How to make a cat tree?
By nature, the cat likes to jump from place to place, hide, play, settle comfortably to sleep, and, of course, scratch.
If you don't have a garden or if you want to give your pet a space of its
own, despite everything, in your house, give it a cat tree! It will cost
you between €35 and €140 depending on the size, complexity, and
materials. Otherwise, you can also make it yourself ...
Characteristics of a cat tree
If you want your cat tree to be welcomed by your cat and useful for him,
a few functions and qualities are essential.
First of all, the height is decisive: the higher it is, the more the cat
will enjoy climbing to the top, the ideal place for an observer.
Generally, the central pole is the main axis, which must be covered with
rope or sisal, ideal materials for the animal to adopt this surface to
scratch rather than your furniture, bottom of doors, or walls!
Then there should be enough hiding places, tunnels, and platforms for the
cat to jump from one to another. The diversity of locations at different
levels is also a point not to be overlooked while ensuring the good
stability of the structure as a whole.
Finally, you will have to encourage your cat to play by filling the tree
with a few small toys such as bouncing balls, squeaking fake mice, bell
accessories, stuffed animals stuffed with catnip that will arouse its
sense of smell...
Finally, the cat tree must fit well into your interior: opt for a design
that matches your furniture and your style. Choose soft and thick fabrics,
imitation fur, in colors that match your interior. Do the same for the
sisal color. Do not forget that the cat tree will occupy a certain space
in your living room: it would be a shame if it made a stain.
To have a cat tree perfectly adapted to your decoration and the design of
your interior, do it yourself!
Stages of making a cat tree
Start by drawing the plan of your cat tree by first imagining the basic
structure which will be placed on the ground and which will have to ensure
the stability of the whole. Define its dimensions, they will condition the
size of the rest. If you have the space, a baseboard of 120 x 50 cm seems
to be well suited.
Try as much as possible to use recycled boards and materials. An old
discarded shelf will be perfect. You can use another shelving board of the
same size that you will partially carve to leave a slope for your cat to
climb when it climbs.
At each level of the shelf, you can create hiding places and platforms
according to your inspiration with the imperative that they are adapted to
the size of your tomcat, including for their access. Moreover, rounded
openings will be visually happier. Wooden wine boxes will make unusual
hiding places for your little feline and pieces of rigid PVC pipes with a
minimum diameter of 15 cm will make playful tunnels! Also, remember to
install a perch at the very top by cutting support from a wooden board 20
to 25 cm in diameter or side depending on whether you make it round or
square. Consider the size of your cat! Fix this support on a cleat by
screwing it in the center.
If you can, raise the cat tree up to 2m. Secure the shelves securely with
vertical tubes at each corner. To do this, recover shelf uprights, use old
table legs or PVC tubes. You will cover these uprights with tightly
wrapped sisal. You will line the platforms and shelves with scraps of
carpet or fabric firmly glued and stapled: faux fur, jeans, deckchair
fabric... Some can be padded by putting padding under the fabric. This is
also where the design comes in because you can choose the colors of all
these coverings so that they match your decor.
Decorate with a few small toys, a hammock, and your cat will thank
you!
Tags:
Raising of Cats