If you’re looking to create a safe haven for your pet to scratch, sleep and play, a cat tree provides the ideal solution. It’s perfectly possible to build your own cat tree using some simple-to-source materials and tools, which can save you money whilst providing a custom design to suit both your pet and your space.

Whether your cat is a climber and will appreciate a multi-level structure, or if they’re shy and want a choice of hideaways whilst enjoying a height advantage, custom-made cat trees can appeal to your pet’s natural instinct to climb, cosy-up or explore, as well as providing a fun and rewarding project for owners. This article helps guide you through unleashing your creative freedom by making your own homemade cat tree, with top tips on how to make a cat tree for indoor use, or to craft a DIY outdoor cat tree if you’re short of space in the home.

Why Would You Build A Cat Tree?

A cat’s natural instinct involves climbing and scratching, and many cats enjoy being above the ground to give them a natural vantage point to stalk prey or keep away from predators. Professionally made cat trees can be expensive and bulky to store and transport, which is why some owners prefer to make their own. The benefits of a homemade cat tree for indoors, or a DIY outdoor cat tree, include:

  • Making your own cat tree can be cheaper than buying a pre-built one.
  • Testing out what your cat likes and doesn’t like before you buy or extend a tower.
  • Customising your own design based on your cat’s preference.
  • Controlling the size, shape and position of the structure.
  • Selecting your own durable materials as well as colours and finishes.
  • Taking on an enjoyable challenge to benefit your pet whilst honing your skills.

If you want to build your own cat tree, you can tailor your design exactly to your cat’s preferences, to help create a happy and stimulating environment for them to enjoy. By adding different levels and perches, as well as dedicated scratching posts, you can protect your carpets and furniture whilst busting their boredom, playing cat games and keeping them active.

What Materials You’ll Need

If you’re wondering how to make a cat tree at home, you’ll need some key materials:

  1. Posts made from wood, plastic pipes or strong cardboard - will form the structure of the tree. For outdoor cat towers, opt for waterproof plastic.
  2. Wooden boards for platforms - ideally these should be lightweight yet large enough for a cat to sit on, with a heavier, more sturdy board for a base.
  3. Sisal rope for scratching posts - this provides a safe and satisfying surface for scratching.
  4. Non-toxic glue - pet-safe wood glue or other non-toxic strong glue for fixing.
  5. Fabric or carpet cut-offs - these cushion the platforms for comfort and provide another safe scratching area (only for indoor cat trees - outdoor cat trees should be left uncovered or use waterproof canvas to prevent mould).
  6. Screws, brackets, nails, sandpaper, saw, drill and screwdriver - for building the tree and holding everything in place. If using a saw and/or drill, you’ll need PPE, including safety goggles, mask, gloves, clamps and a cutting board or workbench.
  7. Other accessories - you can add additional enrichment such as baskets, fabric hideaways and cat toys.

If you’re looking to cut costs, you may be able to find these items at charity shops, on second-hand selling sites, or by requesting free offcuts from hardware shops. When building an outdoor cat tree, the structure is built in a similar way but you’ll potentially have more freedom with its size and finish. Outdoor trees may need regular maintenance, and it’s recommended to keep these under a covered area, if possible, to avoid weather damage.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Build A Cat Tree

It’s relatively straightforward to build your own cat tree using a few key tools and materials. Here’s our simple step-by-step guide to making your own cat tower fit for a fur queen (or king):

  1. Source cat-safe materials. Wood should not be treated with fungicide or wood preservatives, such as creosote, which is poisonous to cats. It’s best to stick to natural materials.
  2. Get your tools ready: If you don’t already own these you could borrow them ahead of the build.
  3. Plan your design. Look for inspiration online or work out what you can create using the materials you have. It should have plenty of places for your cat to climb onto, without being too wide or unbalanced.
  4. Cut the wood: Cut out the shape and size you need for the base, wooden supports and platforms, if you’re not using pre-cut wood.
  5. Build the structure: Assemble a sturdy base for the foundation and start adding the posts, which should be securely fitted vertically.
  6. Add platforms and perches: Attach the platforms at varying heights to add interest. These can be secured using screws and brackets.
  7. Cover platforms with fabric: If making an indoor cat tree, cover the perches and platforms with carpet or other textiles, secured with non-toxic glue, for a soft surface to sit on.
  8. Wrap the posts with sisal rope: Secure the rope tightly around the supports, to create a stylish finish whilst providing a safe scratching post.
  9. Add finishing touches: You could attach cat toys, baskets or even cat treat dispensers to personalise it.
  10. Make sure the tree is secure: You may need to attach the cat tree to the ceiling, a fence outdoors, or a wall to ensure stability and safety for your pet.

