DIY Cat Trees and Scratching Posts
Do you have creative tendencies, and have the urge to build your own cat trees or scratching posts for your cats? Follow the instructions in these articles, then let your own creativity take the lead. Your cats will love their new trees, and you'll have a solid feeling of accomplishment.
Horizontal Scratching Pad
My own instructions for building an inclined scratching pad (similar to the Alpine Scratcher, only made of wood and sisal instead of cardboard).
My own instructions for building an inclined scratching pad (similar to the Alpine Scratcher, only made of wood and sisal instead of cardboard).
Build a Cat Tree
Try this 5-level cat tree with instructions adapted from a 1994 issue of PEta's Animal Times. This one is ambitious, but the results should be worth the time, and your cats will appreciate the lounging pads.
Try this 5-level cat tree with instructions adapted from a 1994 issue of PEta's Animal Times. This one is ambitious, but the results should be worth the time, and your cats will appreciate the lounging pads.
Build a Scratching Post
Basic instructions and material list for a two-level scratching post. Unfortunately, the photos were broken when I visited, but there is a good graphic illustration for a visual clue of the finished product.
Basic instructions and material list for a two-level scratching post. Unfortunately, the photos were broken when I visited, but there is a good graphic illustration for a visual clue of the finished product.
Build Your Own Cat Tree
Excellent, illustrated instructions by Judy DePasse, DePurrs Persians, for creating a multi-tiered, carpeted tree, at a fraction of the cost of a "store-bought" version.
Excellent, illustrated instructions by Judy DePasse, DePurrs Persians, for creating a multi-tiered, carpeted tree, at a fraction of the cost of a "store-bought" version.
Cat Tree Forest
Nice photos and a drawing will help the experienced carpenter build this tree, which includes a curved shelf at the top, and a circular platform on another level, however instructions are lacking for the beginner.
Nice photos and a drawing will help the experienced carpenter build this tree, which includes a curved shelf at the top, and a circular platform on another level, however instructions are lacking for the beginner.
Do It Yourself Tips and Clues
Smith Industries, which sells its own rustic cat furniture made of real trees, generously shares hints and tips for building your own cat trees. It's like bringing the outdoors inside for your lucky cats.
Smith Industries, which sells its own rustic cat furniture made of real trees, generously shares hints and tips for building your own cat trees. It's like bringing the outdoors inside for your lucky cats.
Do-It-Yourself Cat Tree
The venerable Amby offers another take on the PEta instructions for a 3-tiered cat tree, offering suggestions for modifications and improvements.
The venerable Amby offers another take on the PEta instructions for a 3-tiered cat tree, offering suggestions for modifications and improvements.
How to Build a Scratching Post
Clear instructions from Cats International for building a simple scratching post wrapped with sisal (a scratching material favored by many cats).
Clear instructions from Cats International for building a simple scratching post wrapped with sisal (a scratching material favored by many cats).