Since, I miss my
Duncan and Karl just found some picture of him and sent them to me here. I
thought I would do a blog on the cat items.
Building cat trees
and furniture from scratch saves a significant amount of money.
Cat Tree Designs and
Patterns
Creative
builders may wish to design their own cat trees and furniture, or visit a pet
supply store to get ideas and then adapt those designs to their own
specifications. For those who want a simpler option, there are available online
at the following sites.
- Free outdoor cat enclosure building plans – PDF
- Build cat furniture, beds, and scratch posts - required materials, tips, and plans
- Free cat tree plan with curved perches
- Another free cat tree plan
- Simple cat window perch - free plan
- Free plan for a cat tower
- Six attractive cat tree plans for just $9.95
- Free plan to build an inexpensive feral cat shelter
- Very fancy kitty condo
- How to build a scratch post
These plans include pictures, lists of required materials, and cutting and carpeting instructions
Most
designs for cat trees and basic scratch posts require the following supplies:
Plywood pieces
for the base, platforms, and “penthouses”
Posts (can be
made from PVC pipe or wood)
Screws and L
bracket
Carpeting
For
a more artistic or natural look, thick pieces of polished driftwood or logs can
be used as posts. Builders may also wish to purchase a few rolls of sisal twine
to wrap one or more of the posts, as cats enjoy scratching sisal. Cat toys can
be hung from various platforms if desired.
In
addition to materials, builders will need a set of basic tools, including a
hammer, staple gun, saw, drill, screwdriver, and measuring tape. More elaborate
or artistic cat trees or furniture may require additional tools and materials.
Cat
trees that are relatively light or wobbly should be secured to the wall or
floor before letting cats use them because if an enthusiastic cat knocks one
over, he may become phobic of it and never go near it again.
Do-It-Yourself
Cat Bed
For
those who find the idea of building a cat tree intimidating, there are less
demanding cat furniture crafts. Jennifer Crutcher offers step-by-step
instructions
for making a simple, attractive cat bed that can be created in any colour and
style to match the decor of the rest of the room. The base basket can be
purchased, but the coverings require some sewing. Creative individuals could
easily adapt the design to make other types of cat furniture, such as cat
sofas, by building or purchasing small wooden furniture and sewing the covers.
Cat
Enclosures
Those
who have yard space and enjoy building things outdoors might want to try
creating a cat
enclosure,
which can be large or small and simple or extremely elaborate depending on
space and preference. Cat enclosures enable cats to go outdoors without facing
the dangers that free roaming
cats can fall prey to. Some very talented individuals with a creative flair
have developed cat enclosures that are true works of art, with driftwood
habitats, fountains, rockeries, and other decorative items to make a space that
both humans and cats can enjoy.
Share your ideas on this or anything here on the blog either
here or e-mail me at stipple@verizon.net. I look forward to hearing from you!
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