If you’re looking to create a fun and functional space for your cat, this DIY 5’6” tall cat tower is the perfect project. Designed with three distinct levels, it provides your cat with plenty of opportunities to lounge, play, and observe their surroundings.
This guide will walk you through the entire process, from gathering supplies to assembling the final structure, ensuring a sturdy and attractive cat tower that your feline friend will love.
Why This Plan Works
- Spacious and Functional: With three different levels, your cat will have multiple areas to relax and explore.
- Customizable: You can tweak the dimensions, materials, and design to fit your space and style.
- Budget-Friendly: Building your own cat tower is significantly cheaper than purchasing a pre-made one of similar size and quality.
- Durable and Sturdy: Constructed using plywood, 2x4s, and carpet, this tower is built to last.
- Encourages Activity: The inclusion of a rope-wrapped scratching post helps satisfy your cat’s scratching instincts while keeping your furniture safe.
What You Will Need
- Wood Supplies:
- One 12-ft 2×4
- Four 11.5” x 16.5” x 0.5” plywood pieces
- Two 11.5” x 11.5” x 0.5” plywood pieces
- Two 22” x 22” x 0.5” plywood pieces
- One 15” diameter plywood circle
- Covering and Adhesives:
- 60 sq ft of carpet
- Wood glue
- Spray glue
- Rope
- Tools:
- Nail gun
- Staple gun
- Drill
- Table saw
- Jigsaw
- Miter saw
- Orbital sander
How to Make
Step 1: Planning Your Design
Before beginning, sketch out a rough design of how you want the cat tower to look. This will help guide your cuts and assembly. If you prefer, you can use software or a ruler and paper to create a precise layout.
Step 2: Cutting the Wood
Using a miter saw, cut all supports from the 12-ft 2×4. Next, using a table saw or jigsaw, cut all the plywood pieces according to the required dimensions. Marking the cuts with a pencil on the plywood will help maintain accuracy.
Step 3: Creating the Circular Platform
- Draw a 15-inch circle on a slightly larger plywood square.
- Use a jigsaw to cut out the rough circular shape.
- Drill a hole in the center of the circle and attach it loosely to a spare piece of wood to act as a guide.
- Using an orbital sander, smooth the edges while spinning the circle gently against it.
Step 4: Constructing the Enclosed Box
- Use the 11.5” x 11.5” and 11.5” x 16” plywood pieces to form a box.
- Cut an entrance hole in one of the 11.5” x 16” pieces to create an entry point for your cat.
- Assemble the box using wood glue and a nail gun.
Step 5: Cutting and Preparing the Carpet
- Measure and cut the carpet to fit all major parts of the tower.
- Leave an extra inch of carpet on each side to ensure complete coverage.
- For the 2×4 supports, cut carpet strips that will wrap around them entirely.
Step 6: Attaching the Carpet
- Secure the carpet onto the plywood using spray glue in the center and a nail gun around the edges.
- For the box interior, apply spray glue to the walls, carefully position the carpet, and use staples to secure it.
- Wrap the carpet around the 2×4 supports, stapling at the meeting points.
Step 7: Assembling the Tower
- Trim carpet in areas where major pieces will connect.
- Attach the box to the shortest 2×4 support using screws and wood glue.
- Attach the two taller supports to the sides of the box.
- Secure the middle resting platform to the middle support and connect it to the tallest support.
- Attach the circular top platform to the tallest support.
- Place the entire structure on the base and secure it with screws.
- Wrap the shortest support with rope, stapling it in place to create a scratching post.
Note: Ensure all pieces are tightly secured before allowing your cat to use the tower.
Other Details Display
- Carpet Coverage: Ensure the carpet is properly secured on all platforms and inside the enclosed box.
- Scratch Post Rope: Wrap the rope tightly around the shortest support and staple at intervals.
- Assembly Tip: Pre-drill screw holes to prevent wood splitting.
- Stability Check: Test each connection for strength before use.
Summary
Building a DIY 5’6” cat tower is a rewarding project that offers your cat a personalized play area while saving you money. This sturdy, multi-level structure provides plenty of lounging spots, a scratching post, and durable carpeting to withstand daily use. With careful planning and precise execution, you’ll create a fantastic space for your feline friend to enjoy for years to come.
This plan is a contribution by [LeviDaFox]. Project Via Instructables – Get the PDF Instructions here.