DIY cat climbing tree
Struggling to find a cat climbing tree that matches your home’s decor? Craft your own using a dry tree trunk and rope.
Cat climbing tree—materials needed:
- a felled tree trunk
- ropes of various thicknesses
- heavy-duty staples
- cable staples
- screws
- pipe cleaners or other decorative hangings
Aspen, which has a tight bark, is ideal for a cat climbing tree. Consider the tree’s size and shape before heading out to the forest. Remember, you always need the landowner’s permission to fell a tree. You can also attach shelves to the wall next to the climbing tree for additional lounging space for your cats.
Cat climbing tree—step-by-step guide:
1. Remove the branches and saw the tree to the desired size in the forest. Let the trunk dry for a week. Then clean it using a wire brush and mild detergent to remove any loose material. Repeat the cleaning after another week to ensure it’s clean enough to bring indoors.
2. Secure the tree firmly to the floor at the base and to the ceiling at the top, using angle brackets and long screws. You might need to mount the tree to the wall as well.
3. Create a scratching post at the base of the trunk by tightly wrapping thin sisal rope (8 mm in diameter) around the tree. Use staples to securely fasten the rope ends to the trunk.
4. A thick rope can help cats to climb on a tree with few branches. Secure the rope to the trunk at both ends with cable staples.
5. Hang pipe cleaners or other dangling decorations from the rope to attract your cats.
