Want a fun DYI project that benefits your cat? If you’re particularly crafty and good with your hands, you could try building your pet a unique cat house which can help save your furniture and provide your cat with some great vantage points.

There are many wonderful cat house designs available and there really are no limits if you use your imagination. They can be made incredibly cheaply using reclaimed furniture, recycled items or wood off-cuts.

Your cat, particularly if he is entirely indoors, needs somewhere to scratch and climb so he can express his normal behaviors. Cat posts or cat trees are a wonderful way of providing a nice high perch, and if you make your own, not only will you save money, but you will be able to make one that fits into your decor and floor-space.

The first step is to get a basic idea of what you want, materials needed, the tools, and capabilities to build.

Components of a Cat House

The basic components are a thick and sturdy base, with a post of some kind made of natural wood, or cardboard.  You can either drill the post in place, or use brackets if the post is hollow.

Your cat will enjoy multiple levels, perhaps one enclosed like a little cubby-house and one platform, and some dangling toys to play with. It must be sturdy enough that your cat can climb it without it swaying, otherwise, your cat will be smart enough to stay away.

Basic Scratching Post

If you just need a scratching post, make sure it is tall enough that your cat can fully stretch out. Most are much too short. Measure from nose to tip of the tail and make it at least that length. If your cat is scratching on horizontal surfaces, make a horizontal scratching post, it will make it much easier to redirect your pet to the appropriate place.

Alternatives To a Cat House

Rather than make a cat house, you can make use of existing furniture and structures within your home. A length of carpet or rope covered board can be fixed to a wall, or to the side of a bookcase. Shelves and platforms can be screwed securely directly into the walls to create a series of platforms. This still gives your cat something to climb without being so intrusive.

If you already have tall bookshelves, consider fixing them to the wall to make them stable and secure. Then attach some extra shelves on the outside to allow your cat to access the top. This top shelf is ideal as a cat vantage point and is often unused space.

Conclusion 

I hope this gives you some idea of how you can build your own cat house so your pet can play and have fun without causing damage to your furniture and your home.

If you’d like to make an appointment for your cat then contact us HERE