How To Build Your Own Cat Tree In 3 Easy Steps

A cat tree is not a luxury. For indoor cats, it’s part of a healthy environment. Climbing, scratching, observing, and resting up high all support natural feline behavior. Whether you share your home with one cat or several, having vertical space matters.

That said, buying multiple cat trees can get expensive quickly. Many low-cost options cut corners on stability or materials, and not every home or cat fits a one-size-fits-all design. Space limitations, large cats, senior cats, or specific layouts often call for something more thoughtful.

That’s where building your own cat tree can make sense.

DIY does not mean rushed, unsafe, or improvised. When done properly, a homemade cat tree can be sturdy, long-lasting, and tailored to your cat and your space. The key is planning, using the right materials, and building with safety in mind from the start.

This guide walks you through the three core steps behind building a quality DIY cat tree. It is designed to help you understand the process, avoid common mistakes, and decide whether a DIY build is right for you.

A Quick Note On Safety And Responsibility

Building a cat tree involves tools, materials, and structural decisions that affect both human and animal safety. Always follow manufacturer instructions for tools and hardware. Use appropriate protective equipment, work carefully, and never rush structural steps.

Cat Climbing Structures provides educational guidance only. You are responsible for ensuring your build is safe, stable, and appropriate for your cat and home. If at any point you are unsure, a professional carpenter or contractor can build a plan for you.

With that foundation in place, let’s walk through the process.

Step 1: Design Your Cat Tree With Purpose

Before you buy a single piece of wood or cut anything to size, you need a clear plan. Design is not about making something fancy. It’s about making something safe, stable, and usable for your cat.

A design plan helps you:

• Visualize the final structure
• Determine materials and measurements
• Anticipate stability and load requirements
• Avoid costly mistakes mid-build

You can sketch your design on paper or work from a professionally developed plan. What matters most is that every component has a purpose and fits together logically.

Key Factors To Consider During Design

Your Available Space
Measure the area where the cat tree will live. Ceiling height, wall clearance, and floor space all matter. A tall tree needs a wider or heavier base than a shorter one. Tight spaces may require vertical designs or wall-adjacent builds.

Your Cat’s Size, Age, And Behavior
A lightweight kitten and a 20-pound adult cat place very different demands on a structure. Jump distance, platform size, and overall strength should reflect your cat’s body and habits. Climbers benefit from vertical layouts. Cats who prefer lounging may need wider, lower platforms.

Stability Requirements
Height and stability go hand in hand. The taller the structure, the more attention must be paid to base size, material thickness, and anchoring options. This is not an area to guess or improvise.

Your Skill Level
Simple builds are often the safest place to start. A clean, sturdy design executed well is always better than a complicated structure built beyond your comfort level.

Using Reliable Plans
Many free plans online are incomplete, poorly explained, or ignore weight and safety considerations. A good plan clearly outlines measurements, materials, and assembly order so nothing is left to chance.

Design is where quality begins. Everything else depends on it.

Step 2: Choose Materials That Support Strength And Safety

Once your design is clear, material selection becomes straightforward. Every material should serve a structural or functional purpose.

Common Materials Used In DIY Cat Trees

Wood For Structure
Plywood is commonly used for platforms, while solid lumber is better for vertical supports. Thickness matters. Thicker materials reduce flexing and improve long-term stability, especially for heavier cats.

Coverings And Scratching Surfaces
Carpet, upholstery fabric, or tightly wrapped sisal rope are commonly used. These provide traction and scratching outlets while covering screws and hardware. Materials should be durable and securely attached.

Fasteners And Adhesives
Wood screws provide the strongest connections. Wood glue can add strength when used correctly but should never replace proper fastening. All hardware should be appropriate for load-bearing use.

Tools You May Need

Depending on your plan, tools may include:

• Drill and drill bits
• Wood screws
• Measuring tape and level
• Saw suitable for your materials
• Sandpaper or sander
• Staple gun for coverings

Always follow your plan’s material and tool list closely. Substitutions should only be made when you understand how they affect strength and stability.

Creativity is welcome. Cutting corners is not.

Step 3: Assemble With Stability As The Priority

Assembly is where your planning pays off. Take your time and follow the build order exactly as outlined in your design.

Prepare All Materials First

Cut all wood pieces to size before assembly. Sand edges to remove splinters and rough areas. Dry-fit components if possible to confirm alignment before fastening anything permanently.

Build A Strong Base

The base is the foundation of the entire structure. It should be wider than the tallest point of the tree and heavy enough to resist tipping. Taller builds require proportionally larger or reinforced bases.

Layered plywood bases or thick solid wood bases are common solutions. Never underestimate this step.

Cover The Base Before Uprights

Covering the base with carpet or fabric before attaching vertical supports makes installation cleaner and more secure. Wrap edges neatly and staple firmly underneath so no loose edges remain.

Install Vertical Supports Securely

Vertical posts carry most of the load. They must be attached using strong fasteners driven into solid material. Posts should sit flush and square. Wrapping posts with sisal rope or carpet adds function but should never interfere with the structural connection.

Attach Platforms And Perches

Platforms should be level, securely fastened, and appropriately spaced for your cat’s jumping ability. Cover platforms after attachment to hide hardware and improve traction.

Inspect And Test

Before allowing your cat to use the structure, test it yourself. Apply pressure from different angles. Look for wobble, flexing, or loose components. Tighten or reinforce as needed.

Stability is not optional. It is the standard.

What Comes Next

Now you understand the process behind building a DIY cat tree. The next step is deciding how far you want to take it.

Some readers are comfortable designing and building on their own. Others prefer clear, step-by-step plans with exact measurements, material lists, and safety considerations already worked out.

As Cat Climbing Structures continues to expand its DIY resources, you’ll find:

• Beginner-friendly build plans
• Designs for different spaces and cat sizes
• Safety-focused guides and checklists
• Maintenance and inspection resources

If you’re ready to move from concept to construction, professionally developed DIY cat tree plans can save time and reduce uncertainty.

If you’re still learning, explore our educational guides to build confidence before you begin.

Either way, building vertical space for your cat is an investment in their comfort, health, and happiness. When done thoughtfully, DIY can be both rewarding and safe.

If you have questions or want to share your experience, feel free to join the conversation in the comments.