above is quite sufficient for the animal.

From a single piece of carpet you will make the simplest scratching post. If your pet prefers to scratch horizontal surfaces, it is enough to cover the board at the right height and place it on the floor. For cats whose nails are rubbing upright, hang the board at the appropriate height. You can also glue a thick piece of carpet directly to the wall or side of the cabinet.

The ideal material for a cat tree is jute or sisal twine. Cover the board or plywood with adhesive glue (care must be taken not to be toxic to cats!) And then wrap it tightly with a string, the ends of which are additionally fastened with a stapler. You place the cat tree on the floor or hang it. Similarly, you can make a free-standing accessory – from a wooden column wrapped in string or cardboard tube. Then fasten it to the correct base size with the help of angle bars and screws (ensuring structural stability).

How to make a cat playground?

If you want to give your pet more attractions, you can build a cat tree yourself, which will also be a kind of playground. The structure must then be made on a large, stable base to which you attach not one but several poles wrapped in ropes of different heights. On top of them, you install material-covered platforms on which your pet can rest comfortably. From the high scraper he will gladly observe the environment.

He will also be happy to fall asleep, especially if one of the pillars is with a bearing. It is worth attaching plush mice or balls hanging on a rope to the platforms. You can hang a hammock between the poles.

When creating a cat tree yourself, you also need to pay attention to whether our pet prefers to draw horizontal or vertical surfaces. In the first case, he will definitely not be interested in a wrapped tube – he will still draw the carpet.