Cat standing in a cat tree looking up

Safety Tips When Building A Homemade Cat Tree

Crafting your own DIY cat tree can present a few safety challenges. It’s essential to keep your pet away from the activity, as sharp objects, glue and sawdust can be lethal to cats. Here are some tips for avoiding injuries for you, as well as your pet when they play:

  • Use the correct, well-fitting PPE for the task and tools used.
  • Keep pets away from any DIY activity.
  • Use only pet-safe products and adhesives.
  • Smooth down any rough surfaces.
  • Check for loose parts and secure them.
  • Make sure the base is stable.
  • Regularly check the structure for stability and safety (particularly if you have a larger tower or DIY outdoor cat tree).
  • If adding toys make sure they’re pet-safe and only on short strings.

Personalise It

The great thing about a homemade cat tree is that you can build it to fit your space, and you may even want to colour-coordinate it to match your décor. You can select themed fabric covers in your favourite prints, and let your imagination run wild with design ideas and finishing touches. Why not tie cat-friendly toys on strings to encourage active play and games, or experiment with pet-safe paint and markers to draw and personalise their new frame? If you do add hanging toys, always make sure the strings are short to avoid the risk of strangulation.

Cats who love to scratch may enjoy a variety of covers on different posts, and you could even use materials such as artificial grass, natural hessian, or coconut fabric to stimulate their natural instincts whilst layering colours and textures to enhance aesthetics.

Enjoy It Together With Your Cat

Making your own cat tree can help to build your bond, encourage safe inside exercise – particularly for indoor cats and kittens – and enjoy some fun playtime activities together. You may also wish to try your cat first to see if they like it before purchasing a larger pre-built tower, so by making your own you can save money and build their confidence at the same time. Purr-fect!

Bear in mind that, after all your hard work, some cats may be frightened of this tall thing which has suddenly invaded their safe space. This is normal, and by using some gentle encouragement you can help them get used to their new toy and start exploring it. Our top tips for how to make a cat tree which your pet will use include keeping your cat out of sight and earshot during the build, to avoid startling them with loud noises, introducing them slowly to their new play frame, and using fabric which already has their scent on to cover platforms and perches. By allowing your cat to sleep on the carpet or fabric covers beforehand, to mark it with their scent, this can help to reassure them. 

Don’t forget, this is meant to be fun for your fur baby, so go with the flow and let them enjoy it in their own time. Make it fun with toys and games, and don’t forget to reward them with their favourite DREAMIES™ cat treats when they finally give it a go - cats can’t resist!

FAQ - DIY Cat Tree

Is it cheaper to make your own cat tree?

It’s usually much cheaper to build your own cat tree, and you can customise it to your cat’s personal preferences, room size and your home’s colour scheme. A DIY cat tree is straightforward to make, following these simple steps, and can be crafted using reclaimed materials to keep costs down.

What can I use instead of a cat tree?

If you’re not sure how to make a cat tree, an alternative can be fixing a series of shelves to the wall, installing window perches, hanging cat beds and using separate scratching posts. You could even convert an old unit for cats to climb, relax and play on.

What is the best material for a cat tree?

It’s always better to use lightweight natural materials for indoor cat trees, such as plywood or cedar, and natural sisal rope for scratching. Cats also love carpets and faux fur. For a DIY outdoor cat tree, it’s better to use plastic for the structure, and waterproof canvas, to prevent warping. Avoid any wood which has been treated with preservatives or fungicides.