Having a cat or even more than one cat as a pet can be a fun way to bring some joy and energy in to your home, though you should build your own cat tree to keep your felines happy and content. Cats like to explore, climb, perch and nap; throughout each and every day. Though you can find commercially available cat trees for sale, if you take the time and have the initiative, you can build your own cat tree that will be exactly what you need and want.
Build Your Own Cat Tree
If you want to build your own cat tree, start by sketching out your idea on paper so you have a rough concept of how you want the final tree to look. This will help you as you gather materials for the tree and then assist you when the time comes to build the tree. Make sure to note measurements on your drawing, so you can know the lengths and sizes of materials you will need when you go to buy the supplies to build your own cat tree.
The first step when you want to build your own cat tree is to determine the size you have available to place the cat tree. You most likely should opt to place the cat climbing tree near a window, sliding glass door or other area that allows the cat or cats to see outside. Cats enjoy watching birds and small outdoor animals through windows, which means that making sure the cat tree is in the right location will keep your cats happy and entertained as they perch on the cat tree. You can to build your own cat tree in a size that fits in the space you have available so the tree can remain in the same spot at all times, again because cats prefer consistency.
You need to gather the right supplies and materials to build your own cat tree and you will need to go to a hardware store for most items to get started. Two by four pieces of lumber and pieces of wood are the basis for the design. You need to make a sturdy base and then attach the two by four pieces of lumber to build the columns of the tree. You can cut the lumber to shorter lengths and add flat pieces of wood to make shelves and create a multiple level cat tree which then allows your cat to pick and choose where they want to lay down and relax. The lumber and wood is secured by using nails, though you need to make sure they are pounded in the whole way to no nail heads stick out which can injure your cat.
Once you have completed the base structure, you can continue to build your own cat tree by putting the finishing touches on the tree itself. You will want to glue a low pile type of carpet all over the wood, making sure cover every inch of wood. This is done so that the cat has a soft place to lay and the cat can also use the tree as a scratching post for sharpening claws. To build your cat tree which is affordable, opt to go to a carpet store and purchase pieces of remnant carpeting which is sold at a discounted price. Use a multiple purpose glue to attach the carpet to the cat tree and allow the entire thing to dry for at least one to two days to make sure everything stays in place.
You can add a few extra special touches to your cat tree, and this is the stage when you build your own cat tree that you can use some of your cats favorite toys or types of toys to make the tree more unique and personal. You can attach feathers, balls, bells or even small stuffed animals to various corners of the tree by using string so that the toys hang down and the cat can bat around the toys as they wish. This makes the cat tree a multiple purpose toy for your cat. You cat can sleep on a high perch of the tree for resting, they can sit on a lower perch and bat at toys or they can sharpen their claws by stretching up and running their claws along the carpeted surface.
Once you have completed your project, you will be happy that you cat has a place to hang out, play, relax and simply pass the time. If you have the tree in a living room or even in your bedroom; you will come to find that your cat tends to spend a lot of time in and around the tree as it is a place they can call their own. You can even lay a small blanket on one of the ledges if your cat enjoys napping on top of a blanket. The benefit of having such a tree is that your cat will be able to use it for both rest and exercise. Having a happy cat is a one of the pleasures you will experience by providing your cat with the right toys, sleeping areas and fun things to keep them healthy and well adjusted.
Build Your Own Cat Tree – The Conclusion
You may need to help introduce your cat to the tree by placing them on one of the ledges or bat the toys around on your own to get their attention at first. However, once you cat starts exploring the tree they will come to realize the perch and toy is something that they can use and is all their own. Cats are natural explorers and thus the cat will eventually sniff the tree and climb to the top to see what the tree actually is. One trick to get your cat interested is to rub cat nip along the carpet to help make the scent more attractive to your cat. This is why when you build your own cat tree you can make sure the one you have is one that is suitable for your cat as you know the personality of the animal and what they would enjoy most.
