7 DIY Cat Tree Plans You Can Build Today

Cat trees from retail stores are an investment, but you can make your cat tree at home with a bit of elbow grease. DIY-ed cat trees can be made to your specific specifications and your cat’s preferences, but the internet is there to help too!

Look at these 7 DIY cat tree plans you can build today. Do any of these plans strike your fancy?

The Tree Branches

Spice up your cat tree by adding real tree branches.

You can use an old tree you’ve just cut down to make a unique cat tree. Check out this picture for some inspiration. 

For this tree, you will need the following:

• A wood base
• Wooden planks for different levels
• Sturdy solid tree branches (the thicker, the better)
• Fake leaves for the theme

All you need to do is drill the branches into the wooden base. Add wooden plants onto the tops of the tree branches to make different levels your cat can jump onto.

For as easy as this plan is, keep these things in mind:

• Your cat will scratch the bark. It may cause more clean-up.
• Do not use rotted branches. The branches may need to be sturdy. The screws may not hold as well, either.
• If the wood does not have bark, make sure it is smooth to avoid splinters.

The Tower

Make a tower cat tree for the cats that like to climb!

A cat tree tower will be less visually attractive than other cat trees, but if your furry friend is more monkey than a cat, it’ll be the perfect cat tree plan.

All you need to do for this cat tree is built it upward. I see cat tree towers as tall as 6 or 7 feet tall. 

This cat tree can be as simple as four wooden planks screwed together to create a long, rectangular box. Cut some holes and decks for your cat to climb up, then cover the whole thing in the carpet. 

Consider securing this cat tree to the wall to ensure it does not fall over. It will be tall and thin, and if your cat is swinging from it, it may be prone to following over! 

The Basket Or Hammock Tower

Add baskets or hammocks to any cat tower design for someone cozy for your cat to sleep. 

A basket is a simple way to add a nice place for your cat to sleep in an elevated way.

To add a basket to your tower, you will need to:

1. Find a basket that your cat will snuggly fit into. Make sure it is strong enough to hold your cat with no support beneath it.
2. Securely attach the basket to your cat tree. Do not tie or hang the basket. Use multiple methods to keep it secure.
3. Add a pillow or blanket.

If a hammock is more your speed, you can:

1. Purchase a pre-made hammock with straps.
2. Secure the hammock to the level you want it at. Use a drill to screw the hammock straps to the poles of the cat tower.
3. Confirm that it is secure before letting your cat in the hammock
4. Keep an eye on the hammock’s straps to ensure they do not fray or rip over time. 

The One Level

Your cat tree can be a simple one-level tree like this one.

Any Google search will yield hundreds of cat tree plans with multiple levels, textures, and activities.

For the average person with simple skills and a limited budget, a tree like that might be impossible to make! 

You can make a simple one-level cat tree that does the same thing as many of those fancy cat trees. This is a good choice if you have limited skill, time, or money or want your cat to have an elevated space to rest.

For a one-level cat tree, you’ll need the following:

• A sturdy piece of wood for the base
• A second piece of wood for the first level
• A pole or piece of wood for the pillar
• Felt, carpet, or rope for the pillar

Put it all together, and you have a simple cat tree! Your cat will be none the wiser about how much time, energy, or money you put into their new toy. 

The Gym

Try your hand at making two smaller cat trees to create a gym-like atmosphere for your cat.

Some cats like to act like mini gymnasts, so two smaller cat trees connected by a long plank may be the perfect way to let your cat show off his skills. 

The two cat trees on each side can be nothing fantastic or unique because the show’s star will be the balance beam connecting the two trees.

You can make the plank as long or as short as you want, but I suggest a length of 2 to 4 feet. You do not want to make it so long that your cat is too scared to pass between the two cat trees. 

I recommend that the beam is thick so your cat can safely walk. 

The Cardboard House

For those of us who need to be handier with a saw and drills, you can also create a cardboard cat tree. 

Cardboard cat trees won’t be anything to write home about, but they’ll get the job done as far as your cat is concerned.

For a low-stakes cardboard house, you will need the following:

• Lots of sturdy cardboard
• Duct tape or packing tape
• Measuring tape for measuring
• Imagination

You can’t build a cardboard cat house that tall, but you can certainly build outward.

There are tons of different shapes you can make, so get creative, but here are some ideas to get those juices flowing:

• Stacked presents for Christmas
• A teepee
• A house or apartment with decorations on the outside
• A castle

Should I Purchase Or Make A Cat Tree

Do whatever is best for you and your situation when purchasing or making a cat tree.

When choosing whether to invest in a cat tree or spend the time to make your own, consider the following:

• If you can afford a manufactured cat tower
• If the tower – purchased or DIY-ed – will be safe
• If you have the skills to make a tower
• What is the size of the space you have is
• What are your cat’s preferences are

Making a cat tree doesn’t seem like a big decision, but remember that your cat’s safety and happiness should come first in this decision